FAQs
What is the social equity eligibility criteria?
Tier A
Incarcerated for San Diego County arrest or conviction 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.
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).
What documents do I need to submit for eligibility verification?
You'll need two forms of valid identification (at least one must be a photo ID) and documentation of your arrest, conviction, deportation, or incarceration. If applicable, also provide proof of meeting the low-income criteria for any year.
Who can apply for the Cannabis Social Equity Program?
Anyone who is 21 years or older and was affected by cannabis-related arrests, convictions, or incarcerations in San Diego County before November 8, 2016. You must also meet certain income requirements if your application is based on non-incarceration scenarios.
Can I establish a new cannabis facility in the unincorporated area of the county now?
No. As of October 2021, the County of San Diego Board of Supervisors adopted ordinance amendments to allow the five existing cannabis dispensaries that were in operation in the unincorporated county prior to the County’s 2017 prohibition on new medicinal cannabis facilities to continue operations and expand commercial sales of medicinal and adult-use cannabis. Currently, no new dispensaries or other cannabis operations are permitted in the unincorporated county under the existing ordinances.
What is the unincorporated area of the county?
The unincorporated area of the county is the area located outside the boundaries of the 18 incorporated cities, Tribal lands, and State and Federally owned lands in San Diego county.
Click here for a map and a list of the communities that are found in the unincorporated area of the county.
What is social equity?
Social equity is defined as impartiality, fairness, and justice for all people. This means considering and addressing systemic inequalities to ensure everyone has access to the same opportunities and outcomes.
What is the purpose of the Social Equity Entrepreneurs Program?
The purpose of the Entrepreneurs Program is to provide greater opportunities to enter and operate in the regulated cannabis market in the unincorporated county for individuals negatively or disproportionately impacted by cannabis criminalization and to invest in communities impacted negatively by cannabis criminalization.
I operate a cannabis facility outside of the unincorporated area of the county, would I still be eligible to apply to the County’s Social Equity Entrepreneurs Program?
The Entrepreneurs Program will be focused on providing assistance to those seeking business opportunities within the unincorporated area of the county. Eligibility criteria will be determined as part of the Entrepreneurs Program development process. It has not been determined at this time.
How do I submit an application?
Fill out the application form on our website, attach all required documents, and submit it digitally through our portal. You will receive a confirmation email once your application is successfully submitted.
What happens after I submit my online application?
Your application will go through a review process where your eligibility and documents are verified. You'll be contacted if there's anything more needed from you. Finally, you will be informed whether your application was approved, denied, or if additional information is required.
Can I apply if I was not incarcerated for cannabis related issues?
Yes, as long as you meet the other criteria like being affected by conviction, arrest or deportation for cannabis-related offenses in San Diego County before November 8, 2016, and meeting the low-income requirement.
What if my application is denied?
If your application is denied, you will receive information on why it was denied and details on how to appeal the decision or steps you can take to reapply.