Applications extended for those impacted by war on drugs in SD to start cannabis business

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — Anyone 21 and older who was arrested in San Diego County for cannabis-related crimes before it was legalized in the state in 2016 can apply to start a cannabis business through next week.

San Diego County announced Friday the application period for the Cannabis Social Equity Program has been extended through 11:59 p.m. on Aug. 23, 2024.

San Diego County residents 21 or older affected by cannabis-related arrests, convictions, or incarcerations in the county before Nov. 8, 2016 can apply for the program, which provides one-on-one mentoring, expungement assistance, along with training to prepare to open a cannabis business in the unincorporated area of the county.

Those impacted in other ways but weren’t incarcerated, like from being deported, arrested or convicted, can also apply, but need to prove their income is 80% or below the area median income.

Californians voted to legalize adult-use recreational marijuana on Nov. 8, 2016 with Proposition 64. This program provides assistance to those impacted before it was legalized in the state.

If accepted, the program will give applicants access to business development resources, legal advice, financial planning services, and educational workshops as they work to start their cannabis business.

Applications are open and can be found online at equity.projectcannabis.org . It is free to apply for the program. Applicants should know within a few weeks if they were accepted, and all information is kept confidential, according to the county.

The program’s website states the application documents will be used to determine eligibility for certain programs, like property assistance and the Fee Deferral Program.

The Social Equity Program Eligibility Verification Application is managed by the Cannabis Education Project & Social Equity Program Engineers.

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