Jim Finnel
Fallen Cannabis Warrior & Ex News Moderator
Lawmakers agreed unanimously Tuesday to stub out new shops that sell pot-smoking paraphernalia in the Haight.
The Board of Supervisors approved a three-year moratorium on new businesses that sell the smoking equipment. At least a dozen sell rolling papers and glass water and regular pipes along Haight Street, a popular destination for those nostalgic for the Summer of Love.
The ban does not affect existing shops.
Supervisor Ross Mirkarimi said the shops have a place in his district, but were crowding out other businesses that serve neighborhood needs.
Mirkarimi supports medical marijuana and has proposed The City sell and distribute pot to San Francisco dispensaries. But he said the Haight’s head shops have led to street dealing, loitering and littering.
Owners of existing shops have been supportive of the measure as a way to prevent more outlets from glutting the marketplace.
The board must vote on the legislation a second time before it moves on to the mayor for approval. That vote is scheduled next week.
Mayor Gavin Newsom will consider signing the bill, his spokesman said.
“When even the Green Party politicians are opposing head shops, you know it’s a legitimate issue,” Newsom spokesman Nathan Ballard said.
While businesses in the Haight still trade on the street’s psychedelic past, the neighborhood has more recently attracted middle-class families and young professionals drawn to its picturesque Victorian homes and relaxed atmosphere.
News Hawk: User: 420 MAGAZINE ® - Medical Marijuana Publication & Social Networking
Source: San Francisco Examiner
Copyright: 2009 San Francisco Examiner
Contact: Contact the San Francisco Examiner team | San Francisco Examiner
Website: Ban on new Haight head shops moves forward | San Francisco Examiner
The Board of Supervisors approved a three-year moratorium on new businesses that sell the smoking equipment. At least a dozen sell rolling papers and glass water and regular pipes along Haight Street, a popular destination for those nostalgic for the Summer of Love.
The ban does not affect existing shops.
Supervisor Ross Mirkarimi said the shops have a place in his district, but were crowding out other businesses that serve neighborhood needs.
Mirkarimi supports medical marijuana and has proposed The City sell and distribute pot to San Francisco dispensaries. But he said the Haight’s head shops have led to street dealing, loitering and littering.
Owners of existing shops have been supportive of the measure as a way to prevent more outlets from glutting the marketplace.
The board must vote on the legislation a second time before it moves on to the mayor for approval. That vote is scheduled next week.
Mayor Gavin Newsom will consider signing the bill, his spokesman said.
“When even the Green Party politicians are opposing head shops, you know it’s a legitimate issue,” Newsom spokesman Nathan Ballard said.
While businesses in the Haight still trade on the street’s psychedelic past, the neighborhood has more recently attracted middle-class families and young professionals drawn to its picturesque Victorian homes and relaxed atmosphere.
News Hawk: User: 420 MAGAZINE ® - Medical Marijuana Publication & Social Networking
Source: San Francisco Examiner
Copyright: 2009 San Francisco Examiner
Contact: Contact the San Francisco Examiner team | San Francisco Examiner
Website: Ban on new Haight head shops moves forward | San Francisco Examiner
