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 remains relevant for those interested in entering the cannabis industry, however, the businesses interviewed, may or may not be in operation.
Cannabis Conversations – Discussions with Oakland Equity Operators
Feb 28, 2023
In this installment, we celebrate the wisdom of equity cannabis retailers Rickey McCullough and Cynthia Carey-Grant, who sat down for an interview with DCC Equity and Inclusion Deputy Director, Eugene Hillsman.
Feb 23, 2023
In this episode, Rickey McCullough, owner of Root’d in the 510 and Cynthia Carey-Grant, owner of Rose Mary Jane talk with DCC staff about their hopes for the future of the cannabis industry.
Feb 22, 2023
In this episode, DCC staff talk to Rickey McCullough, owner of Root’d in the 510, and Cynthia Carey-Grant, owner of Rose Mary Jane about what it means to be an equity cannabis retailer, what their hopes are for the future, and what they want consumers to know.
June 20, 2022
DCC Deputy Director of Equity and Inclusion, Eugene Hillsman, sits down with Black, female entrepreneurs Amber Senter and Alicia Holcombe to discuss the necessity of equity programs and what’s needed to make the programs more effective.
Promising practices for local equity grant programs
Through discussions with equity licensees, we are uncovering the most effective and innovative equity policies from jurisdictions throughout the state. This list of promising practices will help local jurisdictions develop equity resources that fit the needs of their local cannabis businesses.
These promising practices also serve business owners looking for equity programs and can be used by regulators looking for ideas on how to achieve equity goals. We’re happy to share these stories as we work together to continue supporting local efforts.
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.
Contact us
Email questions to info@cannabis.ca.gov or call 1-844-61-CA-DCC.
Related 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…
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…
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…
