New York State Team ALBANY – First, New York legalized marijuana for recreational use. Then it put its cities, towns and villages on the clock. The state's new recreational marijuana law, approved by Gov. Andrew Cuomo and lawmakers in late March, immediately allowed those over the age of 21 to possess up to three ounces of cannabis and consume it nearly anywhere cigarettes can be legally consumed. Local governments have no way of blocking that. But the law does let them make another crucial decision: Whether to allow for legal marijuana sales within their borders. Under the law, local governments have until Dec. 31 to pass a local measure blocking any dispensaries or lounges. If they miss the deadline, they forfeit their right to opt out.