The first-ever adult-use cannabis retail store has finally come to Sullivan County - Platinum Leaf. This marks a huge step towards safety, tourism and economic growth for the Rock Hill area and the entire county. While many may feel this viewpoint is open for debate, the safety aspect especially goes hand-in-hand with what so many organizations have been trying to accomplish in the past few years.

How would you feel if when you walked into a bar, restaurant, cidery, brewery, you name it — and there was a chance that there may be other substances inside the drink than what was advertised? Even a remote possibility that the drink contained other dangerous ingredients is too big a chance. Thankfully, there are regulations and laws in place to ensure that the alcohol served at licensed establishments is safe to consume. Although over consumption, obviously, can lead to a whole other set of problems.

The same scenario can be applied to marijuana and other cannabis products. As Sullivan County continues its battle against overdoses from illegal substance use, it is a relief to have access to secure and safe cannabis products. Platinum Leaf can safeguard the community in that way – although we again must caution users that over consumption can lead to problems if users get behind the wheel or try to go to work.

In addition, the potential for economic boosts and growing tourism only increase with the installation of this store. Visitors and residents alike enjoy cannabis products for a variety of reasons, each one being a reason to stop by the store and spend money on not just cannabis, but nearby restaurants and other stores.

With the legalization of recreational marijuana by the State just three short years ago, so many other similar stores have popped up around New York and it is about time Sullivan County joins in on the action.

And by issuing more licenses, the state is also supporting the growers – one of which is in Sullivan County – as they grow millions of dollars of cannibas and are looking to the state for a place to legally dispense their harvests.