The City proposes to complete a Cannabis Social Equity Study for the purposes of revising and augmenting its existing Cannabis Social Equity Program. The City’s legislative mandate is to produce a report analyzing available data related to disparities in the cannabis industry, and provide recommendations regarding policy options that could (A) foster equitable access to participation in the industry, including promotion of ownership and stable employment opportunities in the industry, (B) invest City tax revenues in economic infrastructure for communities that have historically been disenfranchised, (C) mitigate the adverse effects of drug enforcement policies that have disproportionately impacted those communities, and (D) prioritize individuals who have been previously arrested or convicted for marijuana-related offenses.

It is our hope that this report and its recommendations help inform the development of a robust equity program that ensures a cohesive, results-oriented strategy. A successful program will strengthen equitable access to the cannabis industry workforce, encourage entrepreneurship, and expand educational opportunities. It will help eliminate discriminatory institutional and structural policies and practices and strive to curtail the stigma against activities now legal under Proposition 64. This will require relevant departments to consider the impact of their services and develop transformational approaches that cut across multiple institutions, disrupt institutional culture, and shift values and political will to create equity.

View the City of Coachella  Cannabis Social Equity Assessment here.