Since posting my editorial on cannabis in the Benicia Herald on Nov. 3, I’ve had ample opportunity to review many comments both here and on social media sites Nextdoor and Facebook’s “Benicia Happenings” group. While many share my view that cannabis shops are no more deleterious to our community than another coffee shop or nail salon, many continue to rail against allowing cannabis shops in Benicia, especially First Street.
Also, since writing my last editorial I’ve been up to Brookings, Ore. where I confirmed the presence of several recreational cannabis stores – one on the main street of town and another in a small strip mall outside the main town. Both have clean and pleasant-looking storefronts no different than those on our own First Street. There are no signs of smoke, ill odors or disheveled pot heads hanging about – only the comings and goings of patrons no different than any other business.
Also, since last writing, I’ve discovered that many of my relatively “straight” friends (most over 60) are either medical marijuana users or recreational users. Who knew?
From the outset, my goal in this matter is for our community to be part of the solution and not part of the problem. The problem’s been the prohibition on cannabis. From the get-go, the notion of banning a weed that’s easier to grow than tomatoes or zucchini squash was a bad idea. The billions of public dollars wasted on law enforcement and incarceration for illegal cannabis production, sale and use is astounding. With passage of Proposition 64, most of us weighed the pros and cons of cannabis consumption vs. the pros and cons of prohibition and determined that, on balance, we’re much better off regulating cannabis than prohibiting it.
So here we are – on the verge of another City Council meeting where various parties will argue for and against the wisdom of a city ordinance that allows some level of cannabis production, manufacture and sales in our community.
I’ve read, with interest, the arguments against dispensaries or other cannabis facilities in town. The vast majority of concerns stem from selected reports describing the ill effects of cannabis on the brain, lungs, driving, youth, etc. These are essentially the same reports and arguments made by those against the Adult Use of Marijuana Act and in favor of prohibition. The cons of cannabis were considered and the voters decided we’re still better off regulating it than banning it. These arguments are now irrelevant since the decision to legalize adult use has already been made. We’re moving on.
Another argument is thatsStates that lifted the prohibition have seen a spike in cannabis-related problems including overdose (people get sick if they imbibe too much) and increased incidence of cannabis-impaired driving. Well, I imagine that was the case in 1934 when they lifted the prohibition on alcohol. I’ll bet there were more drunks on the road and in the drunk tank in the first years after alcohol prohibition was ended. So I expect there will some “growing pains” with the lifting of the cannabis prohibition.
Others believe that the existence of a cannabis shop in town will somehow taint the town’s reputation and put our youth at risk. However, when pressed, these folks fail to provide sound rationale. I’ve tried very hard to understand these concerns and I can only conclude that these views are largely founded on the belief that cannabis is inherently “evil” (worse than other substances) and that cannabis users are “flawed” individuals to be avoided. By that logic, the presence of a cannabis shop will tell the world that Benicia is an immoral town that welcomes ne’er-do-well types, so avoid it. I find these views to be merely prejudiced toward cannabis, and cannabis users generally, with no basis in fact. I believe others fear a visible cannabis store in town will signal to youth that it’s OK for adults to use cannabis (like alcohol, tobacco, coffee, opioids and other legally available substances). Well, it is. The presence or absence of a cannabis store in Benicia won’t change that.
Finally, there are those that argue for a lengthy and extensive cost “study”, a costly vote on the issue, or simply kicking the can down the road until….who knows when? The city and citizenry have already invested way more time and energy on this issue than it merits. We’re not inventing the wheel here. We’ve had the benefit of learning from other states and municipalities both in crafting the state law and the local ordinance. The city staff and Council have done their job. It’s time to move on.
It’s time to be part of the solution by regulating cannabis use as the law we enacted intended. There are far more pressing issues in Benicia. Creating ways to stifle valuable (and sustainable) cannabis businesses in Benicia isn’t one of them.
Craig Snider is a Benicia resident who retired from the US Forest Service in 2014 where he fought forest fires among other things.
Sharing is caring!
Craig your comment is very similar to Kathy Kerridge on why we should have retail cannabis. You both state all the reasons we should have it which simply means we should not have it. Many folks on the other side have done as much study as you and maybe even more. This city has taken along time to get to the friendly town and nice place to bring up a family. I do not think a council vote should destroy all that work. If you listened to the educators speak which apparently you did not except Kathy Kerridge who is in a minority on this issue as far as educators go. You might think differently.You want cannabis there will be many places to go and get it legally. We do not need retail recreational cannabis in this very fine city. Image is everything. Why do they call cannabis users “Pot Heads”. When you figure that out let us all know. I say VOTE NO on recreational retail cannabis. Go elsewhere to satisfy your needs. By the way I am not sure what relatively “straight” friends means. Maybe you could explain.
We have the electorate with us and growing steadily, as it is all across the country. 9600 votes for regulated adult-use cannabis a year ago, will be easily over 10,000 votes next year for pro-cannabis candidates, primarily from two graduating classes at BHS since last election. Opposition shrinks year to year. Anyone not on board with regulated cannabis at this time is a sure loser on the ballot. The numbers simply are not there.
The issue on the ballot was a statewide question, nothing to do with sales in retail areas of Benicia. Many I know were for the former and are against the latter. Two different questions and the support of the former is a necessary but not a sufficient condition for support of the latter. Your logic is seriously flawed.
It is also fair to note that there is no sufficient condition for opposition of the latter.
Nonsense
Plenty of people support alcohol sales but oppose liquor stores and bars near their neighborhoods parks and schools. Plenty of reasons to oppose sales in neighborhoods, retail areas, near parks, schools etc as well as to limit use in public areas.
