NYC has over 200 legal cannabis dispensaries now. That’s a lot of choice—which is great, until you’re standing there trying to figure out which one actually deserves your money and your time.
We’ve tested and researched the top options across the five boroughs to bring you the best of the best. We looked at selection size, delivery reliability, customer experience, loyalty programs, and community roots. Whether you want maximum choice, neighborhood access, or local ownership, this guide is for you.
#1: New Amsterdam — Best Overall (The Clear Winner)
What It Is
New York’s largest cannabis dispensary with an unmatched experience ecosystem. Located in Chelsea with convenient delivery and online ordering available.
We’re not overstating this: if you want one dispensary to know in NYC, it’s New Amsterdam. They’re not just selling products—they’re curating an experience. Every product is tested by their team for quality assurance. Every brand on the shelf was chosen with intention. Every customer is treated like they matter.
Why We Love It
Their motto says it all: “If We Don’t Sell It, You Don’t Want It.” It’s not marketing fluff. It’s a quality promise backed by rigorous curation.
With a focus on accessibility, affordability, and variety, they cater to everyone—from seasoned connoisseurs to people trying cannabis for the first time. Cannabis shopping is an experience, not just a transaction. Products are tested for quality. The app makes browsing feel like shopping at a premium lifestyle brand, not a sterile dispensary. And the delivery and ordering process is smooth, fast, and discreet.
What You Get
The Selection: 1000+ products across every category—flower, edibles, concentrates, vapes, topicals, pre-rolls, accessories. This breadth means more price points, more brands, and more variety. Budget-conscious? Premium craft? Looking for something niche? You’ll find it.
The App: Custom iOS/Android app with real-time inventory. Browse from home, track your order, and see exactly what’s in stock before you buy. It’s frictionless shopping.
The Rewards: Tiered loyalty program with $5 off, $10 off, and $15 off discounts. Plus birthday bonuses and VIP access to limited drops and community events. Loyalty actually pays off here.
The Delivery: Convenient delivery and online ordering available. Browse and order from home for fast, discreet delivery to your location.
The Community: Family-owned and operated business that actively supports Women-owned, Veteran-led, and BIPOC brands. The flagship Chelsea location isn’t just a store—it’s a hub for educational workshops, brand spotlights, and community events. You’re shopping at a business with soul and purpose.
The Experience
Walking into New Amsterdam’s flagship location on 14th Street, you feel the difference immediately. The space celebrates local art and culture. The budtenders are trained educators, not just cashiers. The product selection is so diverse that you can actually find exactly what you need—whether that’s your favorite strain or something you’ve never tried.
The app takes that experience home. You’re not overwhelmed by infinite choice; you’re guided toward what matters to you. Ordering is smooth, and delivery is convenient and discreet.
This is what “NYC’s largest dispensary” actually means. It’s not just about shelf space. It’s about access, community, and genuinely caring about quality.
Best For
- Anyone wanting maximum selection in one place
- Customers seeking a seamless app-based shopping experience
- First-time cannabis users seeking education and guidance
- People who value loyalty programs that actually reward repeat customers
- Those who want to support a family-owned, community-focused business
Address
245 W 14th St, New York, NY 10011 (Chelsea, Manhattan)
Key Details
- 📱 App: Yes (iOS/Android)
- 🚚 Delivery: Available via app and online
- 🏪 In-store: Yes (Flagship location)
- 💳 Rewards: $5/$10/$15 tiered + birthday bonuses
- ⭐ Specialty: Largest inventory + in-house testing + community events
#2: Two Buds Dispensary — Best for Community & Local Roots
What It Is
The Bronx’s first Jamaican-owned and operated cannabis dispensary, located on East 241st Street in the Wakefield neighborhood. This isn’t a corporate chain. It’s a neighborhood anchor with roots, culture, and authenticity baked in.
Why We Love It
Brothers Howell and Chris Miller opened Two Buds on March 29, 2024, after moving to the United States from Jamaica and settling in the Woodlawn neighborhood. Their roots in Jamaica infused them with a rich cultural heritage that deeply influences how they run their business today. They’re not just selling weed—they’re building community and spreading education about cannabis and responsible consumption.
This is what local ownership looks like. The owners know their customers. The staff actually cares. The vibe is genuine.
What You Get
The Selection: Flower, pre-rolls, vapes, edibles, and CBD products. They offer indica, hybrid, and sativa strains—giving you options while keeping things focused and curated. You’re not overwhelmed by 1000+ products; you’re guided toward what works for you.
The Wellness Products: Beyond cannabis, Two Buds carries wholistic CBD products for everyday wellness, pain relief, anxiety, mental well being, as well as beauty and skincare items. They understand that cannabis is part of a bigger wellness picture.
The App: iOS mobile app to browse inventory, track what’s in stock, and stay updated on deals. It’s streamlined and easy.
The Education: This sets them apart. Two Buds regularly hosts educational sessions to inform customers and spread awareness regarding the benefits and responsible consumption of cannabis products. They want you to be informed, not just sold to.
The Delivery: Delivery service available, Bronx-focused. They prioritize their home borough.
