LCB Cannabis Social Equity page
In response to addressing comments made by the community at Social Equity in Cannabis Task Force meetings, the agency created this Cannabis Social Equity page to house various resources and the opportunity to further engage with the community. In addition to the below, Licensing and Regulation Division Director Becky Smith presented an update the Board on LCB preparations. You may view the Jan. 12, 2022 Presentation here.
The LCB is committed to making improvements to our licensing process by taking the following step
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Responding to requests for information and data from the Task Force
Policy Briefing – January 25th
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Responding to Task Force Recommendations.
- The Task Force delived its recommendations to the LCB on Jan. 6, 2022.
- On Jan. 14, 2022, the LCB acknowledged receipt of the recommendations and suggested an alternative scoring rubric for eligibility.
- On Feb. 23, 2022, the LCB formally responded to the Task Force Chair.
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On May 11, 2022, the LCB withdrew its proposed rules including the alternative scoring rubric for eligibility. Please she the Rulemaking Update below for explanation.
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Local Jurisdiction Outreach
Agency staff have reached out to local jurisdictions with a ban or moratorium to share information on the work around social equity and the effort of the Task Force. Through this open dialogue, the agency was able to gain insight of jurisdictions that may be open to lifting their restrictions in order to host a social equity license. Additionally, agency staff have begun mapping areas where businesses may potentially locate once the licensing window opens.
Outreach to local jurisdictions with bans and moratoria
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Criminal History Requirement Changes
In preparation of licensing social equity applicants, the agency is evaluating the current application process on how we can allow more flexibility and identify areas to reduce barriers. In this review, the agency took steps to amend rules around the criminal history requirements, reducing barriers to entry into the legal cannabis market.
Criminal History Rule Revisions – Completed (Effective October 2, 2021)
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Community Engagement
Within the LCB Cannabis Social Equity page, a section is provided allowing anyone to submit questions or suggestions electronically. Submissions are monitored and responded to regularly by the Licensing Division. The information collected is then included within the Frequently Asked Questions section as an additional resource to the community.
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RulemakingSee below...-
The LCB filed proposed rules on April 13, 2022, regarding amendments to existing rules and a new rule section that would establish the Social Equity in Cannabis Program in response to recommendations of the Social Equity in Cannabis Task Force, and other statutory requirements. With the exception of the scoring rubric, the LCB adopted all the recommendations received from the Task Force in the proposoed rules.-
Public comment period is now open for these proposed rules. The public hearing on this rule proposal will be held during the regularly scheduled Board meeting on May 25, 2022 at 10 a.m.
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The LCB agency has filed a preproposal statement of inquiry, or CR 101, to begin the rule making process for the Social Equity Program. The LCB will consider the recommendations received from the Task Force as part of rule development.-
To learn more about the rulemaking process, including how to get involved, please check our website for important dates and information. You may also wish to sign-up for communications, future trainings and other information related to the Social Equity Program.
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On March 23, 2022, the LCB held a Listen and Learn dialog on Conceptual Draft Rules about the Social Equity in Cannabis Program Learn more here | Versión en Español.
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Rulemaking Update (May 11, 2022)
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On May 11, 2022 the LCB withdrew its proposed rules for amendments and new rule sections to establish the Social Equity in Cannabis Program. The agency remains committed to implementing a successful Social Equity Program. LCB staff's request to withdraw the proposed rules was to allow time to reflect on the continued feedback we have received. The agency would like to engage in additional research and analysis to ensurew we are carrying out the intentions of the Social Equity Program.
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On May 11, 2022 the LCB withdrew its proposed rules for amendments and new rule sections to establish the Social Equity in Cannabis Program. The agency remains committed to implementing a successful Social Equity Program. LCB staff's request to withdraw the proposed rules was to allow time to reflect on the continued feedback we have received. The agency would like to engage in additional research and analysis to ensurew we are carrying out the intentions of the Social Equity Program.
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Other State Regulator Outreach and Collaboration
Agency staff have conducted several outreach efforts to various other states to seek information and feedback on implementation of their social equity program processes and lessons learned. The information collected is valuable as the agency looks at its own processes and efforts to establish a successful social equity program.