The City of Sacramento has received a $2.5 million grant to support equity initiatives in the local cannabis industry, according to a Mar. 19 announcement. The funding comes from the Cannabis Equity Grants Program for Local Jurisdictions, which is managed by the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development.
This grant represents the second largest allocation from the program’s $15 million statewide pool, with only Los Angeles receiving more funding. The City has previously benefited from this program, using past grants to assist participants in its Cannabis Opportunity Reinvestment and Equity (CORE) program.
“This grant expands the support available to CORE participants as they navigate the cannabis industry and build sustainable businesses,” said Al Romero-Gibu, who leads the City’s Office of Cannabis Management.
The new funding will be used to provide technical assistance and business support services for CORE participants. These services may include help with legal compliance, accounting, construction planning, security measures, marketing strategies, human resources issues, and commercial real estate guidance.
Established in 2018, Sacramento’s CORE program aims to lower barriers for individuals entering the local cannabis market—especially those affected by disproportionate enforcement of cannabis laws. The program offers training, mentoring, financial aid, and other forms of support.
Sacramento is one of 14 jurisdictions across California selected for local equity funding this year. In addition to these efforts, city officials continue to expand Sacramento’s regulatory framework for cannabis businesses. In 2024, the City Council approved a pilot project for social consumption of cannabis and is currently developing regulations related to consumption lounges and zoning updates.
For more information about Sacramento’s CORE program, residents can visit sacramentocore.org.
