Cannabis

Application Deadline

Cannabis Local Equity Program: Grant Applications due by 5pm PDT Monday, May 8, 2023.

Program Background

The Lake County Cannabis Local Equity Program was developed in response to California Senate Bill 1294, the California Cannabis Equity Act of 2018. Through interviews and data, the Lake County Cannabis Equity Assessment identified the populations and neighborhoods most affected by the criminalization of cannabis in Lake County. Our Assessment found small growers, for example, were disproportionately affected by past policies.

The findings of the Cannabis Equity Assessment (PDF) were then used to create the Program's equity eligibility requirements, which are outlined in the Local Equity Program Manual. Additionally, the Local Equity Program Manual outlines services available to those who meet the eligibility requirements. The Program implements State of California and County of Lake legislative goals to further equity among those impacted by the criminalization of cannabis.

Please note, demographic information requested on the County's grant application is required pursuant to State-established guidelines for this funding opportunity, and gathering this data is intended to ensure equitable access to funds, over time, by all eligible Californians.

Program Details

The County of Lake Cannabis Local Equity program provides services to individuals, not businesses, who have experienced negative effects due to the criminalization of cannabis. Applicants must meet eligibility criteria as outlined in the County of Lake Local Equity Program Manual (2021) (PDF). Funds are intended to assist those deemed "equity eligible" to enter into, or remain in, the commercial cannabis marketplace.

Program Funding

The County of Lake is administering the Cannabis Local Equity Program through grants received from California Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz). For this second round of funding, $1,941,121.72 in grants will be awarded; $836,678.29 is expected to be awarded during a subsequent third round. Grant funds will be used to supply services to those meeting eligibility criteria, as defined in the updated Lake County Local Equity Program Manual (2021) (PDF).

Eligible equity applicants may qualify for up to $150,000, unless otherwise indicated, or until funding is fully exhausted.

Application Process

Apply Via Email

Access the 2023 Downloadable and Printable Application (PDF). The completed application can be returned via email, in PDF format, including all required attachments.

Electronic attachment formats accepted are: PDF, JPEG, and PNG.

Apply Via Hard Copy

If an equity applicant does not have the ability, or access, to apply online, hard copies are likewise available. A hard copy can be requested by contacting the Administrative Office at 707-263-2580. Completed hard copy applications can be mailed or delivered to the:
County of Lake County Administrative Office
Attn: Cannabis Local Equity Program
255 N Forbes Street
Lakeport, CA 95453

Please note, applications may be subject to public disclosure, pursuant to the California Public Records Act. This applies equally to online, electronic and paper submittals.

Award Selection

All applications and supporting documents will be reviewed by County of Lake Staff to ensure the applicant meets eligibility criteria. Some projects may receive a lower amount than was requested, based on availability of funds, or need of services. A typical approval process can take up to 60 days from the time of application.

Submission of an application in no way obligates the County of Lake to award a grant, and the County of Lake reserves the right to reject any or all applications, wholly or in part, at any time, without penalty.

For More Information

For further information, updates, and application forms for the County of Lake Cannabis Local Equity Program, please bookmark and revisit this webpage.

Specific questions about applications can be sent via email, or call 707-263-2580.