She rented a South L.A. storefront and applied for a license under L.A.’s social equity program, which was supposed to give eligible entrepreneurs a boost in the cannabis industry. AdvertisementIt’s “ludicrous” to even call it a social equity program, said Rusty Savage, a social equity applicant seeking to open a marijuana business in South Los Angeles. More legal cannabis shops could also help dampen L.A.’s budget problems, with tax revenue from marijuana businesses expected to jump 79% this fiscal year. Cannabis department officials said another expected benefit for social equity applicants — partnering with manufacturers and growers who were approved ahead of them — has not happened yet. that provides social equity applicants with free guidance from attorneys.

Source: Los Angeles Times March 20, 2021 12:00 UTC