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Public testimony urges city action after closure of 350 Devisadero patients cooperative
Summary
Dozens of medical cannabis patients and advocates urged the board to shield landlords and to find a city-run community center after federal enforcement letters led to the closure of a long-running patients cooperative at 350 Devisadero.
Public comment at Tuesday's Board of Supervisors meeting focused heavily on the recent closure of the 350 Devisadero medical cannabis patients cooperative and calls for city action to preserve safe community space for patients.
Speakers described 3 50 as more than a dispensary: a community hub that provided social services, housing assistance, counseling and regular programs such as bingo and open-mic nights. Several speakers — including patient advocates, cooperative board members and ministers — asked the board to condemn federal Drug Enforcement Administration actions that targeted property owners who lease to medical cannabis providers and to consider leasing city-owned property for a patient community center.
Advocates said many medical cannabis patients are low-income, disabled or living in subsidized housing and have no private place to medicate or socialize. Several urged the board to adopt a resolution affirming San Francisco's medical-cannabis sanctuary posture and to explore creating a city-supported community center or leasing surplus property to displaced patient organizations.
—We are losing a vital resource and a safe gathering space due to the bullying of the federal government,— said a long-time patients cooperative volunteer.
Board members said they heard the testimony and some moved to adopt a resolution condemning the DEA letters; the board adopted a resolution on the matter (roll call recorded as 7 ayes and 2 noes earlier in the consent calendar vote and then later the board adopted a stand-alone resolution by roll-call after public comment). Several supervisors asked city staff about the availability of surplus property and about legal protections for landlords and nonprofit operators.
The board did not appropriate funds for a community center at the meeting; members asked staff to report back on options, legal exposure for landlords, and potential city properties that could be leased at low or no cost.
