Lifestyle

New York’s essential 420-friendly experiences [November 2024]

Published on September 24, 2024 · Last updated November 19, 2024
New York's best cannabis experiences
(Leafly)

Looking for New York’s best cannabis-friendly events? Our cannabis experience list has the latest updates, recaps, and reviews from around the city’s top dispensaries, venues, and 420-activations.


In New York, it’s always 4:20. The city that never sleeps also never stops chiefing, with events and venues pushing the boundaries of how we can experience the plant. From museums and lounges to watch parties and co-working spaces, here are some of our favorite events and venues to check out in 2024 and beyond.


New York’s hottest 420 event venues

People gather for GOTHAM dispensary event in New York.
Don’t sleep. GOTHAM dispensary’s events and after parties fill up fast. (GOTHAM)

New York dispensaries and event venues are pioneering new ways for New Yorkers to shop, sesh and socialize. Here are the venues that consistently put on New York’s favorite cannabis events.


Gotham

3 E 3rd Street, New York, NY — recreational

Gotham’s Manhattan location is where luxury meets legal cannabis. The gorgeous storefront includes upstairs gallery space and installations from New York’s most stylish cannabis and CBD brands.

Shop at Gotham for top-selling products like Drew Martin, and tap into their events calendar for experiences like October’s farm tour with Hudson Cannabis and Hospitality Pathways. Enjoy a tour of the farm, lunch, goodie bags and a stop at their new Gotham Hudson Valley by grabbing tickets here.


THCNYC

fake green marijuana plant seen from below in a dimly lit room. the undersides of the leaves are nearly flourescent purple
The THC Museum in Chelsea is probably the best weed museum in the world. It’s also a fire event venue. (David Downs/Leafly)

THCNYC is one of the hottest cannabis event venues in New York City. From museum exhibits to sports watch parties (including an epic Super Bowl party in February) they have experiences for everyone. In September they had a late-night Fashion Week activation earlier this month.

THCNYC opened its doors on April 20, 2023, to provide visitors a top-to-bottom experience in all things cannabis, from agriculture to its impact on culture to social justice—and just how freakin’ rad it makes an afternoon. Guests can shop accessories from brands like House of Puff and Edie Parker, and order from nearby dispensaries like The Travel Agency, Housing Works, and GOTHAM.


Cannavita

Gallery Night at Cannavita dispensary in Astoria Queens every Friday.
(cannavita.us)

30-30 Steinway St, New York, NY — recreational

Queens tokers are discovering Cannavita in Astoria thanks to an awesome lineup of events and activations. Video projectors and speakers come out for watch parties and DJ sets. Some evenings, the sales floor is cleared out to make room for yoga sessions. Other days, local doggies and their parents descend on Cannavita for CBD-packed treats. They also have weekly gallery nights on Friday, which have become an Astoria staple.


27-25 44th Dr, Long Island City, NY — recreational

Trends Dispensary has one of New York’s most ethereal storefronts. All-white with glowing halos for light fixtures—it’s a vibe from the first step in the door. The merch store and art installations are great for photo-ops. But the crown jewel of the space is the massive event venue in the back.

Trends frequently hosts community-building events like Meet The Brands, High Yoga, and an invite-only dining experience to celebrate their grand opening. In June, Leafly partnered with Trends to host Shattering the Stigma, a live community dialog featuring experts, researchers, and cultivators from all over New York.


Culture House

Berner cut the ribbon on the Cookies store in Herald Square backed by his business partners and some of New York’s legacy pioneers. (Cookies)
Berner cut the ribbon on the Cookies store in Herald Square backed by his business partners and some of New York’s legacy pioneers. (Cookies)

Culture House is midtown Manhattan’s latest hotspot for cannabis events: four floors, a rooftop, and endless possibilities for brands looking to build deeper community connections. So far, Stoner Cinema Series nights, Dr. Midtownfest, and Conspiracy Night with NYC POV 420 have brought authentic New York energy to one of the most highly-trafficked areas in the city.

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Formerly known as the Cookies NYC store, Culture House is still stocked with Cookies merch and some of the best brands in New York.


