Resources & Updates

How California supports cannabis equity businesses

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

Help for equity business owners

You may qualify for equity support if you:

• Are a cannabis business owner, and

• Were harmed by cannabis criminalization.

State license fee waivers and deferrals

If you’re an equity business owner, you may not have to pay state licensing fees. Learn more about equity fee relief for cannabis businesses by visiting https://cannabis.ca.gov/applicants/apply-for-equity-fee-relief/. Find out if you qualify to get your license fee waived or deferred.

Technical support with the licensing process

If you’re an equity business owner and need help getting your state license, email equity@cannabis.ca.gov.

If you need support with getting your local cannabis permit, contact your city or county for help. 

Local equity programs

If you’re an equity business owner, you may be able to get help through your local equity program. This may include:

• Priority application processing

• Access to business partnerships

• Interagency advocacy

• Reduced or waived local fees

• Technical support, like one-on-one consulting and training

• Help with navigating cannabis licensing and regulatory requirements

• Low- or no-interest loans or grants

Contact your city or county to see what resources are available in your area. 

How consumers can support equity businesses

Consumers can also play a role in supporting cannabis equity. Support equity businesses by:

• Buying products made by equity brands

• Asking retailers how they support equity businesses

• Asking local policymakers how they support equity businesses

• Donating to organizations working to support cannabis equity