The San Francisco County government meeting held on July 4, 2025, focused on the appointment of new members to the cannabis advisory committee, highlighting the importance of consumer representation and equity in the industry.
The meeting commenced with remarks from Antoinette, who expressed support for the system and thanked the attendees for their participation. Following her, Brahm Goodwin, an applicant for seat number 16, addressed the committee. Goodwin, a long-time resident and media director of the Brownie Mary Democrats, emphasized the need for a consumer advocate on the committee. He advocated for regulatory changes to benefit medical patients and consumers, aiming to lower prices and reduce barriers that drive individuals to the unlicensed market. Goodwin also mentioned the compassion program run by his organization, which provides free cannabis to low-income medical patients, and expressed a desire to expand educational efforts to combat stigma surrounding cannabis use.
After Goodwin's presentation, the meeting opened for public comment. Nina Parks, a former chair of the committee, expressed enthusiasm for the new applicants and highlighted the need for improved communication between the committee and the supervisors. She proposed adding two seats to represent event organizers and the Human Rights Commission, particularly to support economic equity initiatives. Parks stressed the importance of diverse voices in shaping the future of the cannabis industry in San Francisco.
Another speaker, Andre Torre, a city employee, voiced his support for candidate Jakari Donaldson, praising his dedication to the local community and small businesses. Torre highlighted Donaldson's achievements, including his educational journey and contributions to business development in the city.
The meeting concluded with a call for further public input and a commitment to consider the recommendations made by the speakers. The discussions underscored the ongoing efforts to enhance representation and equity within San Francisco's cannabis sector, reflecting the city's evolving approach to cannabis regulation and community involvement.