The ordinance allows the Office of Economic and Workforce Development to set standards for cannabis-related training programs focused on social equity and business development. It also extends the temporary operating period for medical cannabis dispensaries awaiting permit approval from 120 to between 150 and 180 days, with new requirements related to hiring practices and labor agreements.
Ordinance amending the Police Code to clarify that the Office of Economic and Workforce Development (“OEWD”) may establish standards governing the certification of cannabis-related pre-apprenticeship programs that relate to social equity training, license incubation processes, underserved community outreach programs, and business plan development training; and amending the Health Code to extend from 120 days to between 150 and 180 days the period for which the Director of the Office of Cannabis (“OOC”) may grant temporary authorization to medical cannabis dispensaries (“MCDs”) to continue operating while they wait for the OOC to process their applications for cannabis business permits (“Temporary MCD Authorization”), and to add as prerequisites to Temporary MCD Authorization: that the MCD has not been found to have violated health and safety standards developed by the Director to protect the health and safety of employees, neighbors, and customers; that OEWD has not made a determination, or has determined that the MCD ensures that 35% of its new hires shall be registered apprentices enrolled in an approved apprenticeship program if feasible; and for any MCD with ten or more employees, that OEWD has not made a determination, or has determined that the MCD has entered into or made good faith efforts to enter into a Labor Peace Agreement or a collective bargaining agreement with a Bona Fide Labor Organization.
How it got here
This legislation originated from the need to clarify the standards for cannabis-related pre-apprenticeship programs and to extend the temporary authorization period for medical cannabis dispensaries in San Francisco.
Supervisor Safaí introduced the ordinance to amend the Police and Health Codes regarding cannabis businesses.
The ordinance was referred to the Office of Economic and Workforce Development and the Office of Cannabis for review and comment.
The committee recommended the ordinance for passage after review.
The Board amended the ordinance and passed it on the first reading.
The Board of Supervisors finally passed the ordinance.
The Mayor approved the ordinance, finalizing its enactment.
Reconstructed from attached documents & the official record