Understanding the Basics

What is cannabis? What are the laws in New York? How do I talk to young people in my life about it? There’s a lot of information about cannabis out there. Whether you are new to cannabis or just want more information, start here.

Cannabis Today

Learn more about today’s cannabis, including the differences between product types and how they might affect the body and mind.

What’s legal in New York State?

Adult-use (aka ”recreational”) cannabis is legal only for adults 21+. Learn about what’s legal and what that may mean for young people.

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Types of Cannabis Products

Cannabis products come in different forms. Each type of product works differently in the body. Smoking or vaping leads to feeling the effects faster, while edibles can take longer to feel and may last longer. Concentrates can have high THC content, which means they tend to hit faster and last longer. Topicals, meanwhile, provide localized effects on the body (like pain management) without causing a high. The most common types are:

Learn the Lingo
Flower
(bud)
Edibles & Drinks
Concentrates
(oils, wax, vapes)
Topicals
(lotions, balms)

Onset & Duration of Cannabis Effects

The Big Questions

What does ‘THC’ and ‘CBD’ mean?

THC is the compound that causes a “high”. CBD, another common compound, does not cause a high, but is often used to help with relaxation, insomnia, and other ailments.

Legal cannabis products in New York include labels that show how much THC (delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol) they contain.

 

What is potency?

Potency is the strength of a cannabis product, based on how much THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids are in it. Flower, for example, usually contains about 15-30% THC, but concentrates, like vapes, can have up to 90% THC.

Sometimes, THC is measured in milligrams (mg), particularly when found in food or drink items. Licensed edible products in New York State may have up to 10 mg per serving, but that may be too much for some people. It’s recommended to Start Low and Go Slow, especially for beginners.

Start Low could mean cutting an edible in half or even quarters, or having a few sips of a beverage to start.

Go Slow by pausing and giving yourself time to feel the effects. Edibles can take up to 1-4 hours to kick in.

Why does this matter for young people?

THC can affect areas of the brain responsible for memory, attention, decision-making, and emotional regulation. The brain continues developing until about age 25, so young people may be more sensitive to these effects, especially with products that contain higher amounts of THC.

How do you read a cannabis product label?

Licensed cannabis products must meet certain safety standards on their label to help consumers understand what is in the product. This includes potency information and laboratory testing results. Potency, or strength, will be labeled as a percent (%) or in milligrams (mg) of THC.

Products from unregulated sources do not follow these rules, and may have unpredictable effects or harmful amounts of contaminants.

Cannabis Laws in New York: What to Know

There are certain rules in place to protect public health and safety. Here’s everything you need to know about legal access to cannabis.

Cannabis is only legal for adults 21+ In New York, cannabis is only legal for adults 21 and older. It is against the law to sell, share, or give cannabis to anyone under 21. Some people under 21 may use medical cannabis with approval from a healthcare provider, and those 18 and younger require a registered caregiver. These rules help protect young people while their brains are still developing.