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Committee advances pilot to permit regulated cannabis sales and consumption at temporary events, adds amendment on waivers
Summary
Supervisors advanced an ordinance to create a cannabis events permit under AB 2020 and added an amendment allowing permitting agencies to temporarily waive municipal prohibitions (parks/health codes) for permitted events; the measure is being treated as a pilot with equity-focused waivers and enforcement coordination among city departments.
The Finance Committee advanced legislation to allow regulated cannabis sales and — in limited, permitted circumstances — consumption at temporary events in San Francisco.
Supervisor Rafael Mandelmann, sponsor of the ordinance, framed the package as local implementation of AB 2020 and said the proposal would create a cannabis events permit to bring previously unregulated activity into a regulated framework that prioritizes public safety and equity applicants. "This ordinance creates a process for the Office of Cannabis to permit regulated events that support local small businesses and our local economy," Mandelmann said.
Eugene Hillsman, acting director of the Office of Cannabis, described the measure as a pilot limited to a known population of events, with the Office of Cannabis coordinating with the San Francisco Police Department, the Department of Public Health and Recreation and Park for permitting conditions, security plans and public‑safety measures. Hillsman said the office can revoke permits and will post regulations for public comment as they are drafted.
Public commenters included event organizers, equity applicants and community groups who generally supported permitting as a way to create safe, legal consumption spaces and new revenue for nonprofits. Fernando Alvarez (VaporTant Lounges) and Connor Johnston (equity retailer) described barriers to normalizing consumption under current rules; several speakers emphasized equity priorities and local business opportunities.
Supervisor Mandelmann offered an amendment — developed with Recreation and Park and DPH — to allow permitting agencies to temporarily waive municipal restrictions (for example, park smoking prohibitions) in connection with a permitted event. The committee discussed enforcement roles: the Office of Cannabis would impose permit conditions and could stop sales, while criminal activity remains under the Police Department’s authority. Supervisors asked for a report back and recommended further coordination; committee members agreed to continue and refer technical items to a March subcommittee meeting for further review.
The committee treated the ordinance as a pilot program and asked staff to return with an evaluation plan and report back on enforcement, security and program outcomes.
