Let’s start with the obvious. What’s the status of legalization in the Big Apple? Medical cannabis has been legal in New York since 2014. And although legislation passed the legalization of recreational cannabis in 2021, recreational dispensaries still haven’t opened.

New York has a distribution system for medical cannabis through authorized dispensaries that dispense medicine to qualified patients and caregivers.

In the medical dispensaries of this incredible city, you can buy products such as whole flower, ground flower for vaping, edibles, topicals, vapes, tinctures, equipment, and accessories.

The use of cannabis for medicinal purposes is legal in New York, although there are restrictions on who can use it and how it can be obtained. And as for the recreational side, it’s in legal limbo. Stay tuned for updates on this ever-changing topic, and see the leading New York medical dispensaries below.

Etain Health is a woman and family-owned company that’s focused on quality products that make a difference. In fact, this dispensary was a pioneer in the state, opening its doors in 2015.

Etain was founded in honor of the matriarch of the family. Etain’s founders observed first-hand the goodness of cannabis and wanted to bring that to as many people as possible.

At Etain, they grow four proprietary strains (Dolce, Mezzo, Balance, Forte), each containing a particular ratio of CBD and THC. It’s a friendly and helpful dispensary that puts your needs first.

No list of the best dispensaries in NYC could be complete without MedMen. Medical cannabis shopping in the finest luxury style.

Located in an exclusive Manhattan location and impeccably decorated, this dispensary is worth the visit. In addition to its flawless aesthetics, its products are of indescribable quality.

As if that weren’t enough, if you are a medical patient, there are doctors on site ready to write you a prescription during a consultation. And to answer any questions you may have or even inform you about recreational sales in the future.

MedMen was established with the goal of destigmatizing cannabis, and we believe they have succeeded in doing so, raising the bar and the overall experience. MedMen also contributes to different community causes, doing their bit for a better world.

RISE is a New York dispensary known for being friendly and always welcoming to its customers. It’s a relaxed atmosphere that takes the stress out of busy dispensary operations.

At RISE, they are convinced that cannabis is for everyone, and we couldn’t agree more. No matter your lifestyle or tolerance level, cannabis can always provide benefits.

Comfort and support are fundamental parts of the RISE dispensary experience. It’s no wonder many consumers say that coming to RISE is above and beyond their expectations.

At this dispensary, expect friendly greetings, fast service, quality products, reasonable and competitive prices, and friendly staff to answer any questions that may cross your mind.

This incredible dispensary is located in Manhattan at 2 E 30th St, New York, NY 10016, United States. But they also have two other locations in Clifton Park and Rochester.

MetroBud is the epitome of New York cannabis. It was created by two brothers from Queens in 2020 at the height of weed prohibition and the pandemic.

They currently have a location on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. In their network, they have the best suppliers, growers, and processors in the country, guaranteeing the quality of the products they sell.

MetroBud’s goal is to provide a wide range of cannabis products giving users a variety to choose from, as well as all edibles or concentrates, at reasonable prices.

This dispensary is a veteran-owned and operated business. Its address is 72 W 106th St., New York, NY 10025.

Hemped NYC began its story in Colorado. It was 2014 when they started this story, trying to grow hemp, although it was not easy.

From there, they had different objectives, but all aimed at producing hemp products of the highest quality, and they succeeded.

The focus of Hemped CBD is to offer CBD products in various forms and presentations. Hemped NYC is a brand focused on “cultivating mindfulness” with its locally grown CBD products.

Today, Hemped NYC offers products in the form of oils, edibles, topical creams, flowers, and pet products.

The service at Hemped NYC is always kind and friendly. Their product selection and store design have a clean, minimalist aesthetic approach that conveys a sense of quality.

You can find them in New York at 199 Orchard St, New York, NY 10002, USA.