LOS ANGELES (CNS) - The deadline is today to apply for the Los Angeles Department of Cannabis Regulation's program that allows low-income and low-level marijuana criminal offenders prior to legalization to operate dispensaries.
The DRC said more than 1,200 applications have been filed to participate in the program, and it expects hundreds more will flood in today.
The Social Equity Program is in its third phase of applications. In its first two phases, it dolled out temporary approval status to almost 300 existing dispensaries and cannabis providers and is now seeking applications for delivery and additional retail licensing.
“We understand that many individuals have been working hard to gather supplemental documents to prove their eligibility as a Social Equity Applicant before the deadline,” a statement from the DCR read. “It is DCR's priority to work with prospective Social Equity applicants to make the process as inclusive as possible.”
If the DCR determines sufficient documentation has not been submitted to demonstrate eligibility for the Social Equity Program, the department will provide a “limited window of opportunity” to submit additional documentation, but all applicants for this phase must submit their applications by 4 p.m.
There are no application fees to participate in the program. People who have only supplemental paperwork can turn in what they have and the DRC will assist them going forward.
The DRC expects to host at least two technical assistance workshops to advise and prepare potential applicants. The first workshop is at 6 p.m. on Aug. 6 at the Los Angeles Trade Technical College at 400 W. Washington Blvd. On Sept. 3, the first round of Phase 3 applications will be assessed.
The program is open to people who are low-income status and/or have a low-level criminal history related to cannabis and operate in a “dispensary- impacted area,” most of which are currently located in South Los Angeles and Hollywood.
More information can be found at www.cannabis.lacity.org
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