California Department of Cannabis Control Grants $4.145 Million to Expand Access to Licensed Retail Cannabis

LOS ANGELES — The California Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) has announced the allocation of $4.145 million in grants to 18 municipalities aimed at enhancing access to licensed retail cannabis. Among the recipients, 14 jurisdictions will receive a total of $870,000 to issue licenses to operators who have been disproportionately affected by cannabis prohibition.

Acting Director of the Department of Cannabis Control, Rasha Salama, emphasized that this initiative aims to address the insufficient access to regulated cannabis retail faced by over 2 million Californians in certain areas. Salama stated that the grants will contribute to expanding access to licensed cannabis retail businesses.

The grant funding can be utilized by recipients to establish retailer licensing programs, which involve various activities such as drafting and implementing ordinances, hiring personnel and contractors, conducting community outreach and engagement events, forming stakeholder workgroups or technical advisory committees, performing economic studies and environmental reviews, developing application forms or online portals, and processing and issuing cannabis retail licenses.

The initial round of funding prioritized areas in California with high cannabis consumption but limited access to legal cannabis retail, as indicated by national surveys. The DCC underlined its focus on supporting social equity operators and encouraging the adoption of existing licensing and permitting practices through these grants.

This move by the California Department of Cannabis Control reflects the state’s commitment to expanding access to licensed retail cannabis and promoting social equity within the industry. By providing financial support to municipalities, the DCC aims to foster a more inclusive and regulated cannabis market in California.