(Editor’s note: This column was published in two parts in the print edition for spatial reasons. It is being posted here in its entirety.) I was disappointed that all but one member of our City Council voted to allow marijuana to be legally grown, cultivated, processed and commercially sold in our little town beginning sometime […]
Dennis Lowry: City Council needs a time out on marijuana issue (Part 2)
In yesterday’s column, I explained why I don’t think marijuana should be allowed in Benicia. Today, I dive into further data. Health & Safety – Increasing Potency Marijuana today is significantly more stronger than the weak homegrown versions of the ’90s. Marijuana strength has grown from about 4 percent THC in 1995 to nearly 12 […]
Dennis Lowry: City Council needs a time out on marijuana issue (Part 1)
The City Council’s decision by a 3-2 majority vote to direct the development of a policy to allow recreational and medicinal marijuana to be sold from storefront businesses on First Street needs to be reconsidered. There are a number of reasons for recommending that a “Time Out” be instituted regarding this very controversial decision […]
Dennis Lowry: Benicia should not adhere to Proposition 64
Benicia is and has been recognized over the decades as one of the best places to live and grow your family. We moved to this wonderful city in 1986 because of the great schools, the warm friendly people and the ambiance of its small town feel. Over time, Benicia has worked to embrace that image […]
Dennis Lowry: Further research needed on cannabis in Benicia
This is written to provide some input on the question of marijuana. I want to preface my comments with the fact that my granddaughter is a cancer survivor at the tender age of 15. Her treatment involved significant levels of chemotherapy and radiation. There were ongoing complications, including severe nausea. The treatment was a liquid […]
Dennis Lowry: Liberty and freedom — as American as mom and apple pie
BENICIA’S CITY COUNCIL RECENTLY ADOPTED a resolution to join Marin Clean Energy (MCE), a community choice aggregation program, by a 4-0 vote, with Councilmember Mark Hughes recusing himself. Did the Council’s decision to join MCE violate business owners’ and homeowners’ liberty and freedom? You decide! Liberty and freedom to act are as American as mom […]
Valero rail extension — equal treatment under the law?
I DECIDED TO WRITE THIS PIECE before the release of the draft environmental impact report (EIR) on the Valero request to build three railroad track extensions (sidings) on their property. The level of near hysterical hyperbole presented by one small but active group against this effort has caused the city and Valero to again be […]