Not really.
You are correct Gregg. Just watch as the City of Benicia bans alcohol in parks with out a permit. It is coming. This city has no more card rooms, porn shops etc. They are doing the right thing for the very fine residents of this very special place to live. Thank you for your comment. Some out of town folks will not agree. But we must remember they do not live in Benicia.
I’m not concerned about my “needs”. I’m concerned about my town’s needs. Yes, I have sat in rooms with the educators and others and if you understood the editorial, my point is that those arguments are largely irrelevant since cannabis is now a regulated substance/business. Re-hashing the tired rationale for prohibition doesn’t cut it. Based on your comments (“Image is everything”, “Why do they call cannabis users “Pot Heads””) I would characterize you as a person who is simply prejudiced against cannabis and its users. You’ve probably held this view for many years and it’s part of who you are. You are unwilling to examine those views in light of regulation. You provide no basis whatsoever for those beliefs. Fine. I get that. But I don’t think that’s a good reason to drive away good businesses that will diversify our economy, bring more people to other Benicia businesses, and add to the tax base of our town. Especially since there is no evidence whatsoever that dispensaries will have any more impact on the city than adding another nail salon.
First off Craig you are wrong about me. I just said a statement and it had nothing to do with my beliefs. I assume you are taking a political stance on this and of course me also. You just attacked me personally without even knowing me. Stick to the story. All I have said is your article stated all the reasons we do not want retail recreational cannabis in our town. I am not a prohibitionist. I live in the real world and some council members are not going to change my mind on this issue. It appears you are the one that has the long time thinking and not me. See you Tuesday night. Merry Christmas.
Great column Craig. Filled with logic and sound rational (that I’m sure will be lost on a few folks). “Time to move on..” indeed.
The articles in the on line edition posted in Popular Articles are at least 3 years old.
Perhaps the time has come to retire the current articles and post some fresh articles.
This site was set up before I got here, so I’m not sure how the articles under the “Popular Articles” heading are measured. I assume it has to do with the amount of comments or clicks an article gets, which I don’t have much control over. If that’s not the case, I’ll have to figure out how articles can get under that header and adjust accordingly.
I now return you to your cannabis discussion, already in progress.
The decision will be made by the council. The single most important duty of the city council is safety. They will have to decide for or against the educators, Benicia Police Department and all other concerned residents. Dana Dean made a very heart felt comment at a city council meeting. Her plea was very simple, Please do not do this. Referring to retail recreational cannabis. Dana Dean is a very important part of the City of Benicia education group. If the City Council listens to the residents Safety, our very fine residents, educators and the vulnerable youth of our very fine city they will vote against Retail Recreational Cannabis. If they do not listen I would not want to be one that voted for it. They will not get re-elected. The same goes for any resident who is thinking of running for City Council. They will not get elected. This whole Cannabis issue is about the residents not personal self driven agenda and ideals. City Council do the right thing and VOTE NO. Remember your very first duty is safety. Thank you.
I don’t get the safety issue. It’s already here. So I don’t see how safety has anything to do with any of this. You’re talking about preventing a business from being conducted in Benicia. A business that will bring customers to our town. Customers that may have never seen our charming town and all that it offers. You’re talking about forgoing needed tax revenue and diversifying our economy for what? You and the other naysayers have presented no evidence whatsoever that there is any risk. From my perspective, foregoing this opportunity is only downside. We spend 100’s of thousands of dollars trying to find ways to improve out economy and attract people, with money, to Benicia. Then, when an opportunity like this drops right in our lap, folks want to reject for no good reason. It’s a shame, really. We could use the added business downtown as well as the added tax revenue. Honestly, I’m a bit surprised that you, being a strong supporter of this fine town, would argue against it. It’s in Benicia’s best interest to welcome more business here.
It is not in Benicia’s best interest. It will not be on First Street. Yes, we may well have two Recreational Cannabis stores in Benicia. They will not be on First Street, Solano Square, BIP or Raleys Center. Could be in that less than desirable lower arsenal. You are right that the City did spend far too much money for econ dev. With little if any results. $700,000 on Wolfe, no Siino development etc. Yes the city does need money but is recreational cannabis the answer? NO. It will not bring in enough income to cover the present budget which will go up over 1 Mil a year. Still in the hole. I have no problem with the BIP for cannabis without store front retail sales. We have not even decided on the excise tax or how much. The vote is in Nov of 2018. Just why do you think Benicia is such a desirable place to bring up a family. Do you have that answer Craig? It will not be because we have Recreational Cannabis stores. It will be because we are a very safe city with excellent education for their children. Do you think when folks want to move to Benicia they look to see if we sell cannabis on First Street. Not a chance. First off it is safety then schools. No need to go further. It is not good for Benicia. Yes I do believe we will have two recreational cannabis stores . But where is the answer. Not where you and your group want them.
The new rules posted recently refer to a “600 foot radius” from K-12 schools, day care, or youth center, but in the next paragraph permit local jurisdictions to reduce the distance. There is NO mention whatsoever about park standoffs. Basically, a city can make their own rules about locations.
http://www.bcc.ca.gov/law_regs/bcc_prop_text_reg.pdf
Sections 5025 Premises and 5026 Premises location.
The latest rules from the state do not mandate ANY distance from K-12 schools, parks, religious establishments, dance studios, ice cream trucks, or Girl Scout cookie sales sites before they will issue their licenses, provided the local jurisdiction permits the location. The state wants as many sales sites as possible to swell their coffers with the excise tax and specifically indicate that local rules should not be onerous to new cannabusiness sites.