California Expands Cannabis Equity Program with $18.4 Million in Funding

4 March 2025

The California Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) has allocated $18.4 million in grants to 18 local jurisdictions under the state’s Cannabis Equity Grants Program. The funding, derived from cannabis tax revenue, will provide financial aid, technical assistance, and regulatory guidance to individuals who have faced systemic barriers to entering the legal cannabis industry. Officials say the initiative supports statewide efforts to transition operators from the illicit market into the regulated space.

The funds will assist equity applicants and licensees through low- or no-interest loans, waived or reduced licensing fees, and business development services. Cities and counties receiving the largest grants include Los Angeles ($3.5 million), San Francisco ($3.3 million), and Oakland ($2 million). Since the program’s inception, California has allocated $123.4 million in total grants to 34 local jurisdictions, helping license nearly 1,450 entrepreneurs who have faced barriers to entering the industry.

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