The Californer - City of Long Beach Opens Applications for Cannabis Equity Program

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Long Beach, CA ~ Long Beach, CA - The City of Long Beach is taking steps to promote diversity and inclusion in the cannabis industry through its Cannabis Equity Program. The program, which is now accepting applications, aims to support entrepreneurs and businesses within the cannabis industry.

According to Mayor Rex Richardson, the program reflects the city's commitment to creating opportunities for all in the growing cannabis industry. "By supporting diverse ownership and providing critical capital and resources, we are creating new pathways for entrepreneurship, job creation, and long-term community investment," he stated.

The program is being facilitated by the City's Economic Development Department's Business Development Bureau in partnership with the Office of Cannabis Oversight. 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, equipment, and more.

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To qualify for the program, applicants must meet certain requirements. These include having a family income at or below 80% of the Los Angeles County area median income (AMI) and a net worth under $250,000. They must also have lived in a Long Beach area where most residents earn below 80% of the AMI for at least five years. Additionally, they must have either been arrested or convicted for a cannabis-related offense between 1971 to 2016 or have an immediate family member who was.

More information about eligibility and requirements can be found on the Program webpage.

Bo Martinez, Director of the Economic Development Department, believes that this program will help foster a more inclusive cannabis industry and provide businesses with the necessary tools to succeed. "These grants are an investment in local talent," he said. "They will help expand business ownership and generate more economic opportunities for our community."

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In April 2025, Long Beach was awarded a $1.2 million grant from the Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz). Since 2023, over $2.1 million in grant funding has been issued to Program applicants for cannabis businesses citywide.

The Long Beach City Council approved the Adult-Use Cannabis Business Ordinance in July 2018, which included the creation of the Program. The goal is 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 prior criminalization of cannabis. This support includes access to resources such as prioritized licensing and permitting, expedited application review, fee waivers and deferrals, and technical and financial assistance to start and grow their business in Long Beach.

For more information about the program or to apply, interested individuals can visit longbeach.gov/cannabis or email CannabizLB@longbeach.gov. The application period will remain open until funding is exhausted.

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