California’s cannabis equity efforts support people and communities harmed by cannabis criminalization. These efforts lower barriers to the cannabis industry for those hit hardest by the War on Drugs.
Effects of cannabis criminalization
Cannabis prohibition had a devastating impact on Californians and people across the country. The long-term consequences of cannabis criminalization continue to impact:
- People convicted of a cannabis offense
- Their families
- The communities in which they live
Challenges to entering the legal cannabis market
Cannabis business owners face many challenges to getting started, such as:
- Getting access to capital
- Understanding complex regulatory requirements
- Finding locations where cannabis businesses can operate
- Developing business relationships
- Accessing technical support
It can be even harder to get started for people harmed by cannabis criminalization
“Considering our people have never been allowed to partake in the economic upside of industries such as cotton, alcohol, and tobacco, there is certainly a genuine pride that comes with being the first Black-woman-owned social equity dispensary in Los Angeles.”
– Kika Keith, Gorilla Rx gorillarxwellness.com
Explore cannabis equity resources
Promising practices for equity entrepreneurs and local jurisdictions
The DCC is committed to promoting equity for communities harmed by cannabis criminalization. We support local communities who share these values by lifting practices that are making a difference. By talking to business owners affected by the War on Drugs and asking them what policies have helped them start or grow their business, we are…
Discussions with equity entrepreneurs
California’s cannabis equity efforts support people and communities harmed by cannabis criminalization. These efforts lower barriers to the cannabis industry for those hit hardest by the War on Drugs. Listen to equity entrepreneurs talk about the investments California has made toward creating equity in the cannabis industry. Please note that the information on this website…
California’s state and local jurisdiction equity programs
California supports cannabis equity at both the state and local levels through the development of DCC equity fee relief programs, CDTFA and FTB equity tax credit programs, and GO-Biz grants to local jurisdictions for the development and implementation of local equity programs. You may qualify for equity support if you are a cannabis business owner…
How consumers can support equity businesses
Consumers can also play a role in supporting cannabis equity entrepreneurs by:
- Buying products made by equity brands,
- Asking retailers how they support equity businesses,
- Asking local policymakers how they support equity businesses, and
- Donating to organizations working to support cannabis equity.
Consumers can find licensed equity retailers in their area, by using the search tool found on the REAL CA Campaign website. Simply enter your zip code, or city name into the search field to view the licensed retailers in your area. Equity retailers are labeled [Equity Retailer].
Contact us
Email questions to info@cannabis.ca.gov or call 1-844-61-CA-DCC.
