Regulated is better than unregulated
Benicia parents are concerned about regulated cannabis activity in Benicia. In a perfect world, youth would not want to experiment with cannabis but that is not the reality. For whatever reason, youthful interest is consistent from generation to generation. Few if any members of our community disagree that chronic youthful cannabis consumption may lead to incomplete brain development, but rest assured that regulated cannabis activity greatly reduces the risk of physical harm to your child, in contrast to unregulated activity.
For example, a random selection and testing of cannabis conducted in Southern California found over 90 percent of samples from just 15 dispensaries included residual pesticides. It is reasonable to conclude that all cannabis sold in the state presently is suspect of containing residual pesticides or biological contaminants. There is no quality control in the industry at present, and a six month grace period to clear shelves of existing inventory before strict quality controls kick in. For the next six months, consumers of all ages are likely to be exposed to cannabis with residual pesticides and/or biological contaminants in it. The new rules require a “Not Tested” label to be affixed to cannabis products being cleared from inventory during the grace period, which began yesterday. After full compliance regulation is in place, at least your child will not be at risk of health problems from cannabis if they are acquiring it from the diverted market. The dark market will always be the province of fast buck entrepreneurs without regard to product quality, but this is an enforcement issue the Police Department can attack more aggressively with grants after regulated activity is generating money for the state excise tax account. Grants will specifically address public safety/health and community education, including contemporary approaches to educating youth about the temptations and dangers they may be faced with every day. * Regulated cannabis activity is endorsed by the League of California Cities and the California Police Chief’s Association. Our City Council chose regulated cannabis over unregulated cannabis. They are looking out for your kids.
Stan Golovich,
Benicia
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Here is one of many articles on educating elementary/middle schoolers about cannabis. By the time they are seniors in high school, they find it quite acceptable. Young people these days are predominantly tech savvy and get a lot of education from the internet. Tell them the truth. It is as simple as that.
http://cannabisconsumers.org/reports/kidtalk.php
Stan you are correct it is here to stay. Regulation is the most important factor to protect all users. But Stan please give a financial breakdown of revenue expected in Benicia from recreational cannabis and also manufacturing and distribution. You appear to be very up to date so this should not be an issue with your vast experience in finance. Looking forward to your breakdown. Thank you.
The way parents have historically dealt with their kids concerning drug/alcohol use in general was the: “If I find out that you have been using drugs/drinking, I’m going to (insert punishment here) you!” This approach never worked and only served to make kids act more discretely and added to the allure and the taboo. Education and involved parenting is key.
Great story on adult use sales in Sonoma County. Mercy Wellness is my dispensary for the last seven years.
https://tinyurl.com/ycpmdm36