Dear Medical Cannabis Dispensaries:
We hope that you and your loved ones continue to be resilient and healthy. As of May 17, 2020, the “Shelter in Place” Order is in effect until it is extended, rescinded, superseded, or amended in writing by the Health Officer. Thank you in advance for continuing to observe the Order. The Office of Cannabis (OOC) continues to operate under reduced capacity with some staff working remotely and some staff being summoned to serve as Disaster Service Workers. For our most recent newsletter, click here; to receive ongoing updates, sign-up here.
Updates below:
Sincerely,
San Francisco Office of Cannabis
We hope that you and your loved ones continue to be resilient and healthy. As of May 17, 2020, the “Shelter in Place” Order is in effect until it is extended, rescinded, superseded, or amended in writing by the Health Officer. Thank you in advance for continuing to observe the Order. The Office of Cannabis (OOC) continues to operate under reduced capacity with some staff working remotely and some staff being summoned to serve as Disaster Service Workers. For our most recent newsletter, click here; to receive ongoing updates, sign-up here.
Updates below:
- Orders and a Directive of the Health Officer
- Order No. C19-07d (most recent Order) provides guidance to businesses broadly including Social Distancing Protocols.
- Order No. C19-08b provides cannabis-specific guidance including the encouragement of delivery.
- Directive No. 2020-06 discusses best practices for conducting deliveries such as social distancing and sanitation measures.
- Prior targeted guidance can be found here and here.
- Free COVID-19 Testing for Essential Workers
- As a reminder, essential workers serving the San Francisco community can get tested at any time and at no cost.
- Navigate here to schedule a test.
- Cannabis-Specific State Resources
- As of May 14, 2020, the three state cannabis licensing authorities announced that businesses with state commercial cannabis licenses expiring between then and the end of June 30, 2020 may request 60-day deferrals of their license fee payment. Licensees must submit a written request for regulatory relief to be considered for a license fee deferral, steps include:
- Submit a complete renewal application to the Bureau.
- Complete the Bureau Notification and Request Form (Form 27), Section A, and note the details of your specific request in the comments section.
- Email your completed Bureau Notification and Request Form to BCC@dca.ca.gov. This request must be submitted by an owner of the business, who is currently listed on the license record.
- As discussed in the OOC’s recent webinar with Treasurer Ma, the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) is offering immediate interest-free payment plans for qualifying small businesses.
- As of May 19, 2020, Governor Gavin Newsom issued Executive Order N-65-20. Of particular relevance, item #5 discusses that medical marijuana identification cards “that would otherwise have expired between March 4, 2020 and any day within 60 days from the date of this Order shall remain valid [until July 18, 2020].” Please feel free to circulate this recent development to those who may benefit from this extension.
- As of May 14, 2020, the three state cannabis licensing authorities announced that businesses with state commercial cannabis licenses expiring between then and the end of June 30, 2020 may request 60-day deferrals of their license fee payment. Licensees must submit a written request for regulatory relief to be considered for a license fee deferral, steps include:
- San Francisco Planning Department
- The Planning Department is open for business during the “Shelter in Place” Order. Most of the Planning staff are working from home and available by e-mail. Planning’s Public Portal, where you can file new applications, and the Property Information Map are available 24/7. The Planning and Historic Preservation Commissions are convening remotely and the public is encouraged to participate.
- The Planning Department recently updated their Guide to Cannabis Permitting. This is a thoughtful and informative resource which many of our Applicants will enjoy. To obtain this resource navigate here and select “General Planning Information Handout.”
Sincerely,
San Francisco Office of Cannabis