New Yorkers might soon be able to light up legally during a late-night film. A top cannabis regulator confirmed that state officials are exploring licensing frameworks that could one day let movie theaters sell marijuana and permit on-site consumption.
Currently, theaters can serve alcohol—but not weed—even in states where recreational cannabis is fully legal. That might be about to change in New York, depending on how regulators roll out the next phase of marijuana retail rules.
Cannabis Could Be Coming to the Big Screen
Taylor Randi Lee, press secretary for the state’s Office of Cannabis Management (OCM), told Variety that there are no legal mechanisms yet to allow theaters to operate as cannabis venues. But she also confirmed something bigger: that could change soon.
“For theaters to serve recreational marijuana at their establishments, they would need either an events permit or consumption lounge license,” Lee said. Right now, those don’t exist—but they’re on the table.
It’s a move that could totally shift the mood at New York cinemas, especially those trying to bounce back from pandemic-era audience losses. Theaters across the country have already embraced alcohol sales. Weed could be next.
The state has been slow in rolling out cannabis retail licenses since legalization passed in 2021. As of early 2025, less than 100 dispensaries are fully operational in New York. But OCM says a wider range of licenses—especially those targeting hospitality and events—are in development.
Alcohol in Theaters Paved the Way. Is Cannabis Next?
Selling booze at the movies used to be taboo. Now, it’s normal. Big chains like AMC and Alamo Drafthouse rake in millions annually from cocktails, beer, and wine. And nobody bats an eye.
So why not weed?
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Alcohol is allowed in movie theaters in over 30 states.
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Cannabis is legal recreationally in 24 states, including New York.
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Consumption lounges already exist in cities like Las Vegas and San Francisco.
Still, even in legal states, there are hurdles. Federal law still classifies marijuana as a Schedule I drug. That means banking, insurance, and interstate commerce issues hang over the industry like a raincloud.
Plus, not all moviegoers would be thrilled about catching a contact high during Dune: Part Two.
Theaters Are Looking for Fresh Revenue—And Younger Audiences
Let’s be honest: theaters have taken a hit. Streaming changed everything. Then came COVID. Ticket sales are nowhere near pre-2019 numbers. And Gen Z? They’re more likely to watch TikToks than trek to a multiplex.
So what brings them in? Unique experiences.
Some indie theaters now offer everything from trivia nights to live music to drag brunches. Adding cannabis to the mix might seem wild—but it’s really just another tactic.
“We’re exploring any and all options,” one small theater owner in Brooklyn told Bloomberg on condition of anonymity. “If we can legally do it and it makes sense financially, we’re open.”
They’re not alone. Across the state, small businesses are watching Albany’s moves closely.
Legal Pathway Still Needs to Be Built
Here’s the snag: the law isn’t there yet. As Lee pointed out, theaters would need a specific kind of license—and those haven’t been issued.
In fact, here’s a quick breakdown of what’s currently legal in New York cannabis licensing:
| License Type | Description | Available Now? |
|---|---|---|
| Retail Dispensary | Sell cannabis products to adults | Yes |
| Microbusiness | Grow, process, and sell cannabis | Yes |
| Consumption Lounge | Allow on-site cannabis use | Not yet |
| Special Event Permit | Temporary cannabis use at events | Not yet |
Without those last two, theaters are out of luck. But OCM has hinted that they’re coming, possibly by late 2025 or early 2026.
One official close to the process described the timeline as “optimistic but realistic.”
Not Everyone’s Sold on Weed-and-Popcorn Nights
There’s buzz. There’s excitement. But there’s also skepticism.
Critics worry about secondhand smoke, the logistics of ventilation systems, and the legal liability theaters could face if guests overdo it. Others raise concerns about minors in shared spaces, even if consumption is technically age-restricted.
One Manhattan parent said, “I don’t want to take my 14-year-old to see Kung Fu Panda 4 and end up sitting next to someone vaping.”
Some health experts also caution that normalizing public cannabis use—especially in leisure spaces—could send mixed messages about its risks, especially for young adults.
Still, many of those same concerns were raised back when alcohol was introduced in cinemas. And yet, here we are.
What’s Next? All Eyes on OCM’s Rulebook
No official dates. No finalized frameworks. But the chatter from Albany is getting louder. New Yorkers can expect more clarity in the coming months as OCM lays out the roadmap for consumption-focused licenses.
Theaters, lounges, and possibly even music venues could all get a piece of the pie—if they’re patient.
Until then, theater owners will have to keep the popcorn warm and the dispensary trips separate.
