Rules Committee backs adding physician and cultivation seats to Medical Cannabis Task Force

The Rules Committee on Oct. 21 recommended an ordinance amending the San Francisco Administrative Code to change the membership and duties of the San Francisco Medical Cannabis Task Force, including an expansion from 13 to 15 seats. Chair David Campos said the amendments respond to the task force’s advice and would help fill gaps in expertise.

Supervisor Alioto‑Pier and others asked why two additional seats were needed. Committee staff explained the two seats were proposed specifically to add expertise: one seat for a person with a background providing medical cannabis to permitted medical cannabis dispensaries, and an additional seat for a licensed or accredited health‑care practitioner practicing in the city with familiarity with medical cannabis laws and regulations.

Patient advocates, cultivators and dispensary operators testified in favor of the changes during public comment. Cultivators urged creation of an additional cultivation seat to represent commercial cultivators not currently represented by dispensary operators or small non‑permitted collectives. Several speakers also urged a fifteenth seat for a physician to provide clinical expertise for policy recommendations.

Supervisor Mark moved the committee recommendation to advance the ordinance; the motion was taken without objection and the item was recommended to the full Board. Chair Campos noted further legislative changes remain possible during the Board process.

The amendment also includes a provision to allow the task force to advise the Board in the event California’s Proposition 19 is approved by voters, per the sponsor’s explanation to the committee.