Rules Committee extends Cannabis Oversight Committee sunset to 2027; ordinance made retroactive to Jan. 1, 2025

The Rules Committee of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to forward an ordinance to the full board that extends the Cannabis Oversight Committee’s sunset date from Jan. 1, 2025, to Jan. 1, 2027, and makes the ordinance retroactive to Jan. 1, 2025.

The measure, introduced at the Rules Committee meeting by President Mandelmann, would amend the Administrative Code to keep the advisory Cannabis Oversight Committee in place for an additional two years. The committee was established in 2018 to advise the board and the mayor on implementation and enforcement of local cannabis laws and regulations.

President Mandelmann, who introduced the item, described the change as “a retroactive ordinance” and said he supports extension because the committee “has played an important role in helping inform the work of the office of cannabis.” He added, “I generally am of the belief that we are probably over oversight committed in this city, but this is an oversight committee that, seems to be doing good work.”

According to Mandelmann, the committee issues recommendations on grant priorities to support equity operators, convenes city representatives and industry professionals, and weighs in on local and statewide issues as they arise. He said the committee is looking at temporary cannabis events, ways to promote effective regulation, addressing illicit-market challenges and supporting licit markets.

Mandelmann acknowledged staff assistance from Sophie Hayward of the City Administrator’s Office and Deputy City Attorney Sarah Crowley, and noted that Nikesh Patel, director of the Office of Cannabis, was present to answer questions. No members of the public spoke at the committee’s public-comment period for this item.

Chair Walton moved to send the ordinance to the full board with a recommendation. The committee recorded votes as Supervisor Dorsey — aye; Supervisor Chen — aye; Chair Walton — aye. The motion passed without objection and will be considered by the full Board of Supervisors on the agenda dated Jan. 28, 2025, unless otherwise noted.

The ordinance does not list an ordinance number in the committee record and contains no immediate budgetary appropriation in the committee discussion. The committee’s action was procedural: forwarding the ordinance with a recommendation for approval to the full board.