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Planning Commission approves Hemp Center at 4811 Geary with DBI follow‑up on ventilation
Summary
The commission approved legalization of the Hemp Center medical cannabis dispensary at 4811 Geary Boulevard but debated on‑site smoking; the approval includes direction to coordinate Department of Building Inspection review of ventilation/exhaust systems.
The Planning Department presented a staff recommendation to legalize the existing medical cannabis dispensary known as the Hemp Center (HEM Center) at 4811 Geary Boulevard. Aaron Starr summarized that the facility occupies a single‑story commercial building, grows cannabis on‑site, and currently operates with hours and practices described in the staff packet.
Commissioners expressed concern about geographic concentration of dispensaries citywide and specifically about on‑site smoking. Commissioner Antonini said he was uncomfortable allowing on‑site smoking citing public‑safety concerns about patients driving afterward. The owner, Kathleen Capetti, said the Hemp Center opened in 1999 at another location and moved to Geary in 2002, that the clinic operates under a city permit, pays taxes, and has installed HEPA filters and inline fan/charcoal filter ventilation to mitigate odor and air discharge. An employee, Sasha Minsky, said on‑site consumption helps prevent patients from smoking in cars or on sidewalks and argued the facility provides a safer place to medicate and rest.
After discussion the commission voted to approve the project while also directing DBI to review the ventilation and for staff to include a discretionary‑review condition related to ventilation and neighborhood impacts. The vote was recorded with several commissioners in favor and two opposed to on‑site smoking; conditions require review and documentation of ventilation measures.
Ending: Approval allows the Hemp Center to remain and operate under the conditions recorded; staff and DBI will follow up on ventilation and any mechanical permits required.
