A new group has formed in Nevada County born out of the opposition to Measure S, the marijuana initiative that failed on last November’s ballot. The new Group called Smart Approaches to Marijuana or SAM is organized to finish the process of managing and mitigating the issues around medical marijuana according to Don Bessee who made the announcement of the new group during Public Comment before the Nevada County Board of Supervisors. Besse was a vocal opponent of Measure S and has been named a Director and Regional Manager of SAM of Nevada County. *

Listen to Don Besse

Bessee says their non-partisan committee has drawn national attention for its unique nature and results in saying NO to measure S. He says SAM-Nevada County has been asked by the National Project Sam, which was founded by Congressmen Patrick Kennedy and Kevin Sibet , to create a training tool kit for other communities to use in opposition to medical marijuana cultivation. The SAM Nevada County Board of Directors currently includes Sheriff Keith Royal, former county supervisor Fran Freedle, retired aerospace executive lee French, International Faith Based Coalition President, Bishop Ron Allen, business and community leader Jeanette Royal and Board Director Don Besse.