Cannabis Equity
During December 7, 2021, Richmond City Council Meeting, City Councilmembers approved the adoption of a resolution establishing a City of Richmond Cannabis Equity Program. The City of Richmond also applied for state grant funding through the Go-Biz Cannabis Equity Program Grant Solicitation to implement elements of the Cannabis Equity Program. To receive updates on the Cannabis Equity Program's development and other Economic Development information, please subscribe to the Economic Development Listserv.
Long-standing and persistent obstacles to general business opportunities for affected communities that exist broadly within the United States are even more severe regarding cannabis-related businesses. The lack of opportunity to enter into cannabis-related businesses is largely because of the long-term consequences of cannabis enforcement associated with the racial targeting from the War on Drugs. The devastating impact of the cannabis prohibition era in California has been felt throughout the state, especially for Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC). These communities have borne a disproportionate burden from arrest, convictions, and collateral consequences following convictions. The long-term consequences of cannabis enforcement coupled with generational poverty, education gaps, and additional barriers to entry make it extraordinarily difficult for affected individuals to enter the regulated cannabis industry.
Due to this, the City of Richmond has moved forward with developing a Cannabis Equity Ordinance to address the long-term consequences of unequal cannabis enforcement. The goal of the Cannabis Equity Ordinance will be to lower the barrier for individuals and communities most impacted by the War on Drugs to enter into the cannabis market and benefit from the legalization of cannabis in the State of California. The development of an Equity Ordinance will occur in two phases; 1) develop a Cannabis Equity Assessment for Richmond, 2) using findings from the assessment, identify Equity Programs to be included in a Cannabis Equity Ordinance.
This website will be a central location for all documents, meetings, and other information related to developing a Cannabis Equity Ordinance.
