The City of Long Beach has been awarded $1.2 million in grant funding for its Cannabis Equity Program from the Govenor's Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz). Approved by the Long Beach City Council, the funding will promote equity within the cannabis industry by assting under-resourced communities affected by past cannabis-related policies. 

The goal of the Program is to recognize and address the long-term impact that federal and state cannabis enforcement policies have had on low-income communities of color in Long Beach. Eligible applicants can qualify for up to $350,000 in grant funding, based on license type and business size. Funding can be utilized for startup costs, including rent/lease payments, local licensing and regulatory fees, legal assistance, regulatory compliance, capital improvements, fixtures, equipment and more. 

The City will not be accepting new grant applications until the funds become available, which is expected in May 2025. 

Additional information about the Program is available at longbeach.gov/cannabis. Those who are interested in applying or have questions may email CannabizLB@longbeach.gov.