New YorkCannabis Growing Guide
Everything you need to grow cannabis at home in New York. Laws, climate tips, recommended strains, and local resources.
Age Requirement
21+ years old
Plants Per Person
3 mature + 3 immature
Plants Per Household
6 mature + 6 immature max
Legal Since
March 31, 2021
Legal Overview
New York legalized home cannabis cultivation through the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA) on March 31, 2021.
What's Allowed
- •Growing cannabis plants at your private residence
- •Up to 3 mature (flowering) plants per adult
- •Up to 3 immature (vegetative) plants per adult
- •Maximum of 6 mature and 6 immature plants per household
Not Allowed
- •Growing in a location visible from public areas
- •Growing where children can access the plants
- •Selling cannabis from your home grow
- •Exceeding the plant count limits
Location Requirements
Where and how you can legally grow cannabis in New York.
Private Residence
Plants must be grown at your primary residence. This includes houses, apartments, and condos where you live.
Not Visible from Public
Plants cannot be visible from any public place without the use of binoculars or other optical aids. Indoor growing or enclosed outdoor areas are recommended.
Secured from Minors
You must take reasonable steps to ensure persons under 21 cannot access the plants. This typically means a locked grow space.
Making Concentrates
Rules for making cannabis concentrates and extracts in New York.
Allowed Methods
- •Rosin pressing
- •Ice water hash
- •Infusing with food-safe oils
Prohibited Methods
- •Butane (BHO extraction)
- •Propane
- •Other flammable gases or liquids
Important: Volatile solvents (butane, propane, etc.) are prohibited for home extraction in New York. Stick to solventless methods like rosin pressing and ice water hash.
Renting? Important Considerations
What renters in New York need to know about home cultivation.
- ⚠️Review your lease for any cannabis or smoking-related clauses
- ⚠️Landlords can prohibit cannabis use and cultivation in rental agreements
- ⚠️Federally subsidized housing (Section 8, public housing) prohibits cannabis
- ⚠️Consider indoor, odor-controlled growing to minimize impact on neighbors
Compliance Tips
Best practices for staying compliant with New York cannabis laws.
✓Count Your Plants
Keep a simple log of your plants and their growth stages. Know your limits.
✓Grow Indoors
Indoor growing gives you the most control and ensures plants aren't visible to public.
✓Control Odors
Use carbon filters in your grow setup. Being a good neighbor helps everyone.
✓Secure Your Space
Keep your grow area locked, especially if minors ever visit your home.
✓Don't Sell
Home grows are for personal use only. Selling is a serious offense.
Climate & Growing Season
USDA Zone
USDA Zones 4-7
Outdoor Season
Late May - Early October
Last Frost
Late April - Late May
First Frost
Early October - Mid November
Solid outdoor growing potential with appropriate strain selection.
New York has a humid continental climate with warm summers and cold winters. The growing season varies significantly from Long Island (longer) to the Adirondacks (shorter). Indoor growing is recommended for beginners to avoid frost timing issues. Autoflowers are excellent for outdoor grows due to the shorter season.
Recommended Strains for New York
These strains are particularly well-suited for growing in New York's climate.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many cannabis plants can I grow in New York?
Adults 21+ can grow up to 3 mature (flowering) plants and 3 immature (vegetative) plants per person. The household maximum is 6 mature and 6 immature plants, regardless of how many adults live there.
When did home cannabis growing become legal in New York?
New York legalized adult-use cannabis through the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA) on March 31, 2021. Home cultivation provisions went into effect when recreational dispensaries opened in late 2022.
Can I grow cannabis in my apartment in NY?
Yes, you can grow cannabis in an apartment in NY, but your landlord or lease may prohibit it. Federally subsidized housing (Section 8, public housing) prohibits cannabis cultivation. Always check your lease agreement.
What is considered a mature cannabis plant in NY?
A cannabis plant is considered mature once it enters the flowering stage. During the vegetative stage, plants are counted as immature. This allows growers to maintain a continuous growing cycle.
Can I make cannabis concentrates at home in NY?
Using volatile solvents (butane, propane) for extraction is illegal in NY, even for personal use. Non-volatile methods like rosin pressing, ice water hash, or infusing with food-safe oils are permitted.
Ready to Start Growing in New York?
Check out our complete growing guide and equipment recommendations.