NYC Mayoral Candidates Reveal Cannabis Purchases in Debate’s Final Question

In the closing moments of Thursday night’s New York City mayoral debate, the atmosphere took a surprising turn from policy-heavy discussion to lighthearted honesty. As the clock ticked down, moderators asked the contenders a question no pollster or policy expert likely anticipated: “Have you ever purchased anything from a cannabis shop, and if so, what?”

The answers, delivered in front of a packed audience and broadcast across the city’s major networks, ignited laughter and applause — humanizing the candidates after an evening of tense exchanges over crime, housing, and economic development. The light closing question offered voters a candid glimpse behind the political facades, showcasing personality and openness on a topic that lies at the intersection of legality, culture, and shifting public norms.

Assemblyman Mamdani Admits to Legal Purchase

Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani, a progressive Democrat representing Queens, responded without hesitation. Grinning, he admitted that he had indeed made a purchase, specifying that it was from a legal New York dispensary. His transparency drew cheers from some in the audience, particularly younger voters familiar with the state’s evolving cannabis market.

Mamdani’s answer underscores the normalization of recreational marijuana use in New York since the state legalized adult-use cannabis in 2021. What was once taboo has gradually become mainstream, and his straightforward acknowledgment aligned with this new social reality. Political analysts noted that his admission may bolster his image among voters who value authenticity and transparency, while also reflecting a generational shift in attitudes toward the cannabis industry.

Cuomo Keeps His Distance

Former Governor Andrew Cuomo, who oversaw the 2021 legislation that legalized recreational marijuana in New York but left office later that year, gave an unambiguous answer: “No.” The simplicity of his response was characteristic of his campaign’s disciplined approach — focusing on policy over personality and avoiding unnecessary controversy.

Cuomo’s decision not to entertain the question beyond that brief answer served as a reminder of his political brand: measured, authoritative, and somewhat distant. His history with cannabis reform legislation is complicated. Though Cuomo signed the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act into law, critics have argued that his administration’s slow pace of implementation hindered early industry growth. His refusal to engage with the lighter side of the question may have been calculated — a means to maintain authority while sidestepping the potential for viral moments that might distract from his broader campaign message on infrastructure, safety, and economic recovery.

Sliwa Balances Humor and Empathy

Guardian Angels founder Curtis Sliwa, a Republican known for his blunt style and streetwise persona, initially joined Cuomo in saying “no.” Yet moments later, he expanded on his answer, explaining that he had used medical marijuana to manage chronic pain resulting from being shot five times during a 1992 taxi ambush and to cope with Crohn’s disease.

His candid explanation transformed what began as a humorous exchange into a moment of empathy and seriousness. Sliwa’s revelation highlighted the role of medical cannabis in pain management and chronic illness — a topic that resonates with many New Yorkers who have turned to cannabis for health-related reasons. The audience responded warmly, appreciating his openness and relatability. “I never bought it myself,” Sliwa added, “but I’m not against people who do.”

A Lighter End to a Heavy Debate

The exchange came at the tail end of a highly charged debate dominated by discussions of crime rates, rent stabilization, and public transit funding. The candidates’ answers to the cannabis question offered a brief reprieve from the night’s tension. For viewers, it was a rare instance where competing visions for the city gave way to shared laughter — and to a reflection of how much attitudes toward marijuana have shifted in just a few years.

Observers noted that the moderators’ choice to end on a “personal” question echoed a recent trend in political debates across the country: humanizing candidates through casual, relatable topics. In previous cycles, these moments were often reserved for discussions about favorite foods or weekend routines. This year, however, cannabis has entered the cultural mainstream in a way that mirrors the public’s evolving comfort with legal dispensaries and recreational purchases.

Historical Context: From Prohibition to Legalization

New York’s relationship with cannabis has undergone a dramatic transformation. For decades, the city was a focal point in the nationwide “War on Drugs,” and marijuana possession arrests contributed to deep racial and economic disparities. Between 1990 and 2010, tens of thousands of New Yorkers — disproportionately Black and Latino — were arrested annually for low-level marijuana offenses.

The legalization of recreational cannabis in 2021 marked a turning point. The legislation not only allowed for adult-use sales but also included provisions for expunging past convictions and reinvesting tax revenue into communities harmed by decades of criminalization. As of 2025, the city has licensed over 200 dispensaries, with dozens more pending approval under the state’s Cannabis Control Board. Legalization has created thousands of jobs, from cultivation facilities in the Hudson Valley to retail positions across the five boroughs.

Economic Impact of New York’s Cannabis Market

New York’s legal cannabis industry has swiftly become one of the largest on the East Coast. City officials estimate that by the end of 2025, the market will exceed $4 billion in annual sales, generating hundreds of millions of dollars in state and local tax revenue. This income supports community reinvestment initiatives, small business grants, and public health programs.

However, the rollout has not been without challenges. Complicated licensing processes, legal disputes over eligibility requirements, and lingering competition from the illicit market have slowed the industry’s growth. Despite these hurdles, demand and public acceptance remain strong. The candidates’ debate responses — even when brief — acknowledged cannabis as a legitimate part of the city’s economic and cultural landscape.

Regional comparisons highlight New York’s unique position. Unlike states such as California, where legalization began almost a decade earlier, New York’s system places heavy emphasis on social equity, giving priority licensing to entrepreneurs from communities most affected by previous drug laws. By contrast, neighboring New Jersey’s licensing process has been more rapid but less structured around social equity goals. The divergent strategies have sparked debate over how best to balance fairness and efficiency in cannabis regulation.

Changing Public Perception

Thursday’s debate moment underscores not just political shifts, but cultural ones. What might once have been considered an admission risky enough to derail a campaign today sparked laughter and applause. Surveys indicate that nearly two-thirds of New York City adults support the legalization and taxation of recreational cannabis. National polling further shows that cannabis use has become a normalized part of American life, with 70% of adults nationwide supporting legalization — the highest figure since such polling began.

For younger voters in particular, the idea of stigmatizing cannabis use feels outdated. Instead, conversations now focus on equity in the industry and government oversight. As younger generations move into positions of political power and influence, the debate over legalization has largely shifted from “if” to “how.”

Public Reaction and Media Buzz

In the hours after the debate, clips of the candidates’ cannabis answers spread quickly across social media. Mamdani’s candid admission gained traction among progressive circles, while Sliwa’s health-related response drew empathy from medical cannabis advocates. Cuomo’s terse reply fueled discussions about his old-school approach to politics and the generational divide it may reflect.

Even as the laughter subsided, commentators agreed that the final minutes of the debate captured something quintessentially New York: humor laced with honesty, policy meeting personality. For a city that prides itself on directness and candor, the question — and its answers — struck a chord that resonated beyond the stage.

What Comes Next for New York’s Cannabis Future

As New York City continues to expand its cannabis market, the policies shaping its growth remain a key issue for any future administration. Questions about zoning, taxation, law enforcement coordination, and community reinvestment persist. Whoever wins the mayoral race will inherit both the promise and the growing pains of one of the nation’s most ambitious cannabis programs.

Thursday’s debate reminded voters that even in a contest defined by complex challenges — from affordable housing to subway funding — the lighter moments can reveal profound truths about how far society has come. Cannabis, once a political third rail, has become part of the mainstream conversation in New York City’s journey toward a more open and equitable economy.