San Francisco approves first public event cannabis permit

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Outside Lands is going to be the first event in the city to offer legal cannabis sales

California marks another milestone in the advancement of marijuana as socially acceptable. San Francisco has approved, for the first time, cannabis sales and consumption at a public event. Outside Lands, a music festival that kicks off tomorrow, will be able to see full participation by certain cannabis companies.  It’s a huge coup for cannabis, given that the venue is tobacco-free.

The Office of Cannabis approved the permit yesterday afternoon, a day after the department had established the permitting process. Consumption and sales of cannabis will be restricted to a certain area of the event, Grass Lands, and will only be permitted by those 21 years old or older.

In order to allow the presence of cannabis, a waiver had to be received. Outside Lands is held at Golden Gate Park doesn’t allow tobacco to be smoked in the park and, according to state law, cannabis is not allowed to be smoked where cigarettes aren’t allowed. The waiver was granted on August 1 when the Department of Public Health approved the Grass Lands area to be used for cannabis consumption.

The waiver only covers cannabis – tobacco is still prohibited. The waiver specifically states this, indicating, “Any Person found engaging in the sale or consumption of alcohol or sale of tobacco products within the cannabis goods sales and consumption area of the Event will be immediately removed from the premise.”

Marisa Rodriguez, the director of the Office of Cannabis, states, “Permitting Grass Lands as the inaugural event is the first step in creating a safe cannabis event space for those aged 21 years and older.  Attendees will be able to purchase and consume lab-tested products away from the rest of the venue’s attendees. We’re excited to finalize the temporary cannabis event rulemaking – in collaboration with our City partners – and in support of the Temporary Cannabis Events Pilot Program.”