While medical and recreational marijuana has become legalized in more states, New York's marijuana laws remain mostly intact, with changes focused primarily on medical marijuana.
New York's drug laws are complex. There are half a dozen multiple classes laid out for drug possession alone. With that caveat, the basic provisions of New York marijuana laws are listed in the table below. See FindLaw's Drug Charges section to learn more.
| Penal Law Section 220, et seq.; New York S6579 |
| Up to 1 ounce (possession in the second degree) - civil violation that incurs fines of no more than 50 dollars but no jail time 1 to 2 ounces (possession in the first degree) - Civil violation punishable by not more than 200 dollars. 2 to 8 ounces - up to one year in jail and/or $1,000 fine 8 to 16 ounces - 1-4 years in prison and/or up to $5,000 fine (mandatory prison time for second offenses) 16 ounces to 10 pounds - 1-7 years in prison and/or up to $5,000 fine (mandatory prison time for second offenses) 10 pounds or more - 1-15 years in prison and/or up to $5,000 fine (mandatory prison time for second offenses) |
| Up to two ounces without payment - up to three months in jail and/or up to $500 fine Cultivating or selling up to 24 grams - up to 1 year in jail and/or up to $1,000 fine 25 grams to four ounces - 1-4 years in prison and/or up to $5,000 fine 4 to 16 ounces - 1-7 years in prison and/or up to $5,000 fine 16 ounces or more - 1-15 years in prison and/or up to $5,000 fine Selling any amount to a minor - 1-7 years in jail and/or up to $5,000 fine |
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| According to Bill S6579, People who have been previously convicted of possessing small amounts of cannabis can expunge their records. |
Note: State laws are always subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts (including federal decisions), ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.
New York allows for the limited use of medical marijuana within the state. No more than twenty dispensaries can operate statewide. Those facilities are able to prescribe non-smokable preparations (i.e. tinctures, edibles) of marijuana to people with cancer, glaucoma, or other diseases on a state list.
States have generally loosened their marijuana laws, but it's still a crime to sell, grow, or possess cannabis in New York. If you've been charged with a marijuana-related crime, penalties upon conviction (or after a guilty plea) may vary quite a bit. Your best bet is to contact a skilled drug crime lawyer in New York who can explain how the state's marijuana laws apply to your specific circumstances and provide you with your options moving forward.
