Top 10 Cannabis Dispensaries in New York State (2025 Edition)

New York’s cannabis scene is as dynamic and diverse as the state itself. From the bustling streets of Manhattan to the scenic vistas upstate, New York cannabis dispensaries are redefining what legal weed retail looks like. In a state known for cultural innovation and a pioneering spirit, it’s no surprise that NY recreational cannabis stores blend community impact, design, and quality. Below, we delve into the top 10 cannabis dispensaries in New York State – each offering a unique vibe and contribution to legal weed in NYC and beyond.

Top 10 Cannabis Dispensaries In New York State

Housing Works Cannabis Co – Manhattan (NYC’s First Legal Cannabis Store)

Housing Works Cannabis Co made history as New York’s first licensed recreational dispensary, opening its doors on December 29, 2022. Located at 750 Broadway in Manhattan’s East Village, this shop quickly became a symbol of the state’s cannabis renaissance. On opening day, eager customers wrapped around the block, heralding a new era of legal weed in NYC. In just the first three hours, sales hit about $40,000, and over the first six months it grossed an impressive $12 million.

But Housing Works isn’t just about numbers – it’s a nonprofit operation, meaning all proceeds support New Yorkers with healthcare, housing, job training and social services. This social justice mission, combined with a curated selection of New York-grown cannabis products, makes Housing Works Cannabis Co both a trailblazer and a community lifeline. It offers a welcoming, inclusive space for newcomers and seasoned consumers alike, proving that doing good and doing business can go hand-in-hand in New York’s cannabis industry.

Union Square Travel Agency: A Cannabis Store – Manhattan (Style Meets Social Impact)

Sleek, modern, and mission-driven, Union Square Travel Agency (USTA) opened on February 13, 2023 as New York City’s third licensed adult-use dispensary. Don’t let the name fool you – this “Travel Agency” is all about transporting customers to new highs in a chic setting. The flagship location at 62 East 13th Street (a former bank near Union Square) features minimalist decor with a playful travel theme – think an ultra-modern interior punctuated by a 6-foot sculpture of a rolled joint in the foyer. Designed by acclaimed firm Leong Leong, the space feels like a blend of a trendy gallery and an upscale boutique. USTA isn’t just about looks, though.

It’s operated by a subsidiary of The Doe Fund, a nonprofit dedicated to helping the homeless and formerly incarcerated. This means a chunk of the proceeds helps fund job training and reentry programs. In its first year, the Travel Agency expanded to additional outposts on Fifth Avenue and Downtown Brooklyn, setting a high bar for licensed New York cannabis dispensaries with its “high-design” ethos. Visitors praise the knowledgeable staff (dressed in travel-themed attire) and the well-curated menu of New York-grown flower, vapes, and edibles. USTA proves that in New York, a dispensary can be a culture hub – where legal cannabis meets art gallery vibes and a social equity heart.

Gotham – Lower Manhattan (High-End Art & Cannabis Lifestyle)

Gotham is redefining the cannabis retail experience in true NYC fashion. Debuting its first store on the Bowery in May 2023, Gotham bills itself as a “luxury cannabis and lifestyle store.” This woman-owned dispensary (founded by Joanne Wilson) fuses high-end fashion, art, and top-tier cannabis into one immersive environment. The East Village flagship feels more like a concept boutique than a typical dispensary – complete with designer decor, coffee table books, and even a rotating art installation featuring a faux aspen tree sculpture that nods to upstate New York’s forests.

Gotham’s commitment to art and culture is so strong that its newest location in Chelsea, opened in April 2025, is the city’s first dispensary-gallery hybrid, hosting art exhibitions (including a debut showcase by rapper Nas) alongside cannabis products. With additional shops in Williamsburg (inside the revamped Domino Sugar Factory) and Hudson, Gotham has quickly grown into a mini chain known for its curated selection of premium flower, edibles, and NYC-based brands.

Shoppers can discover limited-edition accessories from local designers and even exclusive collaborations (like custom bongs and apparel). The vibe is upscale yet approachable: staff are well-versed in pairing products with each customer’s desired experience. Gotham has firmly planted its flag at the intersection of cannabis, art, and New York’s trendsetting culture, making it a must-visit for those seeking an elevated dispensary outing.

Smacked Village – Greenwich Village (Justice-Involved Pioneer)

Smacked Village holds a special place in New York’s cannabis story as the first Black-owned, justice-involved dispensary to open under the state’s adult-use program. Tucked in at 144 Bleecker Street in Greenwich Village, Smacked launched as a pop-up in January 2023, just a stone’s throw from Washington Square Park. Owner Roland Conner – who, notably, was impacted by a past marijuana conviction – was among the inaugural Conditional Adult-Use Retail Dispensary (CAURD) licensees, fulfilling the state’s promise to prioritize entrepreneurs harmed by prohibition. The excitement was palpable on opening day: Conner’s family joined him as he welcomed New Yorkers to a store that would “blaze trails for New York’s emerging cannabis industry”.

