Cookie Policy
Important Acknowledgment: By continuing to use, browse, or interact with our directory, you consent to the placement and use of cookies and similar tracking technologies as described in this detailed policy. If you do not agree, please adjust your browser settings accordingly or cease using the website.
1. What Are Cookies and Similar Technologies?
A cookie is a small text file that a website saves on your computer, mobile device, or tablet when you visit the site. It enables the website to remember your actions and preferences (such as login details, age-gate verification, location, and display preferences) over a period of time, so you don’t have to keep re-entering them whenever you come back to the site or browse from one page to another.
In addition to traditional cookies, our platform may also use similar technologies, including:
- Web Beacons / Pixels: Tiny, invisible graphics embedded in web pages or emails that help us track user engagement, count visitors, and understand usage patterns.
- Local Storage: A technology that allows a website or application to store information locally on your device. We use this primarily to ensure fast loading times and to temporarily save map or search filter preferences.
2. Session vs. Persistent Cookies
The cookies we use fall into two main categories based on their lifespan:
- Session Cookies: These are temporary cookies that remain in the cookie file of your browser only until you leave the website and close your browser. They are crucial for carrying information across pages of our site and avoiding the need to re-enter information (such as maintaining a logged-in state while managing a business listing).
- Persistent Cookies: These remain in the cookie file of your browser for much longer (though how long will depend on the lifetime of the specific cookie). Persistent cookies help us recognize you as a unique visitor when you return, remembering your 21+ age verification so you are not prompted every time you visit.
3. Detailed Breakdown of How We Use Cookies
Because our platform allows users to log in, save preferences, and interact with dynamic content, cookies are essential to our infrastructure. We classify our cookies into the following categories:
A. Strictly Necessary (Essential) Cookies
These cookies are the backbone of our website. Without them, core functions cannot operate. You cannot opt out of these cookies as the site will break without them. We use these to:
- Remember your acceptance of our mandatory 21+ age-verification gate.
- Authenticate users and business owners logging into their account dashboards securely.
- Support the underlying Content Management System (WordPress) and account management infrastructure (WooCommerce) used to manage business listing subscriptions and profiles. Note: No cannabis products are sold via this infrastructure.
- Identify and prevent security risks, bot attacks, and fraudulent activity.
B. Functionality & Preference Cookies
These cookies allow our website to remember choices you make and provide enhanced, more personal features. They may be set by us or by third-party providers whose services we have added to our pages. They are used to:
- Remember your region or preferred neighborhood to show you the most relevant dispensary listings.
- Retain your search filters (e.g., "recreational" vs. "medical" dispensaries) as you navigate the directory.
C. Performance & Analytics Cookies
We use these cookies to collect statistical information about how visitors use our website. This data is aggregated and does not identify you personally. We use it to:
- Determine the number of unique visitors to our site and which dispensary pages are the most popular.
- Identify errors or broken links to improve website maintenance and user experience.
- Analyze the effectiveness of our directory layout.
4. Third-Party Cookies & Integrations
To provide the best possible directory experience, we utilize several third-party services that may also place cookies on your device. We do not control these third-party cookies.
- Google Maps & Geolocation APIs: We embed interactive maps to help you locate legal cannabis dispensaries across New York City. Google uses cookies to remember your map preferences, optimize zooming/panning performance, and collect telemetry data based on your interaction with the map interface.
- Security Services: We may use web application firewalls and security software to protect our site. These services may place a cookie on your device to distinguish between human users and malicious bots.
We recommend reviewing the privacy and cookie policies of these third-party providers directly to understand exactly how they process your data.
5. How to Manage, Control, and Delete Cookies
You have the ultimate control over whether to accept or reject non-essential cookies. You can exercise your cookie preferences by adjusting the settings in your web browser.
Browser Settings
Most browsers allow you to view, manage, delete, and block cookies for a website. Be aware that if you clear all cookies, any preferences you have set (including the 21+ age gate) will be lost.
- Google Chrome: Settings > Privacy and security > Cookies and other site data.
- Apple Safari: Preferences > Privacy > Block all cookies.
- Mozilla Firefox: Settings > Privacy & Security > Cookies and Site Data.
- Microsoft Edge: Settings > Cookies and site permissions > Manage and delete cookies.
Mobile Devices
To control cookies on your mobile device:
- Apple (iOS): Go to Settings > Safari > Block All Cookies.
- Android (Chrome): Open Chrome > Settings > Site settings > Cookies.
6. "Do Not Track" Signals
Some web browsers incorporate a "Do Not Track" (DNT) feature that signals to websites you visit that you do not want to have your online activity tracked. At this time, there is no uniform technological standard for recognizing and implementing DNT signals. Consequently, our website does not currently respond to DNT browser signals or any other mechanism that automatically communicates your choice not to be tracked online.
7. Updates to this Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy periodically to reflect changes in our directory practices, updates to the WordPress/WooCommerce infrastructure, or shifting legal requirements. The "Last Updated" date at the top of this page will indicate when the latest changes were implemented. We encourage you to review this page regularly.
Contact Us
If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding our use of cookies or tracking technologies, please contact our administrative team at:
Email: [email protected]
Related pages: Terms of Service · Privacy Policy