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Two new dispensaries to open in Oakland |
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In two long awaited announcements, the City of Oakland recently
released the names of its final choices to receive medical cannabis
dispensary licenses.
Keith Stephenson won approval for his proposal for a facility at
415 Fourth St, downtown between Broadway and Franklin. Stephen DeAngelo
and David Wedding Dress were approved for a dispensary at 1840
Embarcadero, on the waterfront at the 16th Avenue exit on the 880
freeway.
The decision ends several months of suspense and speculation that
began when the City declined to renew licenses for two of its legally
mandated four dispensaries, citing building code violations and other
irregularities. The City Manager’s office then launched a new, more
rigorous application process for would-be replacement dispensary
operators.
This included criminal background checks; proof of adequate
capitalization; staffing, security and business plans; a location that
met strict zoning requirements; a legal test; and an interview with the
City Manager. Despite these demanding requirements, 11 applicants
participated in the highly competitive procedure.
Stephenson is Oakland’s first African-American licensed dispensary
operator. In his public hearing he stressed his deep ties to the local
community, and his willingness to fully and faithfully comply with all
City regulations. Stephenson also stressed the insights gained through
his own experiences as a medical cannabis patient, referring to himself
as the “primary patient” rather than CEO.
DeAngelo and Wedding Dress offer the Harborside Health Center, a
state-of-the-art, 6500 sq. ft. facility, with easy freeway access,
parking for fifty cars, and a holistic health care clinic. Both
DeAngelo and Wedding Dress have long backgrounds in the activist
community, as well as extensive business experience.
They promise a not-for-profit, community-service oriented
dispensary that will provide superb customer service in unparalleled
surroundings. |
Volume Two 
