Since the first public medicinal cannabis dispensary opened in 1992, many more have opened, with medicinal marijuana legal in 40 states. Currently, recreational weed is legal in 24 states, which has expanded those dispensaries and resulted in many more new establishments.
Smoke shops have been around for centuries, and though they couldn’t legally carry cannabis, they did provide papers, pipes, and other paraphernalia needed by cannabis consumers.
But the passing of the 2018 Farm Bill opened up loopholes for outside licensed dispensaries to sell products containing hemp, including some with THC derivatives.
The 2018 Farm Bill (Why Hemp Shows Up Everywhere)
The 2018 Farm Bill was a comprehensive piece of legislation that included funding for farmers and emergency nutritional programs such as SNAP. In the cannabis world, it’s most known for contributing to farming and research of hemp.
By federal standards, cannabis hemp is categorized as hemp if it contains less than 0.3% tetrahydrocannabinol or THC. A marijuana plant contains anywhere from 5 to 50% THC, the cannabinoid with the psychoactive properties that produce the much-desired euphoric high.
The federal budget bill (H.R. 5371), passed in November of 2025, allowed the congressional majority to revamp the segment of the 2018 Farm Bill that relates to hemp and the sale of hemp and THC-infused products. The law that goes into effect in November 2026 and redefines the legal limits of hemp so that retailers will no longer be able to sell these types of products without a dispensary license.
How to Verify a Legal Dispensary in NY
The safest way to purchase cannabis products, whether medicinal or recreational, is through a state-licensed dispensary. Legal dispensaries carry third-party tested products and employ knowledgeable budtenders and other professionals.
Products sold in a legitimate dispensary will clearly state the total THC per serving, all ingredients, and a QR code or other information on where to obtain a Certificate of Analysis (COA).
Licensed dispensaries also adhere to strict packaging and labeling standards set by the state. This means child-resistant packaging, clear dosage instructions, and warning labels are non-negotiable.
Purchasing from a licensed dispensary supports businesses that contribute to your community, create jobs, and operate with accountability. Unlicensed smoke shops and unregulated sellers cannot guarantee the same level of transparency or product integrity.
Lenox Hill Cannabis Co. stands as more than a dispensary. We’re part of a broader movement to normalize cannabis with integrity and care. Every product on our shelves reflects our commitment to transparency, safety, and education. Our lab-tested products are vetted and chosen to support your wellness journey, from moments of quiet reflection to relief you can feel.
