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North Orange County Legislative Alliance explores Regulating Marijuana like Wine 

Today, the North Orange County Legislative Alliance met with Judge James P. Gray, a retired Federal Judge and former US Navy JAG Core lawyer, who spoke on the Regulate Marijuana like Wine initiative. The coalition supporting this initiative is gathering signatures to qualify it for the November ballot. Gray spoke about the U.S. drug policy as the largest, failed policy throughout US history in that “we couldn’t get worse if we tried.” He advocates for a desperately needed solution and repeal on drug prohibition, as he sees it as the largest obstacle to the war on drugs.
 

In pointing out that it was easier for children and underage, young adults to access marijuana than alcohol due to government regulation, Gray advocated for state regulation by via the Regulate Marijuana like Wine Initiative. Gray stressed that state regulation would not change standards applied to driving under the influence, usage in public as well as in the workplace but would regulate marijuana like alcohol and tobacco, allowing the state to reap the tax benefits of what could be the “largest crop in California.” Gray argues this will divert money out of the hands of criminals and free up capital at the state level for safety programs, healthcare, education and so on. He asserts that by regulating the drug, it will actually be more difficult for children to get their hands on it.
 

For information on the proposed ballot initiative visit the Secretary of State Website. NOCLA did not take a position on this proposition.
 

After the presentation NOCLA members discussed several pressing legislative issues. NOCLA and the Brea Chamber of Commerce, as a member of NOCLA, adopted a position of opposition to the California Cancer Research Act and SB 810, the Single-payer Health Care Coverage bill. A position of support was taken on SB 659, the Community Redevelopment bill.
 

Save the Date for upcoming NOCLA Events:

NOCLA meeting
Wednesday, March 7, 2012 | 7:30 AM
Community Room A: 1 Civic Center Circle 2nd floor, Brea

NOCLA Legislative Reception
Thursday, March 15, 2012 | 6 PM
Summit House: 2000 E. Bastanchury Road, Fullerton  
 

The Brea Chamber of Commerce is proud to be a member of the North Orange County Legislative Alliance (NOCLA ) and to host its monthly meetings at the Brea Civic Center on the first Wednesday of each month. All members of the Brea, Fullerton, La Habra, Placentia and Yorba Linda Chambers of Commerce are invited to attend these meetings. With the combined power and influence of five chambers of commerce, this coalition is the premier advocate for public policy that encourages business growth and economic expansion. We make sure the voice of business is heard.

The Brea Chamber of Commerce has been connecting business with opportunity for nearly 100 years. For more information, please call the Chamber office at (714) 529-4938.