Long Beach, CA ~ Long Beach, CA - The City of Long Beach has reached a significant milestone in its efforts to promote social equity and provide opportunities for those disproportionately impacted by past cannabis criminalization. The Department of Economic Development & Opportunity (EDO) announced today the licensing of the first dispensary under the City's Cannabis Equity Program.

Located at 6037 Atlantic Ave. in the North Long Beach community, Off the Charts is now officially licensed and operating as a result of receiving a grant from the Program. This grant, funded by the California Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development, provides up to $350,000 in direct funding and various supportive services for eligible applicants.

The Program was created in May 2022 when the Long Beach City Council approved the Adult-Use Cannabis Business Ordinance. Its purpose is to ensure that economic opportunities within the regulated cannabis industry are accessible to all residents of Long Beach. In September 2024, eight equity applicants were selected to participate in the Program, with six securing locations and progressing through the City's licensing and permitting process. Five of these dispensaries are expected to open later this year.

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In July 2025, after a temporary pause, the City reopened direct grant applications for the Program on a first-come, first-served basis. Interested parties can apply online until funding is exhausted. The amount of grant funding awarded will vary depending on factors such as the type of cannabis activity being conducted and the size of the facility.

For more information about the Program or to apply for a grant, interested individuals can visit longbeach.gov/cannabis or email CannabizLB@longbeach.gov. Media inquiries can be directed to Chelsey Magallon at Chelsey.Magallon@longbeach.gov or by calling 562.570.3863.

The City's commitment to promoting social equity and providing opportunities in the local cannabis industry is evident through its ongoing efforts with this Program. By creating pathways for those disproportionately impacted by past cannabis criminalization, Long Beach is taking steps towards a more inclusive and equitable community.

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