San José plans to hold a Cannabis Equity Business Academy for potential cannabis equity business owners beginning in the Spring of 2023.

What is the Cannabis Equity Program?

The Cannabis Equity Program offers an opportunity to residents who may have been harmed by years of cannabis prohibition and the “War on Drugs”. The program is aimed at helping qualified applicants to become business owners or start careers in the cannabis industry.

The City of San José will reserve up to 10 registrations for retail cannabis businesses to qualified cannabis equity owners. The City is also planning to provide workforce development programs for potential cannabis equity employees.

How do I become a Cannabis Equity Business Owner?

1. You must meet the Eligibility Criteria, AND
2. You must attend and successfully complete the Cannabis Equity Academy, which we plan to hold in the Spring of 2023.

For more details regarding program eligibility, please refer to the San José Municipal Code Chapter 6.88, Part 3.5.

Please complete the mandatory application to the Cannabis Equity Business Academy [link]. 

If you have any questions or need technical assistance with the application, please contact the Office of Economic Development and Cultural Affairs at CannabisEquity@sanjoseca.gov or 408-794-1151.