Check-out the Equity Resources webpage on the Department of Cannabis Control’s site to learn what cannabis equity means to business owners, how local equity programs benefit their businesses, and what they would like to see happen in the future.   

Individuals who quality for the Equity Program and want to open an adult-use cannabis business in Palm Springs are eligible to receive benefits and assistance to help navigate the City’s application and permitting process. To qualify for the Equity Program, individuals must be verified as Equity Applicants by the Department of Special Program Compliance and have a minimum 51% ownership of the entity that will apply for an Adult-Use Cannabis Related and Business Permit.

EQUITY PROGRAM BENEFITS INCLUDE:

• Application workshops. Get assistance on how to prepare and submit a complete cannabis business permit application and learn strategies on how to increase opportunities for approval at each stage of the application process.
• Fee waivers. The application review fee, background investigation fee, odor control fee, and planning, building and safety, fire and police inspection and submittal fees will be waived for your application.
• Expedited application and plan check review. Equity Businesses will receive priority application review and facility plan check review, allowing them to move quicker through the application process.

For more information on the City's cannabis business permit process, please view our page.

Prospective applicants are encouraged to watch - Starting a Cannabis Business in Palm Springs | Navigating the city permitting and state licensing process for social equity applications |

We are currently not accepting applications

The deadline for applications was January 19, 2023 at 5:00pm

If you have questions, please contact our office at (760) 322-8370.

To qualify as an Equity Applicant, you must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• You are applying as a person, not a company.
• In the last year, your family income was at or below 80% Riverside County Area Median Income (AMI). Your family income is adjusted based on the size of your family.
• Have a net worth below $250,000.
• Meet at least 1 of the following 2 criteria:

• Classification 1. A current or former resident of Riverside County who previously resided or currently resides in a low income household and was either:

1. Arrested or convicted for a cannabis related crime in Riverside County between the years 1980 and 2011; or is
2. An immediate family member of an individual described in subsection (a) of Classification 1 or Classification 2.

• Classification 2. A current or former resident of Riverside County who has lived in a low-income household for at least five (5) years, between the years of 1980 and 2011 in the following zip codes: 92262, 92263, 92264.

For additional information on the qualification and verification process, please select the application link below

Cannabis Local Equity Program Application (Link Disabled)

Riverside County 2021 Area Median Income (AMI)

PERSONS IN FAMILY	2021 RIVERSIDE COUNTY 80% AREA MEDIAN INCOME
1	$44,250
2	$50,600
3	$56,900
4	$63,200
5	$68,200
6	$73,350
7	$78,400
8	$83,450

The completed application (Link Disabled) can be returned via email, in PDF format, including all required attachments, to
pscannabisequity@palmspringsca.gov.

Individuals who qualify as Equity Applicants will receive a verification letter from the Department of Special Program Compliance, verifying their status as an Equity Applicant.

To qualify as an Equity Business, Equity Applicants must have a minimum of 51% ownership of the business applying for an Adult-Use Cannabis Business Permit. The requirement can be met by one or multiple Equity Applicants collectively.

Complete a Verification of Equity Business Ownership Form to be included with your Adult-Use Cannabis Business Permit Application. All owners of the business must sign and verify that the business meets this requirement.

Visit the Cannabis Related and Business and Activities Forms page for information on how to apply for an Adult-Use Cannabis Business License.

PLEASE NOTE: To apply as an Equity Business, the following documents must be included with the cannabis business license application:

• Verification letter issued by the Department of Special Program Compliance
• Verification of Equity Business Ownership Form

Please contact the Department of Special Program Compliance at (760) 322-8370.

As an applicant or licensed California cannabis business, you will interact with state agencies beyond just the DCC. These agencies play a part in making sure your business stays safe, legal and successful. This document gives a snapshot of those other agencies and how they can help you along the way.

Included in this document

Find contact information for resources including:

• Cannabis Licensing
• Safety
• Business Operations
• Taxes
• Environment
• Local Jurisdictions

Download the Resource - 

State Agencies for Licensees

 

Here is a detailed introduction to help out with the setup and management of your Retail Dispensary.

Flowhub California Laws Overview

Manufacturing  - New requirements for Packaging, labeling, advertising, marketing:

In 2022, the California Legislature passed Assembly Bill 1894, the “Integrated cannabis vaporizer: packaging, labeling, advertisement, and marketing” bill. Beginning July 1, 2024, this bill will add new requirements for the packaging, labeling, advertising, or marketing of cannabis cartridges and integrated cannabis vaporizers. 

There are two parts to the new requirements:

1. Advertising and marketing requirements: All advertising and marketing materials for cannabis cartridges or integrated cannabis vaporizers are required to display specific messaging on how to properly dispose of a cannabis cartridge or an integrated cannabis vaporizer. 
2. Packaging and labeling requirements: The packaging and labeling of cannabis cartridges and integrated cannabis vaporizers can no longer include statements that indicate or imply that the items are disposable, may be thrown in the trash, or added to recycling streams.   

Click here for Assembly Bill No 1894

Click here for an overview of the changes made by AB No 1894

 Click here for additional resources

New Requirements for advertising and marketing:

As of July 1, 2024, licensees must clearly display the following messages in a clear and legible fashion when advertising and marketing cannabis cartridges or integrated cannabis vaporizers. 

Required message for the advertising and marketing of:

• Cannabis Cartridges: “A spent cannabis cartridge shall be properly disposed of as hazardous waste at a household hazardous waste facility or other approved facility” 
• Integrated Cannabis Vaporizers: “An empty integrated cannabis vaporizer shall be properly disposed of as hazardous waste at a household hazardous waste collection facility or other approved facility.” 

New Requirements for packaging and labeling:

As of July 1, 2024, licensees must not package or label cannabis cartridges or integrated cannabis vaporizers in a manner that indicates or implies that it is disposable, may be thrown in the trash or added to recycling streams.

Licensees do not need to add any new language or messaging to the packaging or labels for cannabis cartridges or integrated cannabis vaporizers.

 Click here for more information regarding packaging and labeling