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 to business owners affected by the War on Drugs and asking them what policies have helped them start or grow their business, we are gathering information about what all of us can do to advance our shared commitment to equity.
These promising practices will help local jurisdictions develop equity resources that fit the needs of their local cannabis businesses. These stories will also serve business owners looking for equity programs and can be used by regulators looking for ideas on how to achieve equity goals.
Examples from local jurisdictions
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Promising Practice: Equity-exclusive Licensing
Rabin Woods and Chasom Brown are partners at Cannabis House, a retail storefront in Los Angeles. They are using their unique backgrounds operations, finance, and civic engagement to create a space that supports their community and helps uplift other cannabis business entrepreneurs.…
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Promising Practice: Direct Grants
Reese Benton, owner of Posh Green Cannabis Boutique, worked with the City of San Francisco Office of Cannabis’ equity program to obtain a license and open her boutique. Benton has turned Posh Green Cannabis Boutique into a hub for knowledge and products…
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Promising Practice: No-interest Revolving Loans
Maisha Bahati is the CEO of Crystal Nugs, the first Black and woman owned non-storefront delivery business in Sacramento. She was one of the first equity applicants in Sacramento’s Cannabis Opportunity Reinvestment and Equity (CORE) Program and is in the process of…
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Promising Practice: Technical Assistance
Carrie Broadus, owner of Pot Luck Enterprises, took advantage of Los Angeles’ technical assistance program to learn about the local permitting process and form a locally verified equity business. Broadus uses this knowledge to advocate for cannabis equity in her community. Owner…