Work’N’Roll

This private penthouse space hosts high-end corporate events and local community meet-ups in the heart of Manhattan. During the day, cannabis professionals send emails and network in the smoke-friendly lounge. On nights and weekends, the co-working space transforms into one of New York’s most popular private event spaces. From Canna-Burlesque shows to industry panels, Work’NRoll makes it work for event goers.


NYCBUD

44-45 Vernon Boulevard, Long Island City, NY — recreational

Every New York dispensary offers a unique experience. Few are as unforgettable as NYCBUD. Walking in feels like entering a New York subway station, with signage and displays that look like they were taken directly from the closest train station. The homage to New York’s iconic subway make it a brilliant attraction for both tourists and locals.

NYCBUD is located in Long Island City, a short drive or train ride from downtown Manhattan. Events like the Token Around Comedy Night have been a great hook for new customers. Visitors also love to get their creativity flowing at Buds & Brushes events with DJ @am_nyc.


New York’s best 420 experiences

New York’s hospitality scene is expanding to include events from cannabis lovers. Here are some can’t-miss 420 experiences to check out around the state.


Kakes NYC Puff & Paint, November 23

Fine dining, art, and cannabis converge at Kakes NYC, a consumption restaurant lounge. They provide the art supplies and ambiance (for $25), and you provide the tree and creativity.


Highly Elevated 1-1 Concentrates Masterclass

Highly Elevated Glass Gallery in North Plainfield, New Jersey, now offers personalized classes for the concentrate-curious. Aspiring dab gurus can choose from either the first Thursday or third Sunday of each month. Register for your slot here.


Terp Basel Miami, December 6–8

Cannabis is an art form—it takes skill and craft. At Terp Basel this December, Miami hosts some of the best creatives and cann-artists around, with fashion shows, glass displays, art exhibits, skateboarding, and more. Learn more and buy tickets here.


GG’s Garden & Co’s Holiday Toy Drive

From now until December 12, participating dispensaries are accepting new, unwrapped toys for children of all ages. Check GG’s Garden Instagram for exact locations.


Stoned Laughs Comedy Show, November 23

Get ready to giggle with two lineups of Stoned Laughs in Midtown Manhattan. Comedians include Allison Love, The Curl Plug, Dave the Doorman, and Wario Benitez. Check link in bio for tickets and location.


High Exposure + Can We Kick It?, November 20

If you love a good story—and a little mystery—then save the date for High Exposure and Can We Kick It’s storytelling collaboration. Tickets are $8.88.


Celebrate Life with Lems at ConBody, November 17

Just in time to herald in the solar return, join trainer Lem for a mindful, cannabis-infused workout.


Concentrated Care with High Functions, November 22

Good Grades’ product guru Queenee hosts a workshop for learning all the tools of the dab trade.


Merry Piffmas with Piff Coast Farms, December 15

Celebrate holiday cheer with Piff Coast Farms, The Rollup Fest, and a bevy of vendors at the Amazura Concert Hall in Queens.


Game nights at Fly Private Social

Experience a higher level of viewing at Fly Private Social’s Fort Green location (240 Dekalb). Dinner, drinks, and dank will be available along with a screens and DJ.


Legacy Adventures NYC

Legacy Adventures NYC Summer Camp
(Legacy Adventures NYC)

Created by cannabis pioneer Shiest Bubz, Legacy Adventures includes a private tour New York cannabis landmarks and legal dispensaries. There’s also a Summer Camp and Night School sessions for adult stoners looking for 420-friendly fun. This summer, campers learned how to grow and received clones from legendary breeder D.C. Scroger. They also made edible gummies with Chef Alexis Garrison, and went fishing alongside The Polanco Brothers and Frank’s Chop Shop.

Legacy Adventures image Shiest Bubz fishing trip
(Legacy Adventures)

ConBud and ConBody workout sesh

ConBud is one of New York’s first legal dispensaries to open. The store is located underneath ConBody, a fitness gym inspired by owner Coss Marte’s dedications to working out while behind bars. Marte is a rising star in New York’s legal cannabis scene, and he’s not hard to find at dispensary events or upstairs working out with the gym’s regulars. If you like to consumer before workouts, this might be your new favorite dispensary after a quick visit. Where else can you pick up your bud right before or after working out?


