Press Release

January 13, 2006
Eileen Shields, Public Information Officer, 415/554-2507

Public to Hear New “Pot Club” Requirements

San Francisco, CA—The San Francisco Department of Public Health, along with staff from City Planning, Department of Building Inspection and the City Attorney’s Office, has scheduled a public meeting on Wednesday, January 18 from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. at 101 Grove St., Room 300 to introduce and explain the various regulations associated with the City’s new Medical Cannabis Dispensary Program and to assist applicants in understanding the various forms and procedures associated with the application process.

In November 2005, the Board of Supervisors amended the City’s Planning Code to set medical cannabis guidelines and identify zoning and permit requirements for new and existing dispensaries. The Department of Public Health has been designated as the lead agency in issuing permits. Other City agencies that will have a role in the new permitting process are City Planning, Building Inspection, the San Francisco Fire Department and the San Francisco Police Department.

Among the many new requirements, the ordinance prohibits dispensaries from locating within certain zoning districts and near schools, community centers and facilities providing substance abuse services. If cannabis smoking is permitted on premise, dispensaries will have to provide adequate ventilation. Furthermore, the selling or distributing of alcohol is prohibited.

Following are some of the key guidelines under the new permitting provisions:

• the Planning Department will send out notifications to individuals and properties within 300 feet of a proposed dispensary;
• the Police Department will run criminal background checks of applicants and mangers; and,
• the Fire Department will review general fire safety issues.

Each location will have to adhere to Title 24, Disabled Access Requirements, and pass all plumbing, electrical and mechanical inspections.

In order to continue doing business in San Francisco, any medical cannabis club that was operating as of April 1, 2005 will have to obtain a permit by April 1, 2007.

For more information, go to http://www.sfdph.org/eh/Cannabis.htm .