Medical Cannabis Dispensary Program

In order to obtain a permit as a MCD (medical cannabis dispensary), there are variety of City Departments that must review the application and inspect the facility.

The Health Department will serve as the permit issuing agency and coordinate all necessary referrals to various City Departments. Referrals will be made to the following Departments for stated purposes:

What's New

Members of medical cannabis dispensaries (MCD) that make edible cannabis products distributed through an MCD are required to obtain certification as a food handler if their product is distributed at more than one MCD, or if the product requires refrigeration/freezing in order to control bacterial growth. A copy of the certificate must be available at the dispensary where the products are distributed.

February 23, 2010 - An online forum is now available for you to ask questions and discuss issues regarding medical cannabis dispensaries in San Francisco. The forum is moderated by San Francisco's Medical Cannabis Inspection Program. The website is http://www.sfdph.info

Planning

• Review of zoning and proximity to schools, community centers, and facilities providing substance abuse services.
• CEQA (Californian Environmental Quality Act) review.
• Required discretionary review or conditional use by the Planning Commission.
• Execution of public notices as required.

Fire

• Issuance of Place of Assembly Permit if more than 49 persons present.
• Review of general fire safety issues.

Building Department

• Evaluation, implementation, and approval of wheelchair accessibility in conjunction with the Mayor's Office on Disability. required of all MCD’s
• Building, plumbing, electrical, and mechanical permits as may be necessary to comply with other structural requirements of Article 33, SF Health Code.

Health Department

• Criminal background checks of all MCD (medical cannabis dispensary) applicants and managers.
• Submittal of MCD (medical cannabis dispensary) security and lighting.
• Inspect each facility and determine necessary structural and operational requirements as described in San Francisco Health Code Article 33: Medical Cannabis Act.
• Conduct public hearing on application after receiving written approval from all other City Departments.
• Issue or deny permit to operate.
• Inspect each permitted MCD twice annually and in response to complaints.