San Francisco could have recreational pot in January
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Demonstrators march in opposition to the legalization of marijuana in San Francisco on Nov. 21. San Francisco supervisors approved regulations for the sale of recreational marijuana following weeks of emotional debate over where to allow new stores. Rules approved by the San Francisco Board of Supervisors on Tuesday call for a 600-foot buffer zone between stores and schools, comparable to the distance required for places that sell alcohol or tobacco.
SAN FRANCISCO >> Recreational weed could be on sale in San Francisco as soon as Jan. 5 if the mayor quickly signs legislation approved by the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday.
Following weeks of emotional and detailed debate over where to allow new stores, supervisors approved regulations Tuesday night favored by cannabis advocates, rejecting attempts to mandate a larger barrier between schools and pot shops. The board also rejected provisions that would have allowed neighborhoods to limit the number of weed shops or ban them outright.
Supervisors voted for a 600-foot buffer zone between stores and schools. Vocal members of the city’s Chinese immigrant community had lobbied for a much larger barrier.
The legislation requires a second vote on Tuesday by the board.
San Francisco will not be ready for sales on New Year’s Day, but city attorney spokesman John Cote says if San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee signs that same day, the legislation could go into effect at midnight Jan. 5.
