As the LCB awaits recommendations from the Task Force, we are committed to making improvements to our licensing process by:
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Responding to requests for information and data from the Task Force
Policy Briefing – January 25th
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Connecting with local jurisdictions to provide information on the Social Equity in Cannabis Program
Outreach to local jurisdictions with bans and moratoria
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Evaluating the current application process to allow for more flexibility and reduce barriers
Criminal History Rule Revisions – Completed (Effective October 2, 2021) -
Reaching out to other states such as California and Illinois to gather information on how they are handling social equity programs in their area
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.
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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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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.
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Location Mapping
Agency staff have begun mapping areas where businesses may potentially locate once the licensing window opens.
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Rulemaking
In response to future recommendations of the Task Force, the agency has filed a CR 101 to consider establishing new rules and changes to current rule that will reduce barriers to entry in the legal cannabis market and promote ownership among individuals who have been disproportionately impacted by cannabis-related criminal laws.
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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.
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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.