Close Menu
  • Home
  • News
  • Lifestyle
  • Law
  • Business
  • Education

Subscribe to Updates

Get the latest creative news from FooBar about art, design and business.

What's Hot

California Governor Touts Results of Intoxicating Hemp Ban

May 9, 2025

California Governor Touts Results of Intoxicating Hemp Ban

May 9, 2025

Pennsylvania House Passes Cannabis Legalization Bill

May 8, 2025
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
Friday, May 9
  • Home
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram LinkedIn VKontakte
Smoke Professional
  • Home
  • News

    More Than 1,000 Arrested in Sweep of U.K. Weed Grows

    July 8, 2023

    Scotland Calls On UK To End ‘Failed’ Drug War With Decriminalization And Harm Reduction Approach

    July 8, 2023

    Germany’s draft law for first phase of cannabis reform

    July 8, 2023

    High Times Cannabis Cup Illinois: People’s Choice Edition 2023 Kicks Off

    July 8, 2023

    Pennsylvania Committee Advances Expansion to State Medical Cannabis Program

    July 7, 2023
  • Lifestyle

    How Watching the News Can Trigger Anxiety and Panic Attacks

    October 28, 2024

    Record High Cannabis and Hallucinogen Use Among Adults

    October 27, 2024

    Weekend Sleep Catch-Up May Lower Heart Disease Risk by 20%

    October 27, 2024

    Energy Drinks Linked to Poor Sleep Quality and Insomnia

    October 26, 2024

    First Psychedelic Church for Magic Mushrooms

    October 26, 2024
  • Law

    Pennsylvania House Passes Cannabis Legalization Bill

    May 8, 2025

    Nebraska Lawmakers to Reconsider Bill to Implement Voter-Approved Medical Cannabis Law

    May 7, 2025

    Bill to Legalize Adult-Use Cannabis Filed in Pennsylvania

    May 6, 2025

    New Hampshire Senate Blocks Adult-Use Cannabis Legalization Bill

    May 2, 2025

    Cannabis Taxation: C Corp, S Corp, LLC, LLP, Partnership, Nonprofit, or Something Else for Your Cannabis Business?

    April 30, 2025
  • Business

    California Governor Touts Results of Intoxicating Hemp Ban

    May 9, 2025

    California Governor Touts Results of Intoxicating Hemp Ban

    May 9, 2025

    Cannabis Company CEO Considering New Mexico Gubernatorial Bid

    May 8, 2025

    U.S. Supreme Court Declines to Hear Challenge to Medical Cannabis Advertising Ban

    May 8, 2025

    Minnesota Cannabis Licensing Lotteries Scheduled for June 5

    May 7, 2025
  • Education

    CBD and the Aging Population—What Science Says Today

    March 12, 2025

    Wholesale Nootropic Skincare: Boost Your Product Line

    March 10, 2025

    Ideal for Your Business Needs

    March 8, 2025

    A Must-have For Every Smoke Shop

    March 3, 2025

    The Perfect Addition to Your Product Line

    March 1, 2025
Smoke Professional
You are at:Home»Law»California Awards $12 Million In Local Cannabis Equity Grants To Repair Drug War Harms
Law

California Awards $12 Million In Local Cannabis Equity Grants To Repair Drug War Harms

adminBy adminMay 8, 2024No Comments4 Mins Read
Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
Share
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email

California’s path to cannabis social equity: from arrests to advocacy

Data from the California Department of Justice reveals that nearly half a million individuals were arrested on cannabis charges in the state between 2006 and 2015. Even after Governor Schwarzenegger authorized a statewide decriminalization program in 2010, thousands continued to face serious misdemeanor charges related to cannabis. Despite California’s pioneering legalization of cannabis through Proposition 215 in 1996, just two years after the 1994 Crime Bill, the state legislature’s approach to cannabis legal reform was not as progressive as one might expect. The impact of the War on Drugs during this period was profound, with marijuana possession arrest rates increasing by 124% in 2010, even as rates for other serious crimes decreased significantly.

Proposition 64, passed a few years later, lacked any discussion addressing the damage caused by past policies. However, with social equity becoming a prominent topic in the cannabis industry, California officials have started investing significantly in social equity policies. Initiatives like the California Cannabis Equity Act of 2018 and the Budget Act of 2019 reflected this shift, aiming to support the economic development of communities and individuals adversely affected by previous harsh cannabis policies in what is now a multi-billion dollar industry.

