Cannabis Local Equity Program Applications

Now Open - Cannabis Local Equity Program Applications

The County was awarded a Type 2 Cannabis Equity Grant for Local Jurisdictions by the Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) in the amount of $558,102.04. Of that amount, up to $520,000 may be awarded in the form of grants to Verified Cannabis Equity Applicants/Operators. 

As part of the new grant cycle, the Cannabis Local Equity Program Manual has been revised, including the expansion of Phase 1 eligibility criteria. Prior to submittal, interested applicants are encouraged to read the revised Program Manual.

Cannabis Local Equity Program Application Process

The Sonoma County Cannabis Local Equity Program application process has two phases:

• Phase 1 – Applicants apply to become a Verified Cannabis Equity Applicant/Operator
• Phase 2 – Verified Cannabis Equity Applicants/Operators apply for Cannabis Equity Grant funding

Interested applicants are encouraged to review the Sonoma County Cannabis Local Equity Program Manual and Equity Program Frequently Asked Questions before applying.

Link to Cannabis Local Equity Program Manual

Link to Equity Program Frequently Asked Questions

Phase 1 Application - Open Continuously

Any cannabis applicants/operators operating within Sonoma County (unincorporated areas and within the cities) may submit a Phase 1 application to become a Verified Cannabis Equity Applicant/Operator.

How to Apply:

1. Download the Phase 1 Application (linked below)
2. Complete the Application, including Attestation and Signature
3. Collect necessary documentation
4. Submit via email to: Cannabis@sonoma-county.org with Cannabis Local Equity Program Phase 1 Application in the subject line

Applications and supplemental documentation must be received via email and attachments. 

Sonoma County Cannabis Local Equity Program Phase 1 Application (PDF: 307 kb)

Solicitud para la Fase 1 del Programa Local de Equidad del Condado de Sonoma (PDF: 365 kb)

Phase 2 Application - Open until August 11, 2025 at 5:00 PM

The Phase 2 Application period is now open. Only Verified Cannabis Equity Applicants/Operators are eligible to submit a Phase 2 Application for Cannabis Equity Grant funding. 

How to Apply:

1. Download the Phase 2 Application and Budget Template (linked below)
2. Complete the Application and Budget Template, including Attestation and Signature
3. Collect necessary documentation
4. Submit via email to: Cannabis@sonoma-county.org with Cannabis Local Equity Program Phase 2 Application in the subject line

Applications and supplemental documentation must be received via email and attachments by 5:00 PM on Monday, August 11, 2025. 

Sonoma County Cannabis Local Equity Program Phase 2 Application (PDF: 308 kb)

Solucitud para la Fase 2 del Programa Local de Equidad del Condado de Sonoma (PDF: 336 kb)

Budget Template (Excel Spreadsheet: 82 kb)    

Note for all applicants: Most information provided to the County is a public record, however, the County will not disclose confidential personal and financial information. If confidential information is not required to verify compliance with the eligibility criteria, please redact prior to submittal.