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.
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 expanding her business with a retail storefront.
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. As an advocate for cannabis equity, Benton has turned Posh Green Cannabis Boutique into a hub for knowledge and products from other equity businesses.
Promising Practice: Technical Assistance
Carrie Broadus, owner of Pot Luck Enterprises, took advantage of Los Angeles’ technical assistance program to learn how to navigate the local permitting process and form a locally verified equity business. Broadus now uses the knowledge gained from the technical assistance program to advocate for cannabis equity in her community.
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.
