The MRTA legalized adult-use cannabis for NY adults 21+. Established the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) as single state regulator. Created the CAURD program (Conditional Adult-Use Retail Dispensary) prioritizing equity-eligible operators for initial licenses. Built excise tax structure based on THC content + sales tax.
Per-day purchase: 3 oz flower or 24 g concentrate. Public possession: same totals. Home possession: up to 5 lb in a private residence. Edible package: 100mg total THC. Out-of-state IDs accepted; NY residency not required.
Allowed: private property where owner permits, public locations where tobacco smoking is allowed (subject to local rules). Prohibited: vehicles, schools, federal property, within sight of children, retail dispensaries themselves. Many local jurisdictions have additional restrictions.
DUI applies to any cannabis use regardless of legal status. Wait 6-8 hours after edibles, 3-4 hours after inhaled before driving. Employer drug-testing rules vary; NY law restricts but doesn’t fully prohibit cannabis-based employment decisions. Cross-state-line cannabis transport = federal offense + applicable state law in destination state.