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:

Proposed DRAFT MCD Regulations, 2009

A public hearing regarding these proposed regulations is tentatively scheduled for January, 2010.

Please send any comments to:

San Francisco Dept. of Public Health
1390 Market St suite 210
San Francisco, CA 94102
attn: Larry Kessler

fax: 415-252-3910
email larry.kessler@sfdph.org

• Director’s Rules and Regulations San Francisco Medical Cannabis Dispensary (MCD) Inspection Program
• MCD Regulations for Home Preparation of Edible Cannabis Products

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.