The
Green Believers
Where Cannabis & Social Equity Meet
California’s legalization of recreational cannabis in 2016 ushered in a multibillion-dollar industry estimated to be the largest legal weed market in the world. But many of the promises of legalization have proved elusive. In a series of occasional stories, we’ll explore the fallout of legal pot in California.
Only 16 out of 30 cities and counties awarded funding for social equity programs since 2018.
A mere 11 jurisdictions have granted social equity business permits out of 30 that received state funding in the past 5 years.
3 areas - Humboldt County, Los Angeles, and Oakland - account for 77% of California's total social equity licenses.
7 localities had no approved social equity program structure by the end of 2022, despite receiving funding.
Non-equity permits outnumber social equity permits 4,001 to 907 in jurisdictions with equity licensing programs.
18 jurisdictions have failed to award a single social equity permit after accepting state funding.
Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development. (2023). California Cannabis Equity Grant Annual Report 2023. Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development
“Transformation happens at the speed of Trust”
The Equity Workshop Tour is blazing a trail for inclusivity in the cannabis sector. This transformative event series empowers social equity entrepreneurs, advocates, and industry leaders to collaborate, share insights, and build an equitable ecosystem. The Los Angeles stop was a resounding success, fostering meaningful connections and driving progress toward a just, responsible cannabis industry that uplifts diverse voices and communitie
Thrilled to be a part of The Equity Workshop Tour's LA stop! This transformative series is blazing a trail for inclusivity in cannabis. The energy was electric – fostering connections and driving progress towards a more just and equitable cannabis industry for all.
--- Cheryl Branch
What We Do
Our team of experts will help you navigate the ever-changing regulatory landscape of the legal cannabis industry, from training and business development to amplifying public policy and industry guidelines to closing system gaps. We empower cannabis leaders for success in the legal cannabis ecosystem!
Let us help you identify and close system gaps, prevent bad actors, and ensure that revenues are accurately captured.
Unlock your cannabis business potential with free expert advice from TheGreenBelievers-
Cheryl A. Branch
Managing Director & founder
GB
Samyr Codio, CPA
Tax planning, Auditing, & Financial statement preparation
Toni Forge, Esq
Attorney/Cannabis Consultant, Business strategy development, & Licensing assistance
GB
GB
Cedric Farmer
Reentry Services Director/ Sr. Faith-Based Organizer
Ronda Dixon, Esq
Attorney, Expungements, Criminal Defense, & Legal Education
GB
GB
Keith Rogers
Small Business Development, Financial services, SBA Loans, and Grants
Dr. Dilara Kadriye Üsküp, PhD, PhD
Cannabis Research Scientist, Medical Investigator, Theologian, & Curriculum Specialist
Experience.
Expertise.
Excellence.
Our team of industry experts understands the unique challenges of the legal Cannabis industry.
Nichole Banks
Administrative Specialist
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Technology is transforming the business models of cannabis businesses across the world, creating new opportunities for growth, and fresh benchmarks of cost and efficiency"
The Green Believers
SERVICES
Where Cannabis and Social Equity Meet
We are a cannabis government consultancy that helps regulators serve cannabis licensees and consumers better.
What We Do
We equip government regulators with the data and tools to regulate the legal cannabis industry effectively.
Education and Training
We provide education and training on cannabis laws, regulations, and best practices to government regulators, their staff, and cannabis licensees.
Technical Assistance
We provide technical advice to government regulators on various issues, such as developing and implementing licensing programs, enforcing regulations, and conducting compliance audits.
Data Analysis
We collect and analyze data on the cannabis industry to help government regulators make informed decisions.
Community Outreach
We engage with the public to raise awareness of cannabis laws and regulations and to gather feedback on how government regulators can better serve the cannabis industry.
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The
Green Believers
Where Cannabis & Social Equity Meet
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