After a successful pop-up run, Smacked temporarily closed in February 2023 for a full buildout and later reopened as a permanent fixture. Inside, the shop balances authentic urban vibes with a sleek, modern retail design – a reflection of its motto “We Are The Culture”. Customers will find a range of locally sourced products, from New York-grown flower to artisanal edibles, with an emphasis on women-owned and BIPOC-owned brands on the shelves.

Smacked Village’s legacy is more than just being first; it represents resilience and reinvestment in the community. Through its “Legacy Club” events and local partnerships, Smacked continues to engage and uplift the community that helped shape it. In the city that never sleeps, Smacked Village has earned its spot as a cannabis destination with a conscience, seamlessly blending social equity with top-notch product quality.

Etain – Midtown East (NYC) & Upstate (Women-Owned Cannabis Brand)

Etain stands out as a trailblazer in New York’s cannabis industry, known for being the state’s only women-founded cannabis company among the original medical operators. Established in 2015 by the Peckham family, Etain began as a medical dispensary inspired by one family’s quest to find relief for their matriarch’s ALS symptoms.

Fast forward, and Etain has grown into a vertically integrated brand with dispensaries in Manhattan and upstate. In Midtown East Manhattan (on East 58th Street), Etain opened a flagship store that initially served medical patients and has since prepared to accommodate adult-use customers. True to its roots, the store prioritizes patient education – even as it transitions to recreational sales, medical card holders get VIP treatment and dedicated product lines up front.

Upstate, Etain recently relocated its Yonkers dispensary to a spacious new location in White Plains, marking Westchester County’s first cannabis store. This gallery-like White Plains shop features art by local female artists and spotlights women-led accessory brands, underscoring Etain’s mission to uplift women in cannabis.

The product lineup includes Etain’s own tested-and-true tinctures, vaporizers, and flower strains – famous for their quality and consistency among New York patients – alongside carefully selected third-party brands. Now backed by RIV Capital, Etain is poised to bridge the medical and recreational worlds. With a focus on clean, lab-tested products and compassionate customer service, Etain embodies the best of old and new school New York cannabis: a company deeply rooted in care, now blooming for a broader audience.

Curaleaf – Queens, Hudson Valley & Long Island (Nationwide Cannabis Leader)

When it comes to scale and reach, Curaleaf is the heavyweight on this list. As a multi-state operator with a strong New York presence, Curaleaf brings a wide array of products and professional experience to the Empire State. It operates four New York dispensaries – located in Queens (Forest Hills), the Hudson Valley (Newburgh), Long Island (Carle Place), and up north in Plattsburgh.

Initially serving medical marijuana patients, these stores have earned a reputation for knowledgeable staff pharmacists and a patient-first approach. Curaleaf’s Queens dispensary, for instance, has been known for advising patients on various THC: CBD ratios and offering discounts to veterans and seniors. With New York’s evolving regulations, Curaleaf has begun shifting into recreational sales as well – its Newburgh location in the Hudson Valley was among the first of the company’s NY shops to add adult-use cannabis to the menu.

What sets Curaleaf apart is consistency and selection: from lab-tested flower and potent vapes to edibles and tinctures, their product lines (including in-house brands and partner products) cover every consumer need. This means whether you’re a first-timer looking to explore legal cannabis in NYC or an experienced aficionado seeking specific strain profiles, Curaleaf likely has it in stock. Moreover, being a national brand, Curaleaf adheres to stringent quality control – a relief for customers who value safety and reliability in their cannabis. While boutique New York cannabis shops focus on craft, Curaleaf provides a broader one-stop-shop experience, seamlessly blending medical expertise with the convenience of a modern NY recreational cannabis store.

Just Breathe – Binghamton (Upstate’s First Recreational Dispensary)

Just Breathe made headlines as the first legal upstate marijuana dispensary to open outside of New York City. Located at 75 Court Street in Downtown Binghamton, this shop opened its doors on February 10, 2023, marking a major milestone in the state’s rollout of recreational cannabis. What’s special about Just Breathe is its deep community roots.

Founder Damien Cornwell originally ran Just Breathe as a CBD wellness store and partnered with the Broome County Urban League to transform it into a full-fledged cannabis dispensary. As a CAURD licensee with a justice-involved background, Cornwell exemplifies New York’s social equity focus, turning past challenges into a positive community venture. The dispensary itself is warm and welcoming, with a knowledgeable team ready to educate newcomers (regular info sessions and “Cannabis 101” guidance are part of the experience).

On the shelves, customers find a variety of New York-grown flower, edibles, and concentrates, all compliant with state testing and quality standards. Just Breathe also infuses a bit of Binghamton’s culture into the mix: the owner, who also runs a local radio station, has plans to open the state’s first cannabis-friendly theater and lounge, integrating music and arts into the cannabis experience.

