The online cannabis dispensary directory and software company, Weedmaps has revealed that it will be dropping unlicensed cannabis businesses from all of its platforms in the next few months.
The Irvine-based company, which has been in business since 2008, announced the decision on Wednesday as part of an effort to help accelerate minority and inclusive participation in California’s legal cannabis industry as well as provide resources that may not be available from government-sponsored social equity programs.
President and CEO of the California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce, Julian Canete says that minorities make up the majority of unlicensed business owners, most of whom desire to operate out of the shadows of the black market.
Canete says that the best way to address the issue of unlicensed cannabis operators, promote small minority-owned businesses, and correct social injustice is to issue more licenses to those who deserve them.
“For too long, unjust laws and regulations have crippled small-business owners who want to make an honest living and provide safe, legal cannabis products to medical patients and adult-use consumers,” said Weedmaps CEO Chris Beals in a statement.” We hope to give a leg up to entrepreneurs that need and deserve support.”
As part of their new initiative to assist low-income and minority-owned companies, Weedmaps will begin offering a variety of free services and offerings to help ensure that social equity entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to compete in the growing legal cannabis industry.
Services and benefits that Weedmaps will offer include free online and in-person training, ongoing coaching and professional support, and access to an up-to-date library of compliance materials and standard operating procedures.
After obtaining a cannabis license, participants in the Weedmaps program will receive a free listing on the company’s website and mobile app for up to one year.
“These enhancements to existing safeguards on our platform will help patients and adult-use consumers find cannabis retailers that have provided evidence of state licensure,” said Beals. “It also underscores our commitment to working with lawmakers and regulators to foster a flourishing legal market.”
Beginning later in 2019, unlicensed cannabis businesses will no longer have access to Weedmaps’ point of sale, online orders, delivery logistics, and wholesale software-as-a-service platforms which will be available to licensed operators exclusively.
Bureau of Cannabis Control Chief, Lori Ajax called the move by Weedmaps a step forward for California’s legal cannabis industry that will help consumers find licensed businesses with safe products.
