Cannabis in New York City is always evolving. Rewind to just a few years back, and you wouldn’t see a cannabis store while out on a walk through the city. But today, the options are endless.

Unfortunately, the rise in legal cannabis options comes with plenty of unlicensed shops trying to cash in on the industry. These stores often aim to trick shoppers into believing they’re entering a licensed dispensary while selling unregulated products to the public. If you’re shopping for cannabis in NYC, here’s how to spot an NYC licensed dispensary vs. an illicit shop.

Illicit cannabis shops can be difficult to identify at first glance. They often sell untested and potentially unsafe products while blending in as a regular, licensed store. In 2024, city and state officials reported shutting down more than 1,300 of these unlicensed shops while thousands of others remained operational. Because these stores look like regular dispensaries, customers often don’t realize that they are buying untested products that may contain dangerous levels of toxins or other undisclosed substances.

At Maryjane Cannabis Co., our primary goal is to safely and legally provide cannabis to our customers and the greater NYC community. It’s why we educate everyone who steps through our doors on what’s legal and what’s not, so you know how to buy cannabis legally in NYC. Here’s a quick guide on what to look for so you can avoid black market shops:

Early Signs to Look For

The first thing to look for when evaluating the legitimacy of a NYC dispensary is the license number. State law requires licensed dispensaries to clearly display their license. For example, our license number is OCM-CAURD-24-000180, and you can see that clearly displayed at our store.

When you enter a dispensary in NYC, you should immediately be met with security staff. They’ll often be there to check your identification and ensure there are no weapons or questionable items entering the shop. Illicit dispensaries don’t usually have formal security, so be on high alert if you enter a shop and don’t see anyone filling that role.

Other, less obvious signs to look out for are signage and brand identity. Look for signs and decor that look professional and sleek, not flashy, unpolished, or temporary. Licensed shops tend to avoid the neon signs and cartoonish imagery in favor of a more high-end dispensary environment. Legitimate dispensaries blend into the surrounding community and reflect the look and feel of the neighborhood. If you get the sense that you’re in a smoke shop or bodega, you might be in an illicit shop.

Tested vs. Untested Products

Licensed dispensaries are compliant with all state laws and regulations. This means they only sell cannabis that’s been tested for purity, potency, and contaminants by state-approved laboratories.

On the other hand, illicit dispensaries sell any and all kinds of cannabis products, regardless of potential contaminants. You’ll know you’re in an unlicensed dispensary if none of the products in the shop have labels that include test results.

Product integrity is non-negotiable for our cannabis community. Rigorous testing standards ensure that the products in Mary Jane Cannabis Co. and other NYC licensed dispensary options are safe and effective for all consumers. Illicit shops do not have the same commitment to product integrity and often fail to produce any sort of test results or quality assurance for their products.

Professional Service vs. Risky Transactions

Buying legal cannabis comes with an expectation of safety. When you shop at a licensed dispensary, you are protected by rules and regulations crafted to keep cannabis users safe.

NYC licensed dispensary staff are trained to guide customers to the right products for their specific needs. In contrast, illicit shops tend to lack formal staff training and may rely on broadly pushing products to make quick sales. At Mary Jane Cannabis Co., we prioritize staff training to ensure our budtenders can provide tailored recommendations rooted in expertise. After all, cannabis shopping should feel like a safe boutique experience, not a guessing game.

Elevated Atmosphere vs. Makeshift Setups

Licensed dispensaries should combine a warm and welcoming atmosphere with beautiful retail space. Meanwhile, it should maintain a discreet feel so everyone can feel comfortable while shopping.

But illicit shops often have a much different ambiance. The environment often reflects the lack of care and dedication put into providing safe, effective products. If you walk into a NYC dispensary and it feels flashy and more like a smoke shop than an upscale retail store, trust your instincts. It’s likely an illicit cannabis dispensary.

Choose Confidence and Safety at Maryjane Cannabis Co.

NYC licensed dispensary locations are often in stark contrast with illicit stores. Legal cannabis dispensaries openly share their license numbers for full transparency and cultivate a sleek, professional environment. On the other hand, illicit dispensaries can feel flashy, makeshift, and gimmicky. And when it comes to custom service, the two couldn’t be further apart. A quality legal dispensary in NYC will provide you with great, tailored recommendations, whereas illicit ones are only interested in making a quick sale.

We don’t believe that anyone should compromise when it comes to shopping for cannabis. Feeling safe, informed, and at ease while you shop can make a huge difference in the overall experience. We invite you to check out Maryjane Cannabis Co.’s elegant, high-end approach to cannabis retail to see for yourself.

Our Upper East Side dispensary has something for everyone to indulge in and explore safely. Feel free to check out our menu ahead of time to see just how many great products we have to offer.