The Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) has announced a Retail Access Grant to provide resources for local governments to develop and implement cannabis retailer licensing programs. This funding can be used by counties that currently do not have a cannabis retail licensing program to comply with SB 1186, with funding (ranging from $100,000 to $325,000) awarded based on population and can be used for personnel costs (such as salary and benefits for local government staff), permitting expenses (e.g. software costs), environmental reviews and other uses. The grant guidelines may be found here.
DCC is distributing $20 million in two phases, with priority given to local jurisdictions that propose to assist cannabis equity businesses; address gaps in consumer access to regulated cannabis; and permit cannabis retailers through existing business permitting processes. Additionally, DCC is providing “priority review points” to cities or counties in the following RCRC grant-eligible counties: Amador, Butte, Glenn, Lassen, Madera, Placer, San Benito, Sutter, Tehama, and Yuba.
Phase I applications ($10 million total) opened on March 10, 2023 and are due by 5pm on April 28, 2023. DCC will be offering technical assistance to jurisdictions throughout the application process. Local jurisdictions that receive Phase I funding (to be awarded by June 20, 2023) are eligible to receive additional awards during Phase II beginning on or after June 30, 2023, after the local jurisdiction has begun issuing licenses to cannabis retailers. Phase II funding can be used for costs relating to the process and issuing of licenses. A Q&A page may be found here. Please reach out to RCRC Policy Analyst, Eric Will if you have questions regarding this program.