New York’s top munchies

Some of New York’s top restaurants support local dispensaries and brands with activations, events, and partnerships. Here are some of our favorite 420-friendly food spots in New York to check out next time you get the munchies.


Fandi Mata

Ambiance, food, and drinks are on point. Fandi Mata sits in Williamsburg near a handful of accessible Brooklyn and Queens dispensaries. The perfect place for a post-sesh dinner date.


7th Street Burger

7th Street Burger faithfully supports New York cannabis events and venues around New York. Events at venues like Work’N’Roll, THC NYC, and New York dispensaries wouldn’t be the same without a steady supply of burgers from one of the city’s fastest growing restaurant brands. Find locations across Manhattan and stop in after shopping at The Herbal Care or Housing Works.


Fly Private Social

Brooklyn is home to one of New York’s best 420-friendly restaurants and lounges. Fly Private Social was a speakeasy before recently getting licensed, with grand opening celebrations going down throughout the fall. Check their schedule (below) for Thursday night football watch parties, karaoke, and brand activations.


Sei Less

After blazing up downtown, try this Asian-fusion cuisine with stellar service and decor. Sei Less is not far from Nicklz dispensary in midtown, making it a great spot to further elevate your New York cannabis experience.



Han Dynasty

Located in Long Island City across from Trends Dispensary, among other locations around the city, Han Dynasty offers dine-in, takeout, and nationwide deliveries of select items. Pair their top-selling dumplings with top strains like Cheddar Melt by Hudson Cannabis, available now at Trends.


The Infused BBQ by The Brisket Babes

The Infused BBQ by The Brisket Babes
(The Infused BBQ)

Dubbed New York’s only women pitmasters, The Brisket Babes are popping up at 420-lifestyle events and venues with incredible flavors from the pit. Their story starts with a wife who started infusing her food with cannabis to help treat her partner’s cancer diagnosis. Now they are providing their inspiring story and world-class brisket and sauce recipes to New York. Lookout for The Infused BBQ at more pop-ups with dispensaries, restaurants, and festivals in 2025.


New York cannabis wellness, workshops and education

There is still a lot to learn about New York’s legal market. Looking to join the industry as a license holder or cannabis professional? Tap into these local events for more information and connections.


Housing Works Dispensary Run Club

Housing Works new Dispensary Run Club invites you to join their community of joggers. Tuesdays at 6 pm, sesh with Housing Works and run around the city at your own pace.


High Yoga

Learn Yoga in a low-intensity, cannabis-friendly environment. Check the HighYogaNYC schedule for classes at dispensaries around the city.


New York cannabis expos and business conferences

Looking to connect with cannabis professionals in New York and beyond? Check out these popular industry expos and conferences and pave your way into the marketplace.


MJ Unpacked (New Jersey)

Spark your next expansion at MJ Unpacked in Atlantic City, NJ. Top licensed stores, brands, and investors will be in the building looking for new partners. So look out for registration info soon. Come down to the shore April 29 to May 1 for one of the East Coast’s most anticipated networking events.


Business of Cannabis: New York

November 12 in Manhattan, New York’s acting Executive Director of the Office of Cannabis Management, Felicia A. B. Reid, who will oversee the state’s licensing program for the near future. Learn more about the future of the industry from Felicia and more guest speakers Joanne Wilson, the dynamic leader of GOTHAM dispensaries in New York by registering.


New York 420 escapes and quick trips

Need a reason to escape New York? These 420-experience will take you near or far. And no need to pack bud or carts in your carry-on. Use the Leafly dispensary finder to shop as soon as you land.


Business of Cannabis: Berlin (Germany)

As New York’s legal scene takes off, Germany’s grey market is heating up. Germany is attracting cannabis lovers from across Europe and beyond. There’s no better time for world travelers to get a taste of how fast legalization is spreading globally.


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Amelia Williams and Calvin Stovall
Amelia Williams and Calvin Stovall
New York-based freelance cannabis journalist Amelia Williams is a graduate of San Francisco State University's journalism program, and a former budtender. Williams has contributed to the San Francisco Chronicle's GreenState, MG Magazine, Culture Magazine, and Cannabis Now, Kirkus Reviews, and The Bold Italic. Calvin Stovall is Leafly's East Coast Editor.
View Amelia Williams and Calvin Stovall's articles
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