During a recent Fairfax City Council meeting, representatives from the Marin Alliance, the oldest legal cannabis dispensary in the United States, urged the council to assist in their relocation efforts following an eviction notice from their landlord. The dispensary, which has served the community for decades, faces closure by January 1, 2025, due to the planned sale and development of their current premises.

Lynette Shaw, a representative of the Marin Alliance, emphasized the dispensary's critical role in providing medical cannabis to patients with serious health conditions, including cancer and chronic pain. She highlighted that the dispensary is not only a vital medical resource but also a significant contributor to local commerce, drawing thousands of shoppers to Fairfax each year.

Dr. Christopher Nyland, a palliative care physician, echoed Shaw's sentiments, stressing that the dispensary is irreplaceable for many patients who rely on its services for symptom management. He urged the council to grant authorization for the dispensary to relocate, noting that without it, vulnerable patients would lose access to essential care.

The representatives expressed their readiness to move forward with finding a new location within Fairfax but emphasized the need for the council's support to navigate the complex permit relocation process. They called for minor technical adjustments to their permit to facilitate a timely reopening.

The council members were urged to demonstrate compassion and support for a local business that has been a pioneer in the cannabis industry and a crucial service provider in the community for nearly three decades. The meeting underscored the importance of local governance in addressing the needs of both businesses and the health of community members.