Rules Committee moves forward policy statement to regulate and tax cannabis cultivation; advocates push exemptions for patients

Chair David Campos called Item 6, a statement of policy introduced by Supervisor Ross Mercarini asking the Board to submit to voters a policy direction regarding regulation and taxation of cannabis cultivation and sale. Mercarini said San Francisco has led on medical cannabis regulation and that pending state initiatives focus on retail taxation, not cultivation; he urged local action to create licensing, permitting and public‑safety rules for cultivation and suggested taxation should focus on nonmedical adult use.

Public comment included presentations from patient advocates, cultivation subcommittee members and service providers. Catherine Smith (chair of the marijuana offenses lowest‑priority law advisory body) read the group’s findings supporting changes to state and federal enforcement priorities and local taxation and regulation. Speakers from Access of Love and cultivation subcommittees urged permitting, safety guidelines, and that medical patients not be taxed; multiple speakers asked that tax revenue be earmarked for human services and public health. Controller staff and supervisors discussed the importance of safety standards, permitting to address grow‑house hazards, and implementation timelines.

Supervisor Marr thanked sponsors and moved a positive recommendation; the committee took the motion without objection and will forward the policy statement to the full Board. Several public witnesses asked for a clear exemption for medicinal patients and for tax revenue to support social‑service programs.