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.
- California Department of Tax and Fee Administration Cannabis Tax Guides
- Franchise Tax Board Tax Program
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
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…
DCC Equity Action Plan
For over 50 years, federal and state governments have pursued and enforced the failed War on Drugs that has disproportionately impacted communities of color. How we address the challenges created by these policies matter. In California, at both local and state level, regulation of medicinal and adult-use cannabis has often considered how past, current, and…
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.
How California supports equity businesses
California supports cannabis equity through efforts at both the state and local levels. Find out about state and local support options.