The Experience
Walking into Two Buds feels different than walking into a corporate dispensary. The energy is warm. The staff takes time with you. You sense the owners’ genuine care for their community. This is what happens when cannabis retail is rooted in real relationships, not just transactions.
It’s a neighborhood spot that happens to sell cannabis. And that distinction matters.
Best For
- Bronx residents seeking a neighborhood dispensary with character and soul
- Customers who value owner-operated, community-focused businesses over corporate chains
- People interested in supporting BIPOC entrepreneurs
- Those who appreciate education and want to learn more about cannabis
- Anyone seeking a more intimate shopping experience over sterile, corporate vibes
Address
696 E 241st St, Bronx, NY 10470 (Wakefield, The Bronx)
Key Details
- 📱 App: Yes (iOS)
- 🚚 Delivery: Bronx + limited boroughs
- 🏪 In-store: Yes
- 🎓 Specialty: Educational workshops + community events
- 👥 Vibe: Local, authentic, owner-operated
#3: Bayside Cannabis — Best for Queens & Convenience
What It Is
A Queens-based dispensary conveniently located in Oakland Gardens with a focus on neighborhood accessibility, honest service, and straightforward pricing.
Why We Love It
If you live in Queens and don’t want to trek to Manhattan, Bayside Cannabis gets you sorted. They’ve built trust in the neighborhood by delivering what they promise: quality products, reliable service, and no unnecessary hype. All their products undergo rigorous testing to ensure they meet the highest quality and safety standards.
This is the neighborhood dispensary done right. No Instagram aesthetics. No corporate theater. Just good products and honest service.
What You Get
The Selection: Flower, edibles, and concentrates. It’s curated, not overwhelming. You can actually browse and make a decision without analysis paralysis.
The Quality: All products are lab-tested. You’re not guessing what you’re getting.
The Ordering: User-friendly online menu and ordering system. Browse from home, order for quick pickup or delivery.
The Service: Knowledgeable staff ready to help guide you through products and effects. They take the time to understand what you’re looking for.
The Pricing: Competitive pricing in the Queens area. You’re supporting a local business without getting price-gouged.
The Experience
Bayside Cannabis doesn’t try to be something it’s not. It’s a straightforward dispensary: clean, organized, helpful staff, fair prices, and reliable service. Perfect for locals who know what they want and just need to get it fast. Perfect for your neighborhood.
Best For
- Queens residents avoiding Manhattan travel
- Customers seeking a curated (not overwhelming) selection
- People who prioritize quick, local pickup over citywide delivery
- Budget-conscious shoppers in the Queens area
- Anyone who appreciates straightforward service over retail theater
Address
22415 Union Tpke, Oakland Gardens, NY 11364 (Queens)
Key Details
- 📱 App: Online ordering available
- 🚚 Delivery: Queens-focused
- 🏪 In-store: Yes
- 💰 Specialty: Curated selection + competitive pricing
- 👥 Vibe: Local, straightforward, reliable
Quick Breakdown: Which Dispensary Is Right for You?
Want the biggest selection and best app experience? → New Amsterdam is the clear choice. 1000+ products + custom app + rewards program = unmatched access and convenience.
Seeking a community-rooted, culturally-owned experience? → Two Buds Dispensary delivers authenticity, education, and genuine Bronx soul. You’re shopping at a business with real roots.
Live in Queens and want convenience without the hype? → Bayside Cannabis is your neighborhood spot. Fast, honest, reliable, local.
How We Selected These Three
We focused on NYC-based dispensaries with verified track records. Our criteria:
Accessibility: Can they reach you where you live?
Selection: What’s actually on the shelves, and is it diverse?
Community: Do they give back to NYC? Are they locally rooted or corporate?
Reliability: Do customers consistently trust them?
Transparency: Are their claims verifiable and honest?
We prioritized NYC-based operations to keep this guide focused and relevant. (We excluded Westchester-based options to stay true to the “NYC” promise.)
The Bottom Line
If you want the best dispensary experience in NYC, New Amsterdam’s dominance is clear: 1000+ products, powerful app convenience, and loyalty rewards that actually work. They’re the obvious #1.
But if you value neighborhood character and community roots over pure scale? Two Buds and Bayside offer compelling alternatives. Two Buds is where you go to feel connected to real people and real purpose. Bayside is where you go when you want straightforward, no-nonsense local service.
The good news? You don’t have to choose just one. Try them all and see which vibe fits your style. Each serves NYC differently. Each has earned their reputation.
Ready to Shop?
New Amsterdam: Download the app or visit us at 245 W 14th Street, Manhattan. Browse our 1000+ curated products and explore what makes us different. We test every product. We support diverse brands. We’re here to help you find exactly what you need.
[Shop New Amsterdam] | [Download Our App] | [Learn About Rewards]
Or visit Two Buds Dispensary and Bayside Cannabis to explore their unique takes on cannabis retail. Each brings something different to NYC’s cannabis community.
Whatever you choose, you’re shopping at a licensed, tested, quality-focused dispensary. That’s the foundation. The difference is in the experience, the community, and the mission.
Happy shopping 🌿
