The proposal would also eliminate buffer requirements that now prohibit dispensaries within 1,000 feet of parks, churches, playgrounds and libraries. Buffers would remain for schools, childcare facilities and other buildings that serve predominantly minors.

Officials say the expansion is needed to ensure the success of the city’s new cannabis equity program, which aims to help people adversely affected by the war on drugs break into the industry.

Because 30 of the city’s 38 dispensary permits have already been awarded, opportunities for those in the equity program will be scarce unless the city raises the current cap on dispensaries, officials said.

There are several eligibility criteria, but the primary requirement is that a person must have been convicted of a cannabis crime, or had a family member convicted of one, after 1993. [Read More @ The San Diego Union Tribune]