Bill > ACR125

This Concurrent Resolution urges all states that have legalized cannabis, meaning marijuana, to support cannabis equity programs. These programs are designed to help individuals and communities, particularly those disproportionately harmed by past drug laws, overcome barriers to entering the legal cannabis industry. Such barriers can include lack of access to funding, business space, and assistance with regulations. The resolution highlights that despite many states legalizing cannabis for medical or recreational use, past arrests and convictions for cannabis offenses have had a severe and lasting negative impact, especially on Black and Latino populations. Cannabis equity programs aim to rectify this by providing resources like financial support, priority for licenses, and fee waivers, thereby promoting diversity, supporting small businesses, and benefiting disadvantaged communities while also encouraging a safer, regulated market.