Short answer: yes, Canadian visitors who are 21 or older can buy cannabis in New York with a valid passport. But you can’t take any of it home. Bringing cannabis into Canada without a Health Canada permit is a serious criminal offence, even in tiny amounts, and carrying it across the US border is illegal under US federal law. Buy it in New York, use it in New York, and cross the border with none.
Cannabis is legal in Canada and legal in New York, so it’s easy to assume you can drive it over the Peace Bridge. You can’t. Here’s what Canadians need to know before buying in Western New York.
Can Canadians buy weed in New York?
Yes. New York doesn’t limit sales to residents. If you’re 21 or older and have valid government photo ID, you can buy. For Canadians, that usually means a passport.
Note the age: in Ontario you can buy at 19, but in New York the minimum is 21, with no exceptions.
The border: zero cannabis, in both directions
Entering Canada. The Canada Border Services Agency is clear: bringing cannabis into Canada in any form, including oils, edibles and vapes, without a permit or exemption from Health Canada is a serious criminal offence, and it doesn’t matter that cannabis is legal in Canada or in New York. A doctor’s prescription doesn’t count as a permit. Travellers who don’t declare cannabis can face seizure, arrest, prosecution or fines (more on CBSA enforcement).
Entering the US. Cannabis is still illegal under US federal law, and the border is under federal control. Don’t bring Canadian cannabis into the US either, even if you’re heading to a state where it’s legal.
Admissibility. US border officers can ask about cannabis, and the answers can affect whether you’re admitted. Be honest with border officers, as lying is a separate offence, and if you’re worried, check the rules before you travel.
How to do it right
- Buy only what you’ll use during your trip. Plan quantities around your visit, not your trip home.
- Use it in New York. Adults can smoke wherever tobacco smoking is allowed, with exceptions. It’s not allowed in cars, even parked ones. If you’re staying in a hotel or rental, check its rules first.
- Never drive high. Driving impaired by cannabis is a crime in New York and in Canada.
- Arrive at the border with none. Check your bags, pockets and car before you get in line. Anything left over shouldn’t come with you.
For general visitor rules, see our guide: is weed legal for tourists in New York?
How far is MuMu’s from the border?
Both MuMu’s stores are about half an hour past Buffalo:
- MuMu’s Irving, 11146 Southwestern Blvd, Irving, NY: 33 minutes from downtown Buffalo on US-20 and NY-5. Open every day, 8 AM to 8 PM.
- MuMu’s Tonawanda, 7834 Sandhill Rd, Basom, NY: 35 minutes from downtown Buffalo on I-90. Open Monday to Saturday, 9 AM to 8 PM.
Our Buffalo driving guide has directions and what to bring.
What’s worth knowing about prices
Prices at MuMu’s are in US dollars. Flower is sold by the ounce, starting at $60, and the price on the board is the price you pay. There’s also an in-store power sale right now: Buy 2 Get 1 Free on a select fresh batch of $150 and $300 ounces. Just remember that more cannabis isn’t better if you can’t use it before you head home. See today’s deals and the full flower menu.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Anyone 21 or older with valid government photo ID can buy cannabis in New York. Canadians usually use their passport.
No. Bringing cannabis into Canada without a Health Canada permit or exemption is a serious criminal offence, even in small amounts and even though cannabis is legal in both places.
No. Cannabis is illegal under US federal law, and the border is federal. Don’t carry cannabis into the US in either direction.
Yes. The minimum age in New York is 21 for everyone, even though you can buy at 19 in Ontario.
MuMu’s Irving is 33 minutes from downtown Buffalo and MuMu’s Tonawanda is 35 minutes.
