Quick note…This is Not to be considered legal advice. We are not looking to be the police, or your parents, just hoping to share some knowledge. Rules and carrier policies change regularly. Always check for any legal updates before you go.
The Great news is that cannabis is now 100% legal for adults 21+ in New York State! That said, like with many legal products/activities, there are some rules/regulations. A smooth trip starts with knowing what’s legal. New York State sets clear limits on possession, controls where you can consume, and prohibits use in vehicles, on most public transportation, and on federal property.
Airports and interstate carriers also operate under federal rules that treat marijuana differently from how New York does.
Below, you’ll find a practical breakdown: what you can carry, where you can use it, how to store it in a car, and what to expect at airports, on the subway, and on Amtrak.
What’s legal to possess in New York right now?
At this point, adults 21+ may possess up to 3 ounces of cannabis and 24 grams of concentrated cannabis (e.g., vapes, edibles, oil).
Purchase products only from licensed retailers to ensure they meet New York’s testing, labeling, and packaging rules.
Where can you consume, and where is it off-limits?
New York’s baseline is simple: you can consume cannabis where tobacco smoking is permitted, with important carve-outs.
You may not consume cannabis in a motor vehicle, private businesses (e.g., restaurant patios), hookah/cigar bars, or any place where tobacco smoking is prohibited. You also cannot consume on federal property.
One big practical constraint: New York now bans smoking (tobacco and cannabis) in state-owned parks, beaches, boardwalks, playgrounds, and similar outdoor spaces.
Violations carry a civil fine. NYC separately prohibits smoking in city parks and beaches. Please check local rules if you’re unsure.
How should you transport cannabis in a car (driver or passenger)?
Do not consume in a vehicle, moving or parked.
New York treats open cannabis packaging in cars like open alcohol: no open containers, and neither drivers nor passengers may open cannabis packaging while in a vehicle.
Best practice: keep products sealed, in a closed container, out of reach (e.g., trunk). Impaired driving laws apply to cannabis just like alcohol.
Are rideshares and taxis any different?
No. The same vehicle rules apply in a rideshare or taxi: no smoking or vaping cannabis in the vehicle, no open containers, and keep sealed products out of reach.
If a driver suspects illegal use, expect them to end the trip.
Can you carry cannabis on the subway, buses, or ferries?
Possession within New York’s limits is legal, but smoking or vaping is prohibited across the MTA system, stations, platforms, trains, and buses.
In practice, that means you carry it (sealed) but don’t consume it on transit or in stations.
How about cruises or flights from New York?
Remember: TSA is federal. Marijuana (>0.3% THC) remains illegal under federal law, and TSA officers refer suspected violations to law enforcement.
Do not plan to bring THC cannabis through airport/cruise security. Hemp-derived products ≤0.3% THC are treated differently under federal law, but “the final decision rests with the TSA officer.”
While many people do fly with a vape or some edibles, it can definitely be risky, so Nughub recommends leaving ALL cannabis at home before traveling.
What about Amtrak and intercity coaches?
Amtrak is a non-smoking system-wide: no smoking or vaping of anything, including marijuana, on trains, in stations, or on connecting services.
Interstate coach lines apply similar rules and operate under federal frameworks. Don’t bring or use cannabis aboard.
Are hotels, rentals, and private property fair game?
Since it is legal, you can consume in private homes unless the owner or property rules say otherwise.
Landlords and hotels can ban smoking or vaping on their premises, even for in-state trips.
Always check house or hotel policies, and choose non-smoked formats (e.g., edibles, tinctures) where appropriate and permitted.
Can you cross state lines or carry on federal land?
While federally owned land may seem obvious that one cannot posses cannabis, less obvious is crossing state lines. While cannabis is legal in New York and also legal in New Jersey – The act of traveling from NY to NJ with cannabis is considered illegal!
Do not carry cannabis across state lines (adult-use or medical). And do not consume on federal land (national parks, federal buildings, some housing).
When you’re traveling, assume federal rules control at borders and federal facilities.
What’s the safest way to pack and store while traveling?
Keep items sealed, in a closed container, and out of reach in vehicles.
Prioritize child-resistant, odor-controlled containers and store them safely away from minors and pets.
Do medical patients have different rules on the move?
Patients are still subject to no consumption in vehicles and no crossing state lines with cannabis.
When traveling within New York, follow the same storage and local consumption rules as the adult-use market.
Quick scenarios: What’s allowed vs. not allowed?
- In-state road trip: Carry within 3 oz/24 g limits, sealed and out of reach; no consumption in the vehicle.
- Day at a state park or beach: Possession within limits is legal, but smoking is banned in state-owned parks/beaches; follow posted rules and consider smoke-free formats only where permitted.
- Subway into Manhattan: Legal to carry within limits; absolutely no smoking or vaping anywhere in the MTA system (stations, platforms, trains, buses).
- Flight from JFK: Don’t bring THC cannabis through TSA; federal law controls airport screening.
- Amtrak to Albany: Don’t use or bring cannabis on the train; Amtrak is fully smoke-free.
What formats are most travel-friendly (within NY rules)?
- Edibles: Discreet, no odor, predictable dosing, ideal when lodging rules allow consumption but smoking is prohibited. Start low and go slow; effects can take up to 4 hours to peak.
- Tinctures/orals: Precise dosing and smoke-free; good for private spaces where allowed.
- Vapes: Compact and low-odor, but never for use on transit or at airports; only where smoking/vaping is permitted.
- Pre-roll minis: Portable for designated smoking areas; keep sealed during transport.
- Concentrates: Space-efficient but high-potency, reserve for appropriate, permitted settings.
A quick compliance checklist.
- Stay within the 3-oz flower / 24 g concentrates limits. (Office of Cannabis Management)
- Keep products sealed, in a closed container, and out of reach in vehicles; no open containers. (Office of Cannabis Management)
- No consumption in vehicles or on transit. (Office of Cannabis Management)
- Don’t cross state lines; avoid federal property. (Office of Cannabis Management)
- Respect local smoke-free rules (state and city parks, beaches). (Governor Kathy Hochul, NYC Parks)
Ready to travel smart and legally in New York?
If you’re moving around within New York, choose travel-savvy formats and buy from licensed retailers.
NugHub NY stocks discreet edibles for smoke-free settings, vapes for permitted areas (never on transit/airports), plus pre-rolls, flower, and concentrates for when and where consumption is allowed.
Shop by category and build a plan that fits your itinerary: Edibles, Vaporizers, Pre-Rolls, Flower, Concentrates. Then keep it sealed in the car, follow posted rules, and enjoy New York, legally.