San Francisco supervisor Ahsha Safaiwho is also the 2024 mayoral candidate proposed a ban on new marijuana dispensaries in the city.
Citing safety concerns and an unregulated market, Safaí’s controversial move has sparked heated debate in the city.
According to The SF Standard, the city’s cannabis landscape has received both praise and scrutiny since recreational use was legalized in 2016. However, Safaí says it is time to reassess the situation.
Noting the abundance of existing cannabis retail outlets, Safaí expressed concern at the alarming rise in burglaries and public safety issues.
“To be clear, we have no shortage of cannabis retail outlets and many suffer from brazen burglaries, public safety concerns and an unregulated market lacking proper enforcement.”
His proposal puts a temporary moratorium on new applications for pharmacies and asks City Hall to prioritize processing existing applications for equity.
San Francisco already has about 30 dispensaries and 30 medical cannabis stores.
Critics argue that the proposed ban could hamper industry growth and stifle competition.
According to manager Rafael Mandelman“Cannabis companies create good jobs for San Francisco residents and provide safe, regulated products to their customers.”
The first hearing of the proposal is on May 25 before the Public Safety and Neighborhood Services Committee, leaving the future of cannabis expansion in the city uncertain.
Photo: Courtesy of Tim Foster on Unsplash
