Hear from Our Customers
You’re not just buying cannabis. You’re buying peace of mind that what you’re getting is tested, regulated, and safe.
Long Island has one of the highest concentrations of unlicensed shops in New York. They’re everywhere—but they’re not legal, and they’re not tested. That matters when you’re putting something in your body. Licensed dispensaries go through third-party lab testing for potency, contaminants, and pesticides. You get a Certificate of Analysis with every product. You know what’s in it.
The legal market also gives you options. Over 500 brands entered New York in 2024 alone. That means flower, edibles, vapes, tinctures, beverages, and concentrates—all with clear labeling and consistent dosing. You’re not guessing. You’re choosing based on real information, whether you’re managing pain, anxiety, sleep issues, or just looking to relax.
And if you’re new to this or haven’t shopped legally before, you’ll actually talk to someone who knows the difference between a sativa and an indica—and why that matters for what you’re trying to do.
We connect you to state-licensed dispensaries throughout Nassau and Suffolk counties. We’re not another pop-up shop hoping to fly under the radar. We work with verified locations that meet New York’s regulatory standards.
That includes dispensaries like Strain Stars in Farmingdale, Happy Days, Planet Nugg, and others across the island—from Coram to Southampton. These aren’t just storefronts. They’re part of a legal network that’s accountable to the state Office of Cannabis Management.
Long Island dispensaries are generating some of the highest per-store sales in New York, and it’s not by accident. People here want access, and they want it done right. If you’re in Merrick, you’re within a short drive of multiple licensed options that can serve both medical patients and recreational users 21 and over.
First, you’ll need a valid ID showing you’re 21 or older. If you’re a medical patient, bring your New York medical marijuana card. Walk-ins are welcome at most locations, though some offer online ordering for faster pickup.
When you arrive, you’ll check in at the front. A budtender will walk you through the menu—flower, pre-rolls, edibles, vapes, tinctures, whatever you’re looking for. They’ll ask what you’re trying to accomplish. Sleep? Pain? Anxiety? Just a good time? Your answer changes the recommendation.
They’ll explain THC and CBD levels, strain types, and dosing. If you’ve never done this before, they’ll start you low and slow. If you know what you want, they’ll get you in and out. You pay, you leave with a sealed product and a receipt. Everything’s logged in the state system.
Most Long Island dispensaries also offer delivery if you’d rather not make the trip. Ordering online means you can browse the full menu, compare pricing, and read product details before you commit. It’s faster and lets you take your time without feeling rushed.
Ready to get started?
New York dispensaries carry over 1,500 unique strains. No single strain dominates the market, which means variety is real. You’ll see familiar names and new genetics. Flower is still the most popular product—accounting for 53% of orders on Long Island—but edibles and vapes are climbing fast.
Edibles include gummies, chocolates, baked goods, and beverages. Dosing is clearly marked, usually starting at 5mg or 10mg of THC per serving. That’s the sweet spot for most people new to edibles. Vapes come in cartridges or disposable pens, with strain-specific options and different cannabinoid profiles. If you want something discreet and fast-acting, that’s your move.
Tinctures and oils give you more control over dosing. You can take them sublingually or add them to food. Concentrates—wax, shatter, live resin—are for experienced users who want higher potency. Topicals are available too, mostly for localized pain or inflammation without any psychoactive effect.
Pricing in New York runs higher than most states. The average item costs around $31, compared to $18 in California or $8 in Michigan. That’s partly due to supply constraints and partly because the market is still new. But prices dropped about 13% from 2024 to early 2025 as competition increased. You’ll also find regular promotions, first-time customer discounts, and loyalty programs at most dispensaries.
If you’re a medical patient, you may qualify for tax exemptions. Recreational buyers pay standard state and local taxes, which are built into the final price. Either way, you’re getting a product that’s been tested and tracked from cultivation to sale.
Check for the state verification tool posted near the entrance. Every licensed dispensary in New York is required to display it. You can also look up the business on the Office of Cannabis Management website—they maintain a public list of all licensed retailers.
