I've never known anyone to get into any sort of trouble for pot in NY. Both times I was searched and had some on me, they just took our buds and sent us packing...probably enjoyed it themselves at bit later.
It's as "illegal" in the eyes of the law as driving 65 MPH in a 55 MPH zone. You get a fine of about $125 if you're caught carrying more than 7/8 of an ounce. My recent speeding ticket was twice that.
