Downtown dispensaries will happen eventually
A speaker at the recent City Council meeting discussing cannabis activity on First Street asked where we (the “pro-cannabis crowd”) were since the chamber was dominated by an organized assembly of anti-cannabis citizens and, unfortunately, youth that have been indoctrinated that cannabis is all bad no matter what and has no value to society. The long buried “gateway” theory was tossed out again and again, as were assurances of increased crime, reduced tourism and negative net economic performance. It was the same people associated in one way or another with the education community that have consistently displayed their incomplete knowledge of cannabis. It is ironic that the education community is the least educated about cannabis. As Mayor Patterson opined, there was nothing new presented. Vice Mayor Young also had to check speaker comments that asserted “everyone is against it” by reminding them that the Proposition 64 results in Benicia as well as the Town Hall survey demonstrated an appetite for regulated cannabis in Benicia. Councilman Campbell also had to challenge the assertion from a school district speaker that regulated access alone will increase youth consumption.
Those of us that benefit from the medicinal efficacy of cannabis or voted for regulated adult access don’t need to show up to promote or defend our views to decision makers. We won’t be there in large numbers on the 19th either. We are collectively at this point in excess of 10,000 strong voters and growing year to year. Every City Councilmember acknowledges the strength of voter support for regulated cannabis in our town, but there are still individual interpretations of the what the results of Proposition 64 in Benicia represent. Opponents of regulated cannabis activity in Benicia want another poll, more time and more studies. They repeatedly cite crime concerns or absent economic benefit studies. Look just seven miles away to Vallejo to have these concerns answered. Vallejo did have a dispensary robbery in 2012 before the present regulatory framework was in place, but now all 11 dispensaries in Vallejo are regulated, secure, safe and generate revenue to the city’s General Fund. Further, this pattern of safe and economically beneficial cannabis activity is exhibited in cities and towns all across America that have implemented regulatory policies. I can find no example of any jurisdiction regretting the implementation of policies to regulate what the majority of people want.
I am in agreement with the recent decision to pause consideration of cannabis activity on First Street. A demonstrated safe and economically lucrative cannabis storefront in another location will go a long way to eventually opening up First Street to cannabis activity. Here again, no city in America that co-mingles cannabis activity with tourism is finding the pairing disharmonious. California tourism and spending is expected to surge in 2018 based solely on legal cannabis.
Stan Golovich,
Benicia
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Stan the pro cannabis on First Street lost. Overwhelmingly at that. The Mayor made a major mistake in putting down the educational community. That community consist of voters. She just completed her run for any future run for mayor. She will never win another election in this city. Another favorite of yours Vice Mayor Young just set himself up for a no vote on recreational cannabis in this city. If he votes for it he is also over and out. Anyone that the Mayor or possible the vice Mayor supports in 2018 for City Council will not get elected. Stan the residents/voters spoke and you lost.
Stan, It is a strongly held belief, by many that live in this town, that Benicia is always a few steps behind the curve. It always takes Benicia several years to catch up. Things move at a geologic pace here., if at all Unfortunately, that is the nature of the beast. Benicia will never be looked at as a model for anything.
I assume you no longer live in Benicia.. I hope that is true. I have lived in this area for many years. You are wrong.
“The evidence is overwhelming that marijuana can relieve certain types of pain, nausea, vomiting and other symptoms caused by such illnesses as multiple sclerosis, cancer and AIDS — or by the harsh drugs sometimes used to treat them. And it can do so with remarkable safety. Indeed, marijuana is less toxic than many of the drugs that physicians prescribe every day.”
Joycelyn Elders, MD
From the above letter:
“Here again, no city in America that co-mingles cannabis activity with tourism is finding the pairing disharmonious. California tourism and spending is expected to surge in 2018 based solely on legal
cannabis.”
Well stated, Mr. Golovich.
More information and news for our citizenry and our appointed and elected representatives to seriously ponder…
Cannabis Tourism Trends and Statistics:
Regional Breakdown:
Alberta saw in increase in marijuana tourism searches by 48% – With Canada looking to legalize recreational cannabis in the very near future, it comes as no surprise that people are looking to find out when and where they may soon be able to purchase marijuana products.
Alaska
Alaska saw an increase in marijuana tourism searches by 27% – With recreational shops beginning to open their doors across the state, people want to know where the most conveniently located retail location is available to them.
Arizona saw an increase in marijuana tourism searches by 91% – The state failed to pass Proposition 205 in November, 2016, which would have legalized recreational cannabis. Hopefully with all of this attention the cause has gained, more will actively support new legalization legislation at the next available opportunity.
California saw an increase in marijuana tourism searches by 299% – The state legalized recreational cannabis in November, 2016, and now people are curious when and where they will be able to access legal marijuana products.
Colorado saw a decrease in marijuana tourism searches by 10% – With so many new states legalizing recreational cannabis in 2016, fewer are looking to travel to the state for their legal marijuana needs. The state is trying to circumvent this by legalizing a pilot program that will allow public consumption in approved locations, but their efforts are not doing enough to maintain previous tourism interest.
