|
SF dispensaries win an extension, face problems |
|
|
|
|
Written by Justin Baker
|
San Francisco's system of cannabis outlets got an extension into mid-2007 to reorganize under new regulations that make many relocations both mandatory and extremely difficult to achieve. In the arrangement agreed upon by the City Aug. 8, more than 30 existing dispensaries have been allowed to operate, as well as delivery services.
{quotes right}A last minute change allows collectives in the permitting process to request a provisional permit{/quotes} but they cannot operate until they receive a Certificate of Final Completion and Occupancy, which means in June or July of 2007 collectives without a permit will have to cease operations per Health Code Sec. 3303 and 3307(d).
A wake-up call rattled the complacency of many dispensary operators when a dispensary had attempted to move to a neighborhood near Fishermen's Wharf. Green Cross found a location, got all the permits, met all the requirements, invested in improving the premises, got the endorsement of the Planning Commission staff and announced their new location - only to be met with hostile media coverage and NIMBY neighbors who attacked in the media, filled the chambers and torpedoed their permit when the Commission met to vote on it July 13. Despite its full compliance, its permit was rejected 4-2.
A major public relations problem looms for dispensaries to demonstrate how they improve their neighborhoods.
|
Volume Two 
