The practical answer
Adults 21 and older may possess cannabis within New York's limits, but public use is not a free-for-all. NYC says adults may smoke or vape cannabis where tobacco smoking is allowed under smoke-free air laws, with important exceptions including motor vehicles, restaurants, parks, event spaces, and businesses.
Times Square-specific reality
Times Square is dense, heavily managed, full of private businesses, event venues, restaurants, hotels, plazas, and families. Even when a rule sounds simple statewide, the neighborhood experience is more restrictive. Check posted signs, respect private property, avoid crowds, and plan around non-smoking hotels and venues.
Why this matters
Visitors often hear that cannabis is legal in New York and assume the rules are simple everywhere. Times Square is dense, commercial, and heavily managed, so the safest answer is to verify the rules, respect private property, and plan consumption carefully.