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Rules Committee backs lift option for medical cannabis dispensaries; broader regulatory changes continued for review
Summary
Supervisors forwarded a Health Code amendment allowing platform lifts at medical cannabis dispensaries as an accessibility option and continued broader amendments on dispensary nonprofit/cooperative requirements and financial-records language to refine patient privacy protections.
The Rules Committee voted to send to the full Board an amendment to the San Francisco Health Code that would allow platform lifts as an accessibility option for medical cannabis dispensaries, and separately continued a related ordinance to refine financial-records and patient-confidentiality language.
Chair Chris Daly opened discussion of the Health Code amendment, describing the aim as preserving access for mobility-impaired patients at compact dispensary locations. The proposal would permit installation of platform lifts under the city’s minimum disability access standards for medical cannabis dispensaries when ramps or floor reconfiguration are impractical.
Charlie Pappas, speaking for Divinity Tree Wellness Cooperative, told the committee that the organization has multiple patients who use wheelchairs and that the site’s 650-square-foot footprint makes a ramp difficult. "We would still like to have the option to consider a lift," Pappas said, urging supervisors to allow lifts so existing dispensaries can remain in service.
Other witnesses and supervisors noted industry changes — lifts are now state-regulated and subject to inspection — and said allowing lifts would improve practical access in constrained storefronts. Committee members agreed to forward Item 14 as a committee report for consideration by the full Board.
Separately, the committee discussed Item 15, which would amend the Medical Cannabis Act to clarify that medical cannabis dispensaries must operate as cooperatives/collectives and as not-for-profit entities with language around reasonable compensation. Doctor Bhatia and others briefed the committee about ongoing negotiations with city attorneys to narrow the definition of "financial records" and to protect patient confidentiality in on-site membership records. A patient speaker raised concerns that patient records can have real consequences (including DMV and employment outcomes) and urged strict limits on disclosure.
Committee members agreed to continue Item 15 to allow city attorneys and stakeholders to finalize definitions and safeguards; supervisors asked that the item be calendared early on the committee’s next agenda so it can be addressed promptly when language is ready.
