The City Council has added three new storefront dispensary permits, bringing Sacramento’s total to 43. This decision creates more opportunities for participants in the Cannabis Opportunity Reinvestment and Equity program, which helps those affected by socioeconomic barriers, according to the City of Sacramento.
The City Council has extended the timeline for setting up dispensaries under the Cannabis Opportunity Reinvestment and Equity program, giving applicants an additional year to establish their businesses. Three new permits have been authorized, all reserved for Cannabis Opportunity Reinvestment and Equity candidates, bringing the total to 14. The eligibility window for new Cannabis Opportunity Reinvestment and Equity dispensary permits has also been extended to five years. Al Romero-Gibu, head of the City’s Office of Cannabis Management, stated, “Expanding the number of permits reserved for CORE participants creates more equitable opportunities for those who have historically faced barriers in the cannabis industry.” The Office of Cannabis Management oversees dispensary permits and enforces local cannabis laws and regulations, as reported by the City of Sacramento.
The Cannabis Opportunity Reinvestment and Equity program has allowed many individuals to access storefront spaces, but obtaining one remains difficult. Additional permits will be given to those next in line from the 2021 Request for Qualifications list, which includes 102 individuals, 12 of whom have already been selected. These individuals will have five years to apply for a storefront permit and must follow the original Request for Qualifications standards. The opening of three new cannabis stores is expected to increase Business Operating Tax revenue, as each cannabis business pays a 4% tax on gross receipts. For more information, the City’s Office of Cannabis Management can be contacted at [email protected] or (916) 808-8955, as stated by the City of Sacramento.
