Planning Commission approves two long‑running medical cannabis collectives after neighborhood testimony

The Planning Commission on July 26 approved mandatory discretionary reviews allowing two existing medical cannabis dispensaries to continue operating at 1884 Market Street and 669 O'Farrell Street.

1884 Market Street (Market Street Cooperative) was pulled from the consent calendar after a neighbor complained about odor and delivery activity. Tate Swindell, a Market Street Cooperative representative, told commissioners the cooperative has operated at its location for nearly nine years with neighborhood support and no law‑enforcement problems. Aaron Holmberg, a nearby resident, said fumes from product storage and doors left open made his apartment “nauseous” and “the smell is really obnoxious.” Commissioners confirmed the condition that neither location will permit on‑site smoking. After discussion, the commission approved the 1884 Market application.

For 669 O’Farrell Street (Sanctuary), project sponsor Michael Welch described a long history of community service, including compassion programs for veterans and people living with HIV and cancer, and said the site had gathered more than 150 letters of support. Planning staff reported one recent phone call expressing concern about overconcentration in the Tenderloin but no formal opposition in the record. Commissioners voted to approve the 669 O’Farrell application unanimously, again reiterating the no on‑site smoking condition.

Both approvals were taken after staff recommended that the dispensaries be allowed to continue operating as proposed and after commissioners confirmed operational conditions.