Commission approves conditional‑use authorization for equity cannabis retailer at 235 Clement St.

The Planning Commission approved a conditional‑use authorization for a 1,400‑square‑foot cannabis retail use at 235 Clement Street, an equity applicant presentation that drew broad public support from neighborhood merchants, veterans’ advocates and nonprofits.

Planning staff explained the site complies with zoning and the 600‑foot distance rule and recommended approval, noting the applicant is an equity program participant and that staff received dozens of letters of support from area merchants. The department recommended limiting in‑store smoking or vaporizing (Type C consumption) because of odor and rapid intoxication concerns while not restricting topical or edible products (Type A/B), which staff said allow in‑person consultations and dosing explanations to reduce overdose risk.

Applicant Jakari Donaldson described prior experience operating a California Street location and emphasized hiring, local sourcing, community giving and a compassion program that donated product to low‑income medical patients. Dozens of callers supported the proposal; speakers included veterans’ groups, merchants and civic advocates who praised the applicant’s community contributions and education programs.

Commissioners asked about the security plan and neighborhood outreach. Staff and the applicant said a robust security plan was presented in pre‑application meetings and that neighborhood concerns were minimal; commissioners moved to approve the conditional‑use authorization with conditions and the motion passed unanimously.

The approval allows the equity applicant to proceed with the conditional‑use authorization under the planning code subject to the conditions adopted by the commission.