Despite being legal for eight months, San Francisco doesn’t appear to be any more centered around weed than prior to the state’s official legalization. That’s likely due to new regulations throwing a proverbial wrench in operations for those growing and selling weed, but also because some city policymakers are showing their true colors—which are not as, err, green as one might have thought. In fact, some city leaders seem to be more strict on the topic of weed as of late.
SF Bans Dispensaries in Chinatown
On Tuesday, San Francisco’s Board of Supervisors voted 8–3 to ban dispensaries in the Chinatown district. Those not in favor of the ordinance vehemently opposed it, according to San Francisco Chronicle. Board President Malia Cohen reportedly said she was “appalled to even be sitting here with this legislation.” Those in favor said the legislation would prevent gentrification from occurring in San Francisco’s Chinatown. Members of the Chinese-American community argued, according to the report, that cultural aversion to marijuana was also a contributing factor. Mayor London Breed co-sponsored the ban.
The Market for “Dope Dope” Grows
Now that weed is officially legal in the state of California, smokers can get a little snobbier with their marijuana selection. And, according to a report in the SF Examiner, the need for “dope dope”—as in ethically-farmed marijuana—is growing. On January 1, 2021, a state-established program to designate weed as “organic” will go into effect, but those in the industry can start applying sustainable practices now, the SF Examiner says. “San Franciscans should show our support by creating the same demand we’ve sparked for other more sustainable and ethical products, like strawberries, meat and coffee.”
“Grass Lands” Won’t Actually Sell Weed
Perhaps the biggest bummer in weed news this week is that the much-anticipated Grasslands at Outside Lands won’t sell weed. Say what? Then what’s the point? According to Time Out, Grass Lands is “a cannabis-themed land dedicated to weed education” but“no cannabis or cannabis products will actually be available for purchase or consumption onsite at the festival (though there will be a delivery service available for post-fest activities).”
