Grand Rapids Michigan Cannabis Operators Chafe Under City’s Social Equity Rules
Some cannabis operators say the rules are nearly impossible to follow
When Grand Rapids enacted a social equity program for recreational cannabis, the goal was to create “equitable policies and opportunities that address the historical systemic and institutional injustices often connected to cannabis.”
But some cannabis operators say the rules are nearly impossible to follow as business grows.
The Grand Rapids City Commission amended its cannabis social equity program by a 4-3 vote on Aug. 9, 2022, and delayed enforcement until Jan. 1, 2023.
The Marijuana Industry Voluntary Equitable Development Agreement and Cannabis Industry Social Equity Voluntary Agreement set goals that applicants pledged to meet in return for priority in the license application process.
The social equity system gives points for local ownership, workforce diversity, supplier diversity, employing people with marijuana convictions, and more.
“This Policy is intended to be a step toward helping to support equitable economic initiatives, including job creation, removing barriers to local ownership, and contracting opportunities for traditionally disadvantaged groups within the community,” the city commission policy says.
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