NO MEDICAL CANNABIS AT FISHERMAN'S WHARF

SAN FRANCISCO -- Marijuana cannot be sold alongside the cracked crab
and souvenirs of Fisherman's Wharf, the San Francisco Planning
Commission decided late Thursday.

On a vote of 4 to 2, the commission denied the Green Cross, one of
scores of cannabis clubs authorized to dispense medical marijuana to
patients who have a doctor's prescription, a permit for a storefront
near the wharf, a popular tourist destination.

The owners of the Green Cross said they would appeal, despite strong
opposition to their proposal from merchants of Fisherman's Wharf and
neighborhood residents.

Dwight S. Alexander, the commission's president, said tourism had
been an issue in the voting, but not the only issue. "It wasn't an
appropriate location," Mr. Alexander said. "There are several youth
facilities nearby."

Another commissioner, Michael J. Antonini, said he had voted against
a permit because "the neighborhood was adamantly opposed to the
dispensary" while supporters were "attempting to locate a club where
none of the users live."