[In the News] San Francisco Board Levels Playing Field for Dispensaries

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On August 8, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors approved changesto medical cannabis dispensary regulations that were passed unanimouslylast November. The regulations originally called for dispensaries inresidential areas to shut down, but the revisions will allow the threedispensaries affected by the original legislation to stay open for atleast one year so they can apply to the city's planning and healthdepartments for permits, as well as look for new locations in areaszoned for either commercial or industrial use.Â* This amendment createsa level playing field for all operating medical cannabis dispensariesopened prior to the moratorium and implementation of theÂ*Medical Cannabis Act.
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In addition to outlawing dispensaries in residential areas, theregulations restrict dispensaries from operating within 1,000 feet ofschools, and require them all to apply to the city for permits.Supervisor Ross Mirkarimi proposed the new amendments, in addition tocrafting the initial regulations. The Medical Cannabis Act of lastNovember, and theÂ*preceding moratorium on new dispensaries, werecrafted in response to a spike in new medical cannabis dispensariesopening in San Francisco.
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Staff with Drug Policy Alliance Network, the lobbying arm of DPA,testified before the board in support of the changes following theirinvolvement in drafting the Medical Cannabis Act.Â* The deputy directorof DPA's San Francisco office, Camilla Field, said in response to thevote, "The Medical Cannabis Act represents uncharted legislativeterritory for Californians. We are encouraged that San Francisco'sBoard of Supervisors remains committed to reviewing and improving thoseregulations as needed, as implementation moves forward. While someneighborhood groups were disappointed with Tuesday's outcome, it shouldbe noted that to date, only four MCDs [medical cannabis dispensaries]have sought a permit due to the considerable financial burden and otherhurdles the permitting process presents. It will be interesting to seehow many MCDs still exist come June 2007, and how our government willrespond if supply falls short of demand for our 8,000 patients."
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