If a shop doesn’t have that verification or can’t show you proof of licensing, walk away. There are hundreds of unlicensed storefronts across Long Island, and they’re not held to any safety or testing standards. You’re taking a risk with product quality, and you’re also supporting a business that’s operating outside the law.
Licensed dispensaries also provide Certificates of Analysis for their products. That’s a lab report showing cannabinoid content, pesticide screening, and contaminant testing. If they can’t produce that, it’s a red flag.
Medical patients need a New York medical marijuana card, which requires a doctor’s certification for a qualifying condition. Those conditions include chronic pain, PTSD, cancer, epilepsy, and several others. Medical patients get access to higher potency products and may qualify for tax breaks.
Recreational users just need to be 21 or older with a valid ID. You’ll have access to the same product types—flower, edibles, vapes—but potency limits may differ depending on the product category. Recreational cannabis is taxed, while medical purchases may be exempt depending on your registration status.
Both groups shop at the same dispensaries in most cases. The difference is in what you’re eligible to buy and how much you pay. If you’re using cannabis primarily for a health condition and you qualify, getting a medical card can save you money and give you access to products that aren’t available on the recreational side.
Because legal dispensaries are paying for testing, compliance, licensing fees, taxes, and real estate in a highly regulated market. Unlicensed shops skip all of that. They don’t test their products, they don’t pay state taxes, and they’re not accountable to anyone.
New York’s legal market is also still ramping up. Supply hasn’t fully caught up with demand, which keeps prices elevated. But that’s changing—average prices dropped 13% between early 2024 and early 2025 as more dispensaries opened and competition increased.
You’re also paying for safety. Third-party lab testing isn’t cheap, but it’s the only way to know your product is free of pesticides, heavy metals, mold, and other contaminants. Unlicensed products don’t go through any of that. You’re gambling every time you buy from them. The price difference isn’t just markup—it’s accountability.
Yes. Many licensed dispensaries across Long Island offer delivery services. You’ll need to order online or by phone, provide a valid ID, and be present to receive the delivery. The driver will verify your age and identity before handing over your order.
Delivery fees vary by dispensary and distance, but most are reasonable. Some locations offer free delivery over a certain order amount. Delivery times depend on demand, but most services aim for same-day or next-day fulfillment.
This is a legal, regulated service—not the same as the unverified delivery operations that were common before the state rolled out licensed retail. You’re getting the same lab-tested products you’d find in-store, with the same protections. If you’d rather not drive to a dispensary or you’re managing mobility issues, delivery makes access a lot easier.
Start with what you’re trying to accomplish. Are you looking to relax, manage pain, sleep better, or reduce anxiety? That helps them narrow down product types and strains. Then ask about THC and CBD levels—THC is the psychoactive compound, CBD is non-intoxicating and often used for inflammation or anxiety.
Ask about dosing, especially if you’re trying edibles for the first time. A common beginner dose is 5mg of THC. You can always take more later, but you can’t take less once it’s in your system. Edibles take longer to kick in—anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours—so patience is key.
If you’re smoking or vaping, ask about indica vs sativa vs hybrid. Indica strains tend to be more relaxing and sedative. Sativa strains are more energizing and cerebral. Hybrids fall somewhere in between. It’s not a perfect science, but it’s a useful starting point. A good budtender will also ask about your tolerance, any medications you’re on, and whether you’ve had any bad experiences in the past. Don’t skip those details—they matter.
Yes. You’re within a short drive of several licensed locations. Strain Stars, Happy Days, and Planet Nugg are all in Farmingdale. Long Island Cannabis Club is in Deer Park. Simply Green is in Coram. Strong Strains is in East Setauket. There are also locations in Riverhead, Calverton, Southampton, and Farmingville.
Each dispensary has its own menu, pricing, and vibe, but they’re all operating under the same state regulations. Some focus more on flower, others carry a wider range of edibles or concentrates. Most have online menus so you can browse before you go.
Long Island dispensaries are among the top performers in New York for per-store sales, which means they’re stocking a solid range of products and keeping inventory fresh. Whether you’re in Merrick or anywhere else in Nassau County, you’ve got legal access within 20 to 30 minutes.
Local Resources
Other Services we provide in Merrick
