How California supports equity businesses - Department of Cannabis Control

California supports cannabis equity through efforts at both the state and local levels.

State support

Through the California Department of Cannabis Control (DCC), equity business owners can get:

Their cannabis business state license fees waived (and/or) deferred, and
Technical support with navigating the state licensing process.

California also directly supports equity business owners through Cannabis Equity Tax Credits.

Local support

California provides grant funding to local equity programs. These programs offer support to those harmed by cannabis criminalization. They provide opportunities tailored to the:

Circumstances of their community, and the
Experiences of their residents.

Local equity programs serve as hubs of innovation that:

Surface best practices, and
Show new and effective ways to provide support.

If you’re a city or county official, you may be able to apply for grant funding to run an equity program in your area. To learn more, you can:

Check the Cannabis Equity Grants Program for local jurisdictions. The Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development administers this grants program.
Review the Minority Cannabis Business Association’s Ten Model Municipal Social Equity Ordinances.

Explore cannabis equity resources

Local equity promising practices

The Department of Cannabis Control is committed to providing equity to communities harmed by cannabis criminalization. We support local communities who share these values by lifting up practices that are making a difference. Through discussions with equity licensees, we are uncovering the most effective and innovative equity policies from jurisdictions throughout the state. By talking…
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…