3/29/05: The San Francisco Board of Supervisors voted 9-0 today in support of a moratorium on the opening of new marijuana dispensaries. After the negative press that marijuana dispensaries have gotten in the last several weeks, some people have seen this outcome as inevitable. Hemp Evolution and Indybay reporter Freeman said, "What was surprising was the large number of medical cannabis supporters who spoke in favor of the moratorium in light of the City's attempt to restrict safe access to medical cannabis, and were all too willing to accept increased regulation by the City. A handful of patients spoke out against the moratorium on the basis that it will limit access and drive patients into the black market." Report and Photo

The resolution, which was sponsored by District 5 Supervisor Ross Mirkarimi, calls for a forty-five day initial moratorium that could be extended, until permanent means can be put in place to limit the proliferation of dispensaries. The media storm around the opening of a new dispensary in the same building as a residential hotel where many recovering addicts live led to the realization that there are over 35 marijuana dispensaries in San Francisco. A Land Use Committee hearing will reportedly be held at City Hall's Room 263 on April 25th at 2 PM to address the regulation of cannabis dispensaries. Read more
Earlier in the day, Freeman reported that there was a meeting sponsored by Capt. Dennis O'Leary of the Southern Station of the SFPD. Head Narc, Capt. Tim Hettrich and old friend, Sgt. Marty Halloran [the SFPD dispensary inspector] were there. Representatives from Supervisor Daly's office, the DA's office, the City Attorney's office and the Planning Dept. were also in attendance. All present seemed to be in agreement that there are many issues dispensaries and SOMA residents need to discuss in order to improve area quality of life, while serving the needs of the many patients seeking compassion from MendoHealing and other neighborhood dispensaries. More