Pubdate: Sat, 17 Jan 2015
Source: Ukiah Daily Journal, The (CA)
Copyright: 2015 The Ukiah Daily Journal
Contact: http://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/feedback
Website: http://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/581
Author: Adam Randall

MENDOCINO COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS TO TALK MARIJUANA

Executive Office Wants to Prepare for Legalization of Marijuana

The Mendocino County Executive Office wants to be prepared in case 
marijuana is legalized in the near future.

The County Executive Office has agendized a request for Tuesday's 
meeting for the Board of Supervisors to discuss, and take possible 
action, in the formation of an ad hoc committee to prepare for 
possible state legalization of marijuana.

The proposed ad hoc committee, comprised of 2nd District Supervisor 
John McCowen and 3rd District Supervisor Tom Woodhouse, would 
oversee, research and prepare for potential economic impacts of 
marijuana legalization.

The committee would report back to staff, and the board, with 
findings and recommendations, according to the Executive Office's request.

"While we acknowledge the uncertainty of good data to review the 
economic impacts, it is relevant to create a starting point," the 
CEO's office request states. "Mendocino County has a unique 
opportunity to be an active participant in the discussion, creation 
and implementation on statewide and local marijuana policy."

The California State Legislature proposed two bills during the 
2013-14 session seeking regulatory control over medical marijuana, 
along with state regulation and enforcement. However, both Senate 
Bill 1262 and Assembly Bill 473 stalled. Now in the 2015-16 session, 
both bills have been reintroduced.

Currently, the American Civil Liberties Union Marijuana Legalization 
Task Force, led by Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom, is reportedly studying 
related policy issues in order to get another legalization of 
marijuana initiative on the November 2016 ballot.

"There is a need for greater certainty and uniformity regarding 
marijuana facilities, and the need for the imposition and enforcement 
of regulations to prevent unlawful cultivation and diversion of 
marijuana for non-medical use, while at the same time not preempting 
local government ordinances," states the CEO's office in its agenda request.

In previous years, the Board of Supervisors had adopted a county 
ordinance to permit residents with documented medical needs to grow a 
maximum of 25 marijuana plants.

Colorado, Washington, Alaska and Oregon are the only states that have 
passed initiatives to legalize marijuana.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom