By SDCN Editor
San Diego, CA–In a bid to rectify the historical injustices inflicted by the war on drugs, San Diego County unveiled a pioneering equity program on Wednesday.
The initiative aims to empower individuals adversely affected by cannabis criminalization through ownership opportunities in the burgeoning cannabis industry within the unincorporated areas.
The genesis of this groundbreaking initiative traces back to January 2021, when the Board of Supervisors tasked county staff with crafting a Socially Equitable Cannabis Program. The primary objective? To dismantle barriers obstructing fair participation in the regulated cannabis market.
At the heart of the program lies the Social Equity Entrepreneurs Program, tailored specifically for individuals who bore the brunt of marijuana criminalization. Under this scheme, qualified applicants will receive support to venture into the legal cannabis sector. However, those opting out of cannabis entrepreneurship can still benefit through the Social Equity Beneficiaries Program, encompassing a spectrum of assistance ranging from community investments to educational aid.
The Social Equity Assessment, conducted in October 2022, was crucial to the program’s formulation. This comprehensive analysis, enriched by community input garnered through listening sessions and surveys, provided critical insights into mitigating the adverse impacts of cannabis prohibition. Bolstering this endeavor was a $350,000 grant from the state, secured in June 2023 to aid program implementation.
Eligibility for program participation hinges on meeting specific criteria outlined in two tiers. Tier A targets individuals incarcerated for cannabis-related offenses predating the enactment of Proposition 64, while Tier B encompasses those with cannabis-related convictions or arrests, coupled with a demonstrated low-income status.
Upon approval, participants gain access to a suite of support services, including business guidance, legal aid, and even record expungement, aimed at fostering their integration into the cannabis industry.
“This marks a pivotal milestone in our county’s journey towards redressing the injustices inflicted upon our community by past policies,” said Andrew Strong, Director of the Office of Equity and Racial Justice, acknowledging the significance of the initiative.
Echoing this sentiment, Chairwoman Nora Vargas underscored the program’s commitment to fostering equity and access, particularly for marginalized communities disproportionately affected by decades of misguided drug policies.
To ensure the program’s efficacy and accountability, a nine-member advisory group, comprising representatives appointed by county supervisors and selected through an application process, will oversee its implementation and furnish annual reports to the board.
With the launch of this innovative equity program, San Diego County embarks on a transformative path, signaling its resolute commitment to righting the wrongs wrought by the war on drugs and forging a more equitable future for all its residents.
