Apply for equity fee relief

DCC’s equity fee relief program provides fee waivers (if funding is available) and fee deferrals.  If you were negatively affected by the criminalization of cannabis, you can apply to have your license fee waived or deferred. If you are a verified local equity program participant, you can show you meet DCC’s equity criteria using Equity Fee Relief Request Form to submit an attestation.  

If you are not a verified local equity program participant, you must submit documents to show your eligibility for fee relief.  Check if you’re eligible for equity before applying. before applying. 

To apply for equity fee relief, gather the information necessary to establish eligibility, complete the equity feel relief request form and follow the steps below to submit your application. You will receive a notification and approval letter from DCC’s Equity team if approved.  Equity eligibility is valid for 12 months, and licensees must reapply each year for eligibility. 

Proof of eligibility

New applicants

1. Start your online license application
   The Department of Cannabis Control has two licensing systems. Use the one that corresponds to the license type you’re applying for.
2. Apply for equity fee relief
   When you submit your application, select Yes that you are interested in applying for equity fee relief.
3. Upload the completed request form
   Complete the Equity Fee Relief Request Form to provide information about the business’s equity owners and upload it to your online application.
4. Submit your application

Renewal applicants

1. Complete the request form
   Complete the Equity Fee Relief Request Form to provide information about the business’s equity owners.
2. Gather your tax documentation
   Gather your tax documentation to verify your gross revenue is under $5 million.
3. Email the completed request form(s) and tax documentation to the DCC
   Send your completed equity fee relief request form and tax documentation to equity@cannabis.ca.gov within 60 days of your license expiration date.

Equity fee relief FAQ

For additional information about DCC’s equity fee relief program review the FAQs. 

Contact us

Email info@cannabis.ca.gov if you have questions about the equity fee relief program.

Related content

Apply for fee relief

DCC’s equity fee relief program provides fee waivers (if funding is available) and fee deferrals.  

Equity fee relief – Department of Cannabis Control

If you were negatively affected by the criminalization of cannabis, you can apply to have your license fee waived or deferred.