Call it cannabis

Nearly two-thirds of Benicia voters indicated approval of Prop. 64 regarding adult use of cannabis. The last time Benicia voters were asked to consider cannabis legalization, by Proposition 19 of 2010, it was narrowly approved here despite failing at state and county levels. In my opinion, the greater Benicia community has demonstrated an advanced state of knowledge about cannabis issues and are not receptive to the misinformation and outright lies that have attempted to demonize a beneficial plant that is still yet to be thoroughly researched.
Cannabis medicines were widely available in our country up until the early part of the 20th century. Then a disdain for Mexican immigrants, and later African-American jazz musicians, gave rise to the Mexican slang word “marihuana” as a tool in the effort to disparage them.
The staff report for a recent council meeting used the word “marijuana” excessively in my opinion. An attached document from Solano County Planning Commission referred to “medical cannabis” and “non-medical marijuana.” I think most people understand there is no difference, but there may be lingering biases or incomplete information to account for the continued use of the pejorative non-native slang word “marijuana.”
I have asked the City Council to consider banning “marijuana” in policy documents going forward, and to direct staff to use the botanical name “cannabis” instead. There is no good reason to continue to use a slang word in place of a proper name.

Stan Golovich,
Benicia

Supervisor’s office hours

Thank you to all of the Benicia residents who have come to my office hours thus far. I truly enjoyed hearing from you. I hold office hours the first Monday of every month in Benicia from 5 to 7 p.m. at Benicia City Hall. No appointment is necessary and I will meet with everyone on a first come, first served basis.
My next office hours will be from 5 to 7 p.m/ on Monday April 3 at Benicia City Hall. If this time does not work for you, please call my office at 707-784-2974 or email my office at slhallett@solanocounty.com and we will try to arrange a more convenient time. I look forward to seeing you!

Monica Brown,
Supervisor District 2

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