New legislation will allow the Liquor and Cannabis Board to reissue licenses and help applicants who are disproportionally impacted by marijuana prohibition laws.

HB 2870 establishes a Social Equity Program authorizing the Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB) to issue previously forfeited, cancelled, and revoked marijuana retailer licenses to applicants disproportionately impacted by the enforcement of marijuana prohibition laws. These applicants must also submit a social equity plan to the LCB addressing how they will impact social equity in their business practices.

Additionally, the bill establishes a Technical Assistance Competitive Grant Program under the Department of Commerce to provide technical assistance grants to applicants who need assistance with submitting a social equity plan. The grants will provide applicants assistance with:

• Navigating the marijuana retailer licensure process;
• Marijuana-business specific education and business plan development;
• Regulatory compliance training;
• Financial management training and assistance in seeking financial assistance; and
• Establishing connections with industry members and tribal marijuana enterprises and programs for mentoring and other forms of support.

The bill also establishes a Marijuana Social Equity Task Force to make recommendations to the LCB, including how best to establish and develop the social equity program. HB 2870 requires the task force to submit a report of recommended policies to the Governor and the Legislature by December 1, 2020. The report must include a recommendation on whether to issue new marijuana licenses. AWC is included on the task force.

HB 2870 passed both the House and Senate and is now headed to the Governor for signature.