MOUNT VERNON, N.Y. (PIX11) — Hans Fleuriot says it’s about time that Westchester County residents can purchase marijuana legally.
He was among the first to see it happen.
“For those that were in the dark or in the shade, they can come out to the light and be a part of the community and not feel shunned,” said Fleuriot.
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The Elevate Cannabis Dispensary in Mount Vernon is the county’s first marijuana dispensary. The latest dispensary joined the more than 60 similar shops that have sprung up across New York since the state legalized marijuana. City leaders touted the grand opening and as a win-win for residents citing the potential for job creation and additional tax revenue that could go toward city programs.
“We are not celebrating the cutting of a ribbon,” said the Mayor of Mount Vernon, Shawyn Patterson-Howard. “We are talking about really unlocking opportunity. Understanding that the cannabis industry is an industry that will create jobs. It is a retail industry and Mount Vernon is excited to be at the forefront.”
Patterson-Howard stressed that opening this and future dispensaries does not promote