City of Long Beach Awarded $1.2 Million in State Funding for Cannabis Equity Program
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Long Beach, CA ~ Long Beach, CA - The City of Long Beach has received a significant boost in its efforts to promote equity within the cannabis industry. The Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) has awarded the city $1.2 million in grant funding for its Cannabis Equity Program.

The funding, approved by the Long Beach City Council with a unanimous 8-0 vote at its March 11, 2025 meeting, aims to assist under-resourced communities that have been disproportionately affected by past cannabis-related policies.

Mayor Rex Richardson expressed his gratitude for the support from the state, stating that it is a crucial investment in the city's Cannabis Equity Program. He believes that this funding will empower cannabis entrepreneurs who have faced challenges due to past policies and ultimately create a more inclusive industry.

The Economic Development Department will facilitate the Program in partnership with the City's Office of Cannabis Oversight. The goal is to recognize and address the long-term impact of federal and state cannabis enforcement policies on low-income communities of color in Long Beach.

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Eligible applicants can receive up to $350,000 in grant funding based on their license type and business size. This funding can be used for startup costs such as rent/lease payments, local licensing and regulatory fees, legal assistance, regulatory compliance, capital improvements, fixtures, equipment, and more.

However, new grant applications will not be accepted until May 2025 when the funds become available. The city will announce additional information about eligibility requirements and application availability on the Program webpage. The city remains committed to promoting an equitable cannabis industry and supporting those most impacted by historical disparities.

Bo Martinez, Director of the Economic Development Department, believes that this state funding will enable them to invest in an inclusive and equitable cannabis industry. He stated that these grants will provide entrepreneurs with the necessary tools to succeed while also supporting local businesses and creating economic opportunities for all members of the community.

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In July 2018, the Long Beach City Council approved the Adult-Use Cannabis Business Ordinance, which included the creation of the Program. The goal was to support equitable opportunities in the local cannabis industry by making legal cannabis business ownership and employment more accessible to individuals who have been negatively impacted by the criminalization of cannabis.

The Program offers resources such as prioritized licensing and permitting, expedited application review, fee waivers and deferrals, and technical and financial assistance to start and grow a business in Long Beach.

For those interested in applying or with questions about the Program, they can email CannabizLB@longbeach.gov. More information about the Program is also available on longbeach.gov/cannabis. With this funding and support from the city, Long Beach is taking significant steps towards creating a more diverse and inclusive cannabis industry.

Filed Under: Government, City
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