California’s Bureau of Cannabis Control (BCC) announced on Friday that it has begun accepting applications for grant funding as designated by SB1294, also known as the California Cannabis Equity Act of 2018, which was passed by the Assembly and Senate in August of 2018.
“The Bureau is excited to open the application process for the equity grant funding,” said BCC Chief Lori Ajax. “This funding is a significant step in supporting equity applicants with entry into the cannabis industry, as well as to provide support to equity licensees.”
Ten million dollars in grant money has been set aside for the BCC to distribute to cities and counties to assist applicants and licensees in equity programs that focus on supporting people within the cannabis industry that come from neighborhoods disproportionately affected by cannabis criminalization.
Applicants who meet the qualifications will be awarded a minimum grant of $100,000 unless a smaller amount is requested. All applications must be submitted with the required documentation by April 1 to be eligible to receive funding.
Qualifying local jurisdictions that receive funds would be required to submit an annual report to the BCC detailing the progress of the equity programs.
Under SB1294, the BCC is to distribute all grant funds on or before July 1, 2019, and submit a report to the state legislature regarding the progress of equity programs that receive funding.
The application and additional information can be found on the BCC website.
