Funding advances economic justice for communities disproportionately impacted by cannabis prohibition
Sacramento, CA – The Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz), in partnership with the Bureau of Cannabis Control, today announced $15 million in grant funding through the Cannabis Equity Grants Program for Local Jurisdictions. This program seeks to advance economic justice for populations and communities disproportionately affected by cannabis prohibition by providing funding to local jurisdictions that are committed to promoting equity in the legal cannabis marketplace and eliminating barriers to entering the regulated cannabis industry.
“Cannabis prohibition and criminalization has had devastating impacts on generations of Californians,” said Nicole Elliott, senior advisor on cannabis to Governor Newsom. “As we work to safely reopen our economy, leading with equity across all sectors will ensure a just recovery and further our commitment to create a truly diverse legal industry. These efforts stand as a testament to our values as a state, and I applaud the work being done by these jurisdictions as they thoughtfully embrace this challenge.”
Individuals convicted of a cannabis offense and their families suffer the long-term consequences of prohibition and criminalization. These individuals have a more difficult time entering the adult-use cannabis industry due, in part, to a lack of access to capital, business space, technical support, and regulatory compliance assistance. Jurisdictions will use this funding to develop their cannabis equity programs and assist their equity program applicants and licensees by providing low/no-interest loans or grants, reduced licensing fees or waived fees, and technical assistance, including one-on-one consulting and training and navigation assistance with cannabis licensing and regulatory requirements.
“The California Cannabis Equity Grant that I received from the City of Oakland was one of the best things to happen to my company. I was able to hire drivers and sales representative,” said Jessie Grundy, CEO of Green Peakz. “California investing in Californians is key to equity work. Thank you to the team at GO-Biz for doing more than just helping us get licenses, but also investing in equity companies being successful.”
At least $11.5 million of the funding, in the form of low/no-interest loans or grants, will be directly allocated to cannabis equity applicants and licensees specifically identified by local jurisdictions as being linked to populations or communities that were negatively or disproportionately impacted by cannabis prohibition and criminalization.
Local Jurisdiction Funding for Cannabis Equity Applicants/Licensees
City of Oakland $2,434,712.51
City and County of San Francisco $2,055,841.43
City of Los Angeles $2,030,997.42
City of Sacramento $1,813,612.38
City of Long Beach $1,267,044.26
City of Fresno $1,204,934.25
County of Humboldt $1,055,870.22
County of Lake $888,173.18
City of Palm Springs $869,540.18
County of Mendocino $832,274.17
Total $14,453,000
Local Jurisdiction Funding for Cannabis Equity Assessment/Program Development
County of San Diego $75,000
County of Sonoma $75,000
County of Trinity $75,000
City of Escondido $75,000
City of Isleton $22,000
City of Modesto $75,000
City of Richmond $75,000
City of San Diego $75,000
Total $547,000
The grant awards announced today build upon the $40 million in cannabis equity funding awarded by the State of California. To learn more about the program, click here.
About BCC
To subscribe to email alerts to hear about updates as they become available, please visit the Bureau’s website. For information on all three state licensing authorities, please visit the state’s California Cannabis Portal. Follow the Bureau on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for daily news and updates. Those looking to get in touch with the Bureau of Cannabis Control may contact us directly through email.
About GO-Biz
The Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) serves as the State of California’s leader for job growth and economic development efforts. GO-Biz offers a range of services to business owners including: attraction, retention and expansion services, site selection, permit streamlining, clearing of regulatory hurdles, small business assistance, international trade development, assistance with state government, and much more. For more information visit the GO-Biz website.
Kaitlin Lewis
Assistant Deputy Director of Communications
Email Kaitlin, HERE
Phone: (916) 204-2107