This innovative spirit – meeting people where they are, and fostering a social atmosphere – has quickly turned Just Breathe into more than a store. It’s a community hub for legal weed upstate, proving that the cannabis boom isn’t just a NYC phenomenon. For those traveling through the Southern Tier, Just Breathe is a must-visit to see how New York’s cannabis dispensaries are bringing people together in new ways.

Good Grades – Jamaica, Queens (First Woman-Owned Dispensary in NY)

Queens’ claim to cannabis fame starts with Good Grades, the first legal dispensary in the borough and New York State’s first woman-owned adult-use cannabis shop. Opened by entrepreneur Extasy James (with her cousin Michael James) in late March 2023, Good Grades began as a temporary pop-up at 162-03 Jamaica Avenue to immediate fanfare. It was a true hometown celebration – not only was Queens finally on the legal cannabis map, but it was doing so with a Black woman at the helm, a significant step for representation in the industry.

After a summer pause for major renovations, Good Grades reopened in November 2023 in a revamped 4,000-square-foot space that feels modern, bright, and upscale. The interior’s open floor layout and sleek displays aim to dispel old “stoner” stereotypes, reflecting the co-owners’ emphasis on education and professionalism.

Good Grades lives up to its academic name with a unique approach to product curation: the team “grades” each item via weekly “Report Cards,” only promoting those that earn an A for quality. Shoppers can browse a top-notch selection of lab-tested flower, pre-rolls, edibles, tinctures, and accessories – many sourced from New York’s own cultivators and social equity brands. The dispensary’s mission is deeply personal for Extasy James, whose father was deported due to a cannabis offense.

Through Good Grades, she’s breaking barriers and creating opportunity on her home turf. With community workshops, cannabis education events, and a staff of friendly “budtenders” ready to guide each customer, Good Grades has quickly become a cornerstone of Queens’ legal cannabis scene – earning high marks across the board.

Stage One Dispensary – Rensselaer/Albany (Capital Region Standout)

The Capital Region’s cannabis landscape began taking shape in 2023, and Stage One Dispensary has emerged as a top player serving Albany and beyond. Situated at 810 Broadway in Rensselaer (just across the river from downtown Albany), Stage One opened in July 2023 amid a wave of excitement as one of the area’s first adult-use shops.

The backstory of Stage One is a powerful testament to New York’s focus on redemption and new beginnings: its four co-owners were arrested for cannabis 11 years ago and have now transformed that experience into a legal enterprise. During the ribbon-cutting ceremony, local officials praised the shop’s commitment to community hiring and cannabis education. Step inside and you’ll find a nod to the building’s past – it occupies a historic former bank, complete with preserved vaults now used to securely store inventory.

The atmosphere is both trendy and inviting, with brightly lit product displays and a “bud bar” where curious customers can learn about various strains and New York-produced edibles. Stage One prides itself on a “rigorously curated menu” of lab-tested, New York-grown products, ensuring that quality is front and center. The budtenders here double as educators, eager to guide visitors away from black-market misconceptions and toward safe, legal options.

As one of the first licensed dispensaries in the Albany area, Stage One has quickly built a loyal following, in part thanks to conveniences like online ordering, delivery, and ample parking for easy access. For New Yorkers in the Capital District, Stage One Dispensary offers an enjoyable and “normal” shopping experience (in the owners’ words) with a focus on local excellence and community growth. It truly represents the first stage of a thriving upstate cannabis market.

The Lab Dispensary – Irving, Western NY (Native Land Success Story)

While many regions in Western New York waited for state-licensed shops, The Lab Dispensary in Irving has been thriving on a different track – operating on sovereign Seneca Nation territory. Opened by Mike and Heidi Jimerson in October 2022, The Lab quickly became a hotspot for cannabis consumers from Buffalo and beyond. Located along Route 20 on the Cattaraugus Reservation (about 35 miles south of Buffalo), this dispensary has seen “sales through the roof,” according to its owners.

Shoppers travel from as far as Ohio, Pennsylvania, and even Georgia to experience what The Lab offers. The draw? A combination of high-quality products, tax-free prices, and a unique shopping experience that blends tribal sovereignty with modern retail. Inside, you’ll find a wide array of flower strains, edibles, and cartridges, often including Canadian brands or locally-made products that aren’t yet available in state-licensed stores.

The atmosphere is friendly and unpretentious – The Lab is known for its patient, knowledgeable staff and a willingness to take time to explain products (a big plus for first-timers). Because it operates on Native land, The Lab isn’t bound by New York’s licensing timeline, and state authorities largely don’t interfere. This gave Western New Yorkers a legal-ish outlet to purchase recreational cannabis long before dispensaries opened in Buffalo or Rochester.

The Lab’s success has even led to a second location, “The Lab II,” on Seneca territory, further solidifying its role in the region. For those in Western NY, The Lab Dispensary offers a preview of what a mature cannabis market can look like – community-oriented, bustling, and stocked with diverse products. It stands as a reminder that in New York’s cannabis journey, innovation sometimes comes from just outside the state-regulated system.