Existing law, the California Cannabis Equity Act of 2018, authorizes the Bureau of Cannabis Control to provide technical assistance to specified local equity programs. The act defines “local equity program” as a program adopted or operated by a local jurisdiction that focuses on inclusion and support of individuals and communities in California’s cannabis industry who are linked to populations or neighborhoods that were negatively or disproportionately impacted by cannabis criminalization. The act requires the bureau to administer a grant program for local jurisdictions that have adopted or operate a local equity program, as specified.

This bill would state the intent of the Legislature to enact legislation that would create a statewide cannabis equity program.