Investing in justice: California’s cannabis social equity journey

In November 2023, California officials finally announced the application process for aspiring social equity business owners via the Cannabis Equity Grants Program for Local Jurisdictions which itself is an extension of Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development. As the substantial costs of running a fully legal cannabis business in California can often get obscenely expensive, these large grants are meant to fund and lessen the financial burden of these exorbitant costs.

The overall purpose of this multi-million dollar initiative is “to advance economic justice for populations and communities impacted by cannabis prohibition and the War on Drugs by providing support to local jurisdictions as they promote equity in California and eliminate barriers to enter the newly regulated cannabis industry for equity program applicants and licensees,” according to the website. In February of 2023, the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development distributed approximately $15 million in social equity-focused funding to 16 different cities and counties throughout the Golden State.

Breaking barriers: California’s social equity initiatives in cannabis

At the end of last month, California officials finally awarded those patiently awaited funds. Funded by a $12 million portion of the billions in tax revenue raised by California cannabis sales, the grants will go to a total of 10 different cities and counties. While most awarded counties reside in Northern California, the city of Coachella also received $350,000 in funding. In particular, Oakland received $3 million and the city and county of San Francisco received over $2 million. “California’s cannabis industry is not just about business; it’s about righting past wrongs. Through initiatives like the Cannabis Equity Grants Program, the state is investing in communities once harmed by harsh drug policies, creating opportunities and economic justice for those affected,” said California Cannabis Attorney Karen Albence.

From prohibition to inclusion: California’s cannabis equity evolution

The possibilities with this funding are nearly endless. Funds will go towards local programs offering technical support, regulatory compliance and assistance. One notable grantee includes San Jose’s Cannabis Equity Business Academy. Social equity advocates have even more progress to celebrate, as the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development and Governor Gavin Newsom’s new budget proposal would invest $15 million further in similar programs by October of 2024.

Although it has taken a while for these programs to be created and even longer to be implemented, we are hopeful for this new era. This $12 million in local, social equity grants is a drop in the bucket, considering the damage that was done. But a drop is better than an empty bucket. With substantial investments and ongoing support, California is starting to pave the way for a more equitable and inclusive cannabis industry– one where all individuals, regardless of background, have the chance to participate and succeed. As the state continues to allocate resources and expand such programs, the future holds promise for further progress in achieving social equity within the California cannabis landscape.

Source link

Awards California cannabis Drug Equity Grants Harms Local million Repair War
Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
Previous ArticleHo-Chunk Nation Decriminalizes Cannabis
Next Article Anti-Pot Org Claims DEA Administrator Was Not Included in Rescheduling Decision
admin
  • Website

Related Posts

California Governor Touts Results of Intoxicating Hemp Ban

May 9, 2025

California Governor Touts Results of Intoxicating Hemp Ban

May 9, 2025

Pennsylvania House Passes Cannabis Legalization Bill

May 8, 2025

Comments are closed.

Our Picks

California Governor Touts Results of Intoxicating Hemp Ban

May 9, 2025

California Governor Touts Results of Intoxicating Hemp Ban

May 9, 2025

Pennsylvania House Passes Cannabis Legalization Bill

May 8, 2025

Cannabis Company CEO Considering New Mexico Gubernatorial Bid

May 8, 2025
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
  • Vimeo
Don't Miss
Business

California Governor Touts Results of Intoxicating Hemp Ban

By adminMay 9, 20250

The Office of California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) announced on Thursday that the state’s ban…

California Governor Touts Results of Intoxicating Hemp Ban

May 9, 2025

Pennsylvania House Passes Cannabis Legalization Bill

May 8, 2025

Cannabis Company CEO Considering New Mexico Gubernatorial Bid

May 8, 2025

Subscribe to Updates

Get the latest creative news from Smoke Unlimited about Weed & CBD vaping.

From Our Partners
About Us
About Us

Get all the current news stories, latest trends and legislation regarding cannabidiol, products, usages and its benefits. So don’t miss out any buzz and stay tuned! We offer a minute to minute updates regarding Marijuana industry.

Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Pinterest
Our Picks

California Governor Touts Results of Intoxicating Hemp Ban

May 9, 2025

California Governor Touts Results of Intoxicating Hemp Ban

May 9, 2025

Pennsylvania House Passes Cannabis Legalization Bill

May 8, 2025
Sponsors
Copyright © 2025. SmokeProfessional
  • Home
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.