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U.S. Attorney forces closure of venerable SF pot clubs
KTVU.com Tuesday 31 Jul 2012 Two of San Francisco's longest-operating cannabis clubs closed their doors for the last time Tuesday after their respective landlords were threatened with possible jail time. Both HopeNet, a medical marijuana dispensary on 9th Street in the South of Market neighborhood, and longtime lower Haight Street institution the Vapor Room have been shut down for good. At HopeNet Tuesday afternoon, there were hugs, tears and last-minute medical marijuana sales. After ten years in business, HopeNet was forced to close after their landlord was warned in writing by U.S. Attorney Melinda Haag to get rid of the pot club or face possible prison time. "I see a lot of people who need help. And we were giving them that help," said HopeNet director Cathy Smith. "And we are not going to be there anymore." The landlord at the Vapor Room received a similar notice. Eight San Francisco dispensaries have now closed in less than a year along with the two largest medical pot facilities in Oakland. "Yes, there are still a few more dispensaries left in SF. But we are all wondering when is this going to stop," said medical marijuana advocate Steph Sherer. U.S. Attorney Haag issued a statement saying she has received complaints "from people who are deeply troubled by the tremendous growth of the marijuana industry and its inluence on their communities." She said she is targeting dispensaries near schools, parks and playgrounds. HopeNet is a block from a school. In addition to medical cannabis, patients at HopeNet and the Vapor Room could also could receive free counseling. "It's devastating that our right to take care of ourselves is being taken away. Because it is a gentle way to heal yourself," said San Francisco resident Craig Kirsten. Medical marijuana advocates are planning a protest march to the federal building Wednesday in the form of a funeral procession. http://www.ktvu.com/news/news/crime-law/us-attorney-forces-closure-venerable-sf-pot-clubs/nP7wH/
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