California Localities Prepare for Marijuana Legalization

The first decisive step toward the liberalized atmosphere for cannabis across much of the country was quite arguably San Francisco’s Proposition P of 1991—the popular initiative that protected medical marijuana use in the city. So, it’s heartwarming that the City by the Bay has just established an Office of Cannabis to oversee legal sales. 

Mayor Ed Lee‘s budget proposal includes $700,000 to fund the Office of Cannabis, local KGO reported on Tuesday. The office will be charged with overseeing the permitting process for retail sales of recreational cannabis—which becomes legal statewide in January, pursuant to last year’s Proposition 64.

San Francisco currently has 46 medical marijuana dispensaries, but city leaders expect aspiring dispensary operators to jump into the recreational market with the new year.

Up the coast, similar news is reported from Sonoma County, which has just established a Cannabis Advisory Group.

The local Santa Rosa Press Democrat reports that the board is made up of 20 residents representing cannabis business interests, real estate, schools and rural communities. They were appointed by the county Board of Supervisors from among more than 100 who applied. Members will serve two-year terms and help the county shape its approach to governing cultivation, manufacturing and other potential businesses, from packaging to delivery.