Exclusive | High kicks: NY gives local World Cup fans tips on how to land safe, legal cannabis

June 7, 2026

Here’s how to find your pot o’ goal during the World Cup.

State cannabis regulators are launching an education campaign to instruct the thousands of local tourists and fans readying for the World Cup on how to access and safely use local legal weed.

“We certainly don’t want to see any adverse events,” said John Kagia, executive director of the state Office of Cannabis Management.

MetLife Stadium in New Jersey is set to host eight FIFA World Cup matches. Christopher Sadowski for NY Post

“It’s really important to access the legal market in a responsible manner.”

The world’s largest sporting event will hold eight local soccer matches from June 11 to July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, with throngs of watch parties planned, too.

There are meanwhile more than 200 licensed cannabis dispensaries in and around New York City — meaning the epic sports event is a big opportunity for the state’s growing marijuana market to score, too, proponents say.

“The FIFA World Cup may become the event that officially introduces many international visitors to New York’s legal cannabis industry,” the website STUPID DOPE noted in a post Saturday.

“The overlap between tourism and cannabis culture presents a powerful opportunity for licensed operators.”

Kagia, touting his state’s ganja, boasted, “We have great cannabis products in New York.”

Marijuana for sale at licensed cannabis shop Green Genius NYC in Manhattan. Helayne Seidman for NY Post

But visitors must first determine if a local cannabis merchant is legitimate.

They can look for a state OCM license sticker affixed to the front door or window of a business. It indicates if the shop is lawful and selling state-tested and approved cannabis, Kagia said.

He warned that marijuana from illegal black-market shops is not tested and could be laced with other drugs or chemicals.

There are still many illegal pot peddlers in the streets and online.

John Kagia, executive director of the state Office of Cannabis Management, advised tourists in New York to check to make sure they are buying marijuana from a licensed business while visiting New York. Facebook/NYS Office of Cannabis Management

Cannabis users also should be aware that New York has laws that prohibit smoking in public venues, and that includes pot as well as cigarettes. That means people should not smoke marijuana during watch parties at public locations.

“Be mindful and respectful and good neighbors. Be discreet,” Kagia said. “We want fans to be particularly mindful that there are young families with children at these events.”

Additionally, Kagia cautioned travelers not to bring cannabis to or from New York by air because it’s prohibited under federal law.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani unveiling the World Cup trophy at the American Museum of Natural History on June 2, 2026. Matt Roberts/Shutterstock

“They should not travel with cannabis outside the state,” he said.

STUPID DOPE said, “For legal dispensaries throughout New York City and the surrounding metropolitan area, FIFA World Cup 2026 represents far more than a sporting event.

“It represents weeks of elevated consumer activity, increased tourism, massive watch-party culture, and an unprecedented opportunity to introduce visitors from around the world to New York’s rapidly growing legal cannabis market.”

Osbert Orduna, CEO of The Cannabis Place in Middle Village, Queens, and Jersey City, NJ, told The Post, “We are running promotions and planning on doing watch parties in our VIP lounge.”

Customers who wear their favorite national team’s jersey will receive a “special gift,” Orduna said.

Aside from watch events at such venues, bars and restaurants, there will be World Cup parties at apartments, on rooftops, during backyard barbecues and corporate events and for tourists at hotels and short-term rentals, the site noted.

That means cannabis dispensaries that also provide delivery services should be able to make a lot of green, too.

“Many consumers will be looking for convenience,” it said.

MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ, with a "FIFA WORLD CUP 2026" banner displayed at the top, showing preparations for the 2026 World Cup Final.
MetLife Stadium in New Jersey is set to host eight FIFA World Cup matches. Christopher Sadowski for NY Post
Cannabis flowers displayed in clear, sealed containers at a licensed shop.
Marijuana for sale at licensed cannabis shop Green Genius NYC in Manhattan. Helayne Seidman for NY Post
Governor Kathy Hochul and John Kagia posing with an open ring box.
John Kagia, executive director of the state Office of Cannabis Management, advised tourists in New York to check to make sure they are buying marijuana from a licensed business while visiting New York. Facebook/NYS Office of Cannabis Management
Bastian Schweinsteiger and NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani unveil the FIFA World Cup trophy.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani unveiling the World Cup trophy at the American Museum of Natural History on June 2, 2026. Matt Roberts/Shutterstock