Recreational pot sales in San Francisco set for Saturday

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. (KTVU) - Recreational pot will be available in San Francisco dispensaries on Saturday, according to officials.

The announcement came around noon on Friday after the Office of Cannabis notified the California Bureau of Cannabis Control that seven Medical Cannabis Dispensaries could begin adult-use retail sales starting Jan. 6, 2018. 

"As San Francisco implements legal adult-use cannabis, we look forward to the benefits to consumers, who will be able to know that they are buying products that are regulated and tested for quality and safety," said Director of Public Health Barbara Garcia. "We anticipate working together with retailers to ensure that consumers are given information about the safe consumption of the products, so that the transition goes smoothly and successfully for everyone."

Stores must have a temporary adult-use retailer license from the state in order to begin retail sales. The seven locations that hold the necessary license include: 

• Grass Roots, 1077 Post Street, San Francisco, CA 94109
• Harvest on Geary, 4811 Geary Boulevard, San Francisco, CA 94118
• MediThrive, 1933 Mission Street, San Francisco, CA 94103
• Shambhala, 2441 Mission Street, San Francisco, CA 94110
• ReLeaf Herbal Cooperative, 1284 Mission Street, San Francisco, CA 94103
• The Apothecarium, 2029 Market Street, San Francisco, CA 94103
• The Green Cross, 4218 Mission Street, San Francisco, CA 94112

Legislation that approved City regulations which regulate cannabis dispensaries was passed in late December by the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. The City has since received 31 submissions from dispensaries seeking adult-use authorization and they are currently going through a review process conducted by SFDPH, San Francisco Police Department and the Office of Cannabis. They're being reviewed in the order they were received. 

"The City has been working diligently and swiftly to move the cannabis industry to a regulated space so that our small businesses can be in compliance with state and local law - laws that are meant to better protect our communities and consumers," said Office of Cannabis Director Barbara Garcia. "Today marks an important transition in our endeavors, and I appreciate these retailers' commitment to being good neighbors and to creating a safer and more equitable environment in San Francisco."