Hawaii saw an increase in marijuana tourism searches by 104% – There isn’t much news to report on the state, people just seem to be naturally more interested in whether or not they can purchase and possess cannabis in Hawaii.
Jamaica saw an increase in marijuana tourism searches by 262% – Jamaica decriminalized marijuana in 2015, and recently legalized the use of medical marijuana as well. This has resulted in more people looking to see how they can get their hands on top shelf ganja while visiting a popular tourism destination.
Maine saw an increase in marijuana tourism searches by 576% – The state legalized recreational cannabis in November, 2016, and people all over the Northeast are trying to find more information on when and where retail locations will open in the near future!
Massachusetts saw an increase in marijuana tourism searches by a whopping 1006% – The state became the first on the East Coast to legalize recreational cannabis in November, 2016. This has caused people all over the East Coast to be interested in when and where they can legally purchase marijuana products in the near future!
Missouri saw an increase in marijuana tourism searches by 244% – The state offers neither medical, nor recreational cannabis, so people are just naturally curious as to whether or not they will do jail time for possessing small amounts of marijuana.
Nevada saw an increase in marijuana tourism searches by 378% – The state recently legalized the recreational use of cannabis in November, 2016, and as a result, people are curious when they can purchase legal marijuana products in Sin City and the rest of the state.
New York saw an increase in marijuana tourism searches by 72% – With new states legalizing recreational cannabis in the Northeast, many were curious as to whether New York would join the cause and legalize marijuana for all adults over 21.
Ohio saw an increase in marijuana tourism searches by 101% – Marijuana is still illegal in the state for medical or recreational purposes, so people are just naturally curious if they will do jail time for possessing small amounts of cannabis.
Ontario saw in increase in marijuana tourism searches by 39% – With Canada looking to legalize recreational cannabis in the very near future, it comes as no surprise that people are looking to find out when and where they may soon be able to purchase marijuana products.
Oregon saw a decrease in marijuana tourism searches by 1% – With two new states in the West legalizing recreational cannabis, the state nearly stayed on course, but many are interested in what the future holds for California and Nevada with legal marijuana coming soon!
Rhode Island saw an increase in marijuana tourism searches by 150% – With new states legalizing recreational cannabis in the Northeast, many were curious as to whether the state would join the cause and legalize marijuana for all adults over 21.
Spain saw a decrease in marijuana tourism searches by 8% – People seem naturally less curious about cannabis tourism in Spain, this is a result of other popular tourism destinations like Jamaica taking strides to increase their cannabis tourism interest.
The state of Washington saw an increase in marijuana tourism searches by 3% – Recreational cannabis has been legal in the state since 2012, and has sustained tourism interest even with the addition of new legal states!
Washington D.C. saw an increase in marijuana tourism searches by 107% – The District legalized recreational cannabis in November, 2014, and recently unanimously approved medical marijuana reciprocity. As a result of this, medical patients are now looking to see where they can purchase medicine in the Nation’s Capital.
Read the rest of the article below:
.https://kushtourism.com/cannabis-tourism-trends-statistics/
Thank you for more education that some in the community desperately need. The First Street Protection Society will never come around to appreciating the positive relationship of tourists and cannabis. This is only a temporary victory for them. Their own survey flopped big time so the only thread they have left to hang on is the results of the Town Hall that indicated a slim margin for NO cannabis on First Street.
They won you lost.
Maybe you should actually contribute some meaningful comments instead of just making sure you get to see your name in every comment section. Nobody is interested in you leaving snarky remarks to everyone’s comments that you don’t agree with. I really hope you have something better to do with your time, but it doesn’t look that way.
Mason you apparently are not involved. I am. Until you can make a meaningful comment to the issues. You are irrelevant. I do my homework and make comments. Others like you comment back about my comments with no evidence or facts. So who is the one with all the time. Others are. Not me.
“I assume you no longer live in Benicia.” – Why? “I hope that is true.” – Why? “I have lived in this area for many years.” – Congratulations! “You are wrong.” No, I’m am not. It is actually a strongly held belief, by many that live in this town, that Benicia is always a few steps behind the curve.
Very clear you no longer live in Benicia. Thank you for the confirmation. Next comment.
Do you really think this long winded posturing by a bunch of ignorant squares is going to change anything. My god, your egos are monstrous. Mean while, it is still there-same price, same quality and thank god for harvest time-and we still are forced to do it illegally. Yes I said forced. We will not stop and you will not win. Stop postponing the inevitable future, where we can do what we do safely and help the economy.
Another great video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZXjb7Xj3HKU
I think it’s fine if people want to be spooked and wait on 1st street cannabis, but it’s good to remember nothing is free. The less revenue the town generates, the more upkeep costs will have to come from citizens directly. If people would rather pay for the increasing water bills, rather than cooperate to make a regulated business to assist in adding funds to the city, they can do so, I suppose. In the meantime, people will continue to have cannabis delivered to their Benicia residences, and consume it as freely as they wish at home, since it’s legal in Benicia.
