L.A. push to start new marijuana licensing round angers social equity backers

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Los Angeles cannabis social equity, L.A. push to start new marijuana licensing round angers social equity backers

Several proponents of the Los Angeles cannabis social equity program – which is designed to better involve minorities and those affected by the war on drugs in the city’s marijuana industry – said Wednesday that officials are moving too quickly to the next round of MJ business licensing.

The L.A. City Council’s Rules Committee on Tuesday advanced several recommendations from the Department of Cannabis Regulation (DCR), including a potential timeline for Phase 3 licensing, which would be open to the general public.

By contrast, the city’s first two licensing rounds were for longstanding businesses that received top priority in the permitting process.

L.A. is still issuing Phase 2 permits, for nonretail cannabis companies that are part of the supply chain, including local growers.

But that move angered social equity proponents, who said the city is rushing into the next licensing round without having fully funded the social equity program.

The proponents said in a statement the move could “cripple” the social equity program, and they called on the City Council to delay Phase 3 until social equity is fully implemented.

“This is not the time to rush a process through that undermines the intent of creating an equitable and fair industry,” said Bonita Money, executive director of the National Diversity and Inclusion Cannabis Alliance.

“This is a major move that will further ensure that licenses are primarily awarded to the wealthy investors and lobbying groups.”

Michael Tonetti, spokesman for L.A. City Council President Herb Wesson, wrote in an email to MJBizDaily on Thursday, “Our office takes these concerns seriously and we are committed to finding policy solutions that will work for all stakeholders. We had a productive two-hour meeting with this coalition this afternoon and look forward to continuing our conversation as we draft the Phase 3 ordinances.”

The DCR declined to comment.

John Schroyer can be reached at johns@mjbizdaily.com