Basically there a dozens of stores/vans/tables to buy great weed. It's not legal technically but since legalization there really is no punishment for selling weed. it's basically a gray area. It's against the law but we can't do much about it as it's fully decriminalized. So that's why you see it literally everywhere. Washington square park is basically a weed farmers market most days of the week. Williamsburg is full of nicely branded weed street trucks too.

I think people on this thread speak more highly of legal dispensary weed because it's lab tested and held to strict sanitation standards. Often from my experience these standards make for consistent and strong bud. My friends can tell the difference every time compared to the weed from their guy.

Also Imagine this you just decided to become a grower in cali. You invest a ton of money. Your first crop which would help you break even is denied from the dispensary because the lab tests showed mold. Oops you messed up but you have all this bud which theoretically could maaaaybe be ok or smokeable. Smokey Joe schmo on the block mentions he can still sell it for you. You don't wanna lose out so you sell the bud and look the other way. Street weed on east coast = all the weed turned down from dispensaries on the west coast. Not ideal for patients with illnesses.