BB the big money is in Mfg and distributing. 10% tax. Could be huge.
What is obvious by now is that the losers on Prop. 64 are organizing via social media and old fashioned handouts to overwhelm the council with pressure to forget about what the majority wants and continue to let money be spent out of town or the local black market if they want that stuff.
The majority wanted it legal not sold in Benicia. Big difference. They lost on First Street. May still win on Recreational Cannabis in town. But where is the question. It could now get the council to start and get an econ dev plan going. Believe me the Siino property is ripe. The mayor has already made enemies out of the voters. We shall see.
Adding to the list:
“Very clear you no longer live in Benicia.” How do you figure? Explain “clear”, you can’t..
Unanswered, so far:
“I hope that is true.” – Why?
Fully ignored:
“You are wrong.” ? Prove it.
Well let me see. A while back you ,told me you now lived across the bay.. We did banter back and forth. You also said you ,worked on the other side of the bay. Even wanted me to cross the bay for lunch. I did not. If I am wrong I apologize. Not my call. It is yours. Do you still live in Benicia? Very simple, yes or no. You can end this silly conversation with a simple yes or no. Will you do that”? If not, no apology and I will consider that I am correct. You no longer live in town. What are you hiding if anything.
I accept your apology.
So you do live in Benicia. Please say yes or no.
Not relevant to my original comment to Stan, which was as follows:
“It is a strongly held belief, by many that live in this town, that Benicia is always a few steps behind the curve. It always takes Benicia several years to catch up. Things move at a geologic pace here, if at all Unfortunately, that is the nature of the beast. Benicia will never be looked at as a model for anything.”
Thomas go on record and tell us you still live in Benicia. You accepted my apology but never stated you still live in Benicia. Credibility is very important. You appear to be avoiding telling us the answer.
.
Not relevant to my original comment to Stan, which was as follows:
“It is a strongly held belief, by many that live in this town, that Benicia is always a few steps behind the curve. It always takes Benicia several years to catch up. Things move at a geologic pace here, if at all Unfortunately, that is the nature of the beast. Benicia will never be looked at as a model for anything.”
I don’t understand how where this person lives is relevant. Can’t one have an opinion if one lives nearby, has business, family or friends in Benicia? Does that mean that we can only comment on issues that occur here? I certainly have opinions about issues in other cities and states…
You may be correct. That is not the issue. It is his constant conflict with me. I know him and what he feels about me. Yes it is correct to state if he lives in Benicia. Remember he made in my opinion not in good taste statements about the residents of this city. It is important to know how he came across that view. Living here in the past or present could give some credibility to his comment. At present he refuses to say yes or no.
“It is his constant conflict with me. I know him and what he feels about me.”
Bob, you commented on my post. My post was not directed at you. I can’t help it if you take offense at my comments. BTW – I did not make any comments about the “residents of this city”. In comparison, your response/comment included a very rude statement, as you “hoped” that I did not live in Benicia. I know you will just deny this. It will just be disingenuous. You do not know me, or how I feel. Where I live is none of your business. Your comments are quite strange for someone that constantly complains about folks making things personal It is about time you get past your grudge against me. I read your comments all the time on here, and I avoid making valid and justified comments back.. I dare you to do the same when you read my comments.
This is what you said “Stan, its a strongly held belief, by many that live in this town, that Benicia is always a few steps behind the curve. That is a direct comment about the residents. Yes you did make a comment about the residents. You cannot weasel your way out of that one. I dare you to say I am wrong.
1. That is not a negative comment about any of the residents, or as you implied “not in good taste statements about the residents of this city”. So yes, you are wrong.
2. You directed a negative comment toward me: “I assume you no longer live in Benicia.. I hope that is true.”. You have not addressed this yet. Weaseling, indeed! (not to mention all the other things I wrote that you seemingly ignored).
Negative and fact are two different things. Very simple Thomas, DO YOU LIVE IN BENICIA? I will just let what you said stand. I must say bye bye Thomas. Merry Christmas.
Irrelevance and deflection are two different things BOB, WHY WON”T YOU ANSWER WHY YOU HOPE I DON”T LIVE IN BENICIA? Should be very simple.
“In our research of jurisdictions with permitted dispensaries, the feedback has been that operators are good business stewards and active community members that care about making a positive contribution to the places where they do business.” – City of Davis official, commenting re: soon to open downtown storefront. Davis has approved four storefronts for now, with an option to permit more later.
I want Benicia to be like Davis someday.
Davis is a very Liberal College town. I do not want Benicia to come close to Davis.
Unanswered, so far:
“I hope that is true.” – Why?
Fully ignored:
“You are wrong.” ? Prove it.
Crickets.
Still crickets.
I like Merry Christmas Thomas and I do hope it is a very Merry Christmas for you.
Nothing but crickets. Happy Holidays, Bob!