Aug 5, 2025
Cannabis is finally legal for adults in New York, but that doesn’t mean the rules are simple. Between possession limits, where you can actually light up, and what counts as “private,” there’s a lot of room for confusion—especially across the Hudson Valley, where enforcement can vary town by town. Whether you’re stocking up on your favorite flower or planning a quiet night with gummies, here’s what you need to know to stay legal and stress-free.
New York’s cannabis laws are designed to give adults 21+ the freedom to enjoy cannabis while setting clear boundaries. As of 2025, here’s what you can legally possess:
Up to 3 ounces of cannabis flower
Up to 24 grams of concentrates (think vape oil, dabs, wax)
Edibles count toward the weight of the cannabis used to make them, so they fall under the same possession cap.
These limits apply to what you can have on your person when you’re out in public. At home, you’re allowed to store more—as long as it’s in a secure location and out of reach of minors. The law permits up to five pounds of cannabis at a private residence, provided it’s kept in a locked container.
Why the difference? Public possession is capped to keep things safe and manageable, while private use allows for bulk purchases—great for stocking up on Treehouse deals.
Exceeding the limit isn’t just a slap on the wrist. While New York treats cannabis far more leniently than it used to, carrying more than the legal amount can still lead to fines, confiscation, or even misdemeanor charges depending on the weight. For Hudson Valley residents, local law enforcement generally sticks to state guidelines, but it’s not worth testing those limits.
Possessing cannabis is one thing. Using it in public? That’s where things get tricky.
In New York, you can smoke cannabis anywhere that tobacco smoking is allowed. That means sidewalks, parks, and certain outdoor areas are fair game. But there are exceptions:
Schools, workplaces, and public transportation are off-limits.
Most parks have their own rules—places like Bear Mountain may restrict smoking in certain areas.
Federal property (think post offices, national parks) is a no-go since cannabis is still illegal federally.
This is a common question we hear from customers in apartment complexes across Rockland and Westchester. If you have a private balcony that’s part of your lease, you’re generally allowed to smoke there—unless your landlord has explicitly banned it. Multi-unit housing can be a gray area, especially if smoke drifts into neighboring units. Some buildings impose their own no-smoking policies, and those rules can override state law for tenants.
Your own home is the safest space to consume cannabis, provided you’re respecting your neighbors and following local regulations. Outdoor spaces on private property—like your backyard—are also legal for smoking, so long as they’re not accessible to the public.
Knowing what’s legal is only half the battle—using cannabis safely and responsibly is what keeps you out of trouble and ensures a better experience. Here are a few tips that locals across Rockland, Westchester, and Orange counties can count on.
You can drive with cannabis in New York as long as it’s sealed and stored out of reach (think trunk, not glove box). Open containers—whether it’s a half-smoked joint or an open pack of gummies—should never be in the driver’s area. And of course, driving while high is illegal and carries DWI penalties similar to alcohol.
Planning to take the train or a bus? While cannabis is legal to carry on public transit within New York, consumption is prohibited. For those traveling beyond state lines—say to New Jersey or Connecticut—keep in mind that crossing borders with cannabis is still federally illegal, even if both states allow it.
If you’re storing larger amounts at home, the law requires cannabis to be kept in a secure, locked area. This isn’t just about avoiding fines—it’s about keeping kids and pets safe. Many Treehouse customers opt for lockable stash boxes or safes, especially when stocking up on edibles.
For those who want to stay discreet—whether in apartments, condos, or townhouses—low-odor options are your friend. Vape cartridges and edibles produce little to no smell, making them ideal for indoor use without bothering neighbors. Pre-rolls and flower have their charm, but they’re best enjoyed in spaces where odor isn’t an issue.
Treehouse makes it easy to follow the rules while still enjoying your favorite products. Here’s how we help Hudson Valley customers stay within the law.
We package orders discreetly and in child-resistant containers.
Our delivery service confirms ID at drop-off, ensuring compliance with state regulations.
We offer a wide range of compliant products, from microdose edibles to low-smell vapes, perfect for at-home or on-the-go lifestyles.
When you order from Treehouse Cannabis, you’re getting more than great products—you’re getting peace of mind that everything is legal and safe.
Carry no more than 3 ounces in public.
Use only where tobacco is allowed, unless you’re on your own property.
Store your stash securely at home.
Never drive high or with open cannabis containers.
Living in the Hudson Valley means easy access to scenic hikes, vibrant towns, and now, top-quality cannabis. Whether you prefer flower, edibles, or vapes, Treehouse has you covered with safe, legal options.
Order online for delivery straight to your door or swing by our Nanuet dispensary for personalized recommendations from our friendly staff. Staying compliant has never been easier—or more enjoyable.
Now that you know the basics, let’s break it down with real-life scenarios that we hear about in the shop. These examples show how easy it is to stay within the law—while still enjoying your favorite products from Treehouse.
You’re grabbing an eighth of flower and a couple of vape carts for a Bear Mountain hike and a backyard barbecue. Perfectly legal. Just make sure the products stay sealed in your backpack or trunk while traveling. Once you’re home, store them in a secure spot to stay compliant with the state’s storage rule.
Living in a Nyack apartment with a balcony? You can light up as long as your landlord hasn’t banned it and smoke isn’t drifting into neighboring units. Many customers in similar situations switch to vape pens or low-odor edibles to keep things discreet.
Hosting a dinner party in White Plains? You’re free to share cannabis with guests over 21 in a private setting. Just avoid public spaces like building hallways or shared terraces. Serving microdosed gummies or cannabis beverages is a crowd-pleasing, legal way to keep things under control.
Hudson Valley towns each have their quirks. While state law allows smoking wherever tobacco is allowed, local ordinances may set additional restrictions. For instance:
Nyack has stricter public smoking bans in certain community spaces.
Newburgh police occasionally enforce park smoking rules more tightly than other areas.
Tarrytown tends to focus on private property complaints rather than ticketing for public use.
When in doubt, follow the simple rule: if tobacco smoking is banned, cannabis smoking is too.
If you’re renting or in a condo with shared spaces, the building’s policies may restrict smoking even in areas you think are private. If you want to avoid conflicts, stick to edibles, tinctures, or other non-smoking formats—Treehouse offers a wide selection that keeps things neighbor-friendly.
Keep products in original packaging until you’re ready to use them. This makes it clear they’re legally purchased.
Respect others’ airspace—even if it’s legal, strong odors can lead to complaints.
Know your products—edibles may kick in slower, so avoid taking more than recommended.
These simple steps keep your experience positive while protecting your rights.
