CYCLE 1 APPLICATIONS CLOSED

Become a Social Equity Entrepreneur! The Cannabis Social Equity Program application is now live. To apply, please visit the Cannabis Equity Eligibility Application website.

Applications for cycle 1 of the program are due by August 23, 2024. There will be opportunities to apply for future application periods. The next one will open in fall/winter 2024.

The application will help determine if you meet the program’s eligibility requirements. All applicants who meet the requirements will be contacted by the County.

Those who qualify will receive various benefits. These include expungement assistance, and one-on-one mentoring, training – workshops, webinars, and classes to help program participants prepare for the opportunity to open a cannabis business in the unincorporated area of the county.

This application cycle also includes a grant lottery. Ten awardees will be selected on September 18^th. Additional future grant opportunities may be available depending on funding.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible, an equity applicant must be at least 21 years of age at the time of application and meet criteria for Tier A OR criteria for Tier B.

Tier A

Tier B

• Deported, Arrested, or Convicted: In San Diego County for any crime under the laws of the State of California or United States related to the sale, possession, use, manufacture, or cultivation of cannabis that occurred prior to November 8, 2016, AND
• Low Income– 80% or below of the Area Median Income (San Diego County) determined by US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).