It’s high time for celebration of 4/20 in New York, & here’s where and when
Recreational marijuana is legal in New York state for people 21 and older. If you’re planning to celebrate that fact on April 20 this year and are looking for places to go — besides your nearest (legitimate and licensed) dispensary — this is a guide for you.
What do I need to know about legal weed in the city?
You’re allowed to have 3 ounces of cannabis (frequently called “flower”) or 24 grams of concentrated cannabis (edibles, other forms) at any given time.
What is so special about 4/20 anyway?
No one really knows, but there’s a lot of lore. It could be the (likely apocryphal) story that 420 was police code for a pot bust … somewhere. It might have started with the Waldos, a group of students at San Rafael High School in Northern California’s Marin County. The group would meet up every afternoon to blaze their own path. If the legend is true, one of the Waldos told Grateful Dead bassist Phil Lesh about their not-so-secret code, and it quickly became the go-to shorthand. Steve Bloom, a reporter for High Times magazine, saw a flyer advertising “420” at a Dead show in 1990 and re-created it for the magazine a year later, ramping into high gear the phrase’s long, strange trip to widespread use.
Where is my nearest legal dispensary?
There are currently 107 licensed cannabis dispensaries across New York State and 36 in New York City, according to the city. But there are many, many more gray market smoke shops.
If a dispensary has a special QR code sticker given out by the city, that’s a good indicator it’s up to snuff. More info on that and a running list can be viewed on New York State’s Office of Cannabis Management website.
Whether you’re new to the concept or could give Cheech and Chong a run for their money, here are some options to stock up on cannabis, tinctures, edibles and drinks in store or online:
Housing Works Cannabis Co. — 750 Broadway (open until 9 p.m. most days).
It was the city’s first legal cannabis dispensary, located near Astor Place.
Dazed — 33 Union Square West
A few blocks north, “where the cannabis plant intersects with Music, Art, Fashion and Food,” according to the store.
The Cannabis Place — 74-03 Metropolitan Ave., Queens
Situated in Middle Village, but offering delivery to across the city and parts of New Jersey.
Statis Cannabis Co. — 817 E. Tremont Ave., Bronx
This dispensary “harmonizes the best of cannabis culture and sophisticated, refined urban lifestyle.”
Are there actual organized events happening?
You can only smoke or otherwise consume “cannabis wherever smoking tobacco is allowed under the smoke-free air law,” according to the city. All smoking is prohibited at parks and beaches, though it manages to keep happening.
There are quite a few events going on in and around the city for the momentous day, though:
April 17: 4/20 Comedy Show by Underground Overground Comedy — 3 E. Third St., Bowery
A themed night of standup comedy on the Bowery hosted by comedy duo David Levine and Ethan Mansoor at Gotham dispensary. It’s currently sold out, but there is a wait list. The store has also partnered with nearby Upside Pizza for the month, where they are co-hosting a block party on April 20.
April 17-20: THC NYC Open House — 427 Broadway, SoHo
Several days of events are happening at House of Cannabis, an immersive marijuana museum in SoHo, in the leadup to the big day where visitors can expect “a journey into the heart of cannabis culture.” Space is limited, tickets available online.
April 18: Friends NYC Potluck — 56 Bogart St., Brooklyn
This vintage/smoke shop in Bushwick is hosting a free dinner catered by a number of Brooklyn eateries. Shoppers can drink and cure their munchies while looking for their perfect April 20 fit. Everything in the store’s 20% off from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
April 19: The Bud Drop with Method Man and Redman — 610 W. 56th St., Hell’s Kitchen
Get started a day earlier and celebrate with the stars of the canonical film “How High” at Terminal 5 in Hell’s Kitchen. Revelers will enjoy a countdown to the Bud Drop when the clock strikes midnight.
April 19: The Roll Up NYC featuring the Lox — 91-12 144th Place, Jamaica, Queens
Rap group the Lox will be joined by special guests for an April 20 “weekend event that you cannot miss” including giveaways, contests and more in at the Amazura Concert Hall.
April 20: Citi Bike — Citywide
Citi Bike is offering free, unlimited 30-minute rides on April 20 (technically to celebrate Earth Day and NYC Open Streets). Warning, it’s unsafe to ride a bike
while intoxicated. And bring your own helmet.
April 20: The People’s W33D Fest — 102 Orchard St., Lower East Side
A rooftop carnival will offer “goodie bags” and $1 prerolls (joints) to the first 500 attendees. Free, but a donation is suggested.
April 20: Lifted 420 Festival — 17 Meadow St., Brooklyn
“A 12-hour celebration of music, art, food and culture,” with a number of DJs and other performers at Meadows BK in Bushwick.
April 20: Pirates vs. Aliens 420 Blastoff — 110 Troutman St., Brooklyn
Promises 12 hours of DJs, skateboarding, circus performers a costume contest and more, all while “disco space pirates dance their pants off to defend the planet against groovy aliens” at Bushwick’s 110 Studios.
April 20: The Shakedown on Main Street — 225 W. Main St. , Patchogue, L.I.
Long Island’s Blue Point Brewery hosts an outdoor music festival/carnival featuring Shaggy, a Ferris wheel, mini golf, “surprises, collabs, vendor giveaways and delightful moments in time.”
April 20: The Third Annual High & Mighty 420 Mega Sesh — Remote
Long Island’s No. 1 boy Jon Gabrus hosts this livestream/party/extravaganza from Los Angeles’ Dynasty Typewriter starting at 10:30 p.m. Eastern time, all being livestreamed. Expect plenty of special guests.
April 20: MARY Fest — 99 Scott Ave., Brooklyn
“Fashion, music, cannabis, health & wellness, design, tech and more!” collide in Bushwick, the Brooklyn hipster neighborhood that seems to be Ground Zero for celebrations. Discounted tickets are available with promo code ROLLWITHUS.
April 20: VIBES ARE HIGH 420 Grand Adventures Yacht Party — 2430 FDR Drive at E. 23rd St.
Hop aboard the Avalon Yacht at Skyport Marina and enjoy a three-hour cruise around the city with two dance areas, an expansive dinner menu, full bar and buffet.
May 4: NYC Cannabis Parade — Broadway between 32nd and 33rd Sts.
If that’s not enough fun and excitement for you, the annual parade (first started by the Yippies in 1973) will head down Broadway to a rally and street fair at Union Square.
Speakers and performers to be announced.
Still not what you’re looking for? Try Eventbrite’s list of events.
If you have a weekend event you’d like to submit for consideration in an upcoming roundup, email: nycevents@ nydailynews.com with the details.
Consideration does not guarantee inclusion.