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March 07, 2024
Last week, Michigan’s Cannabis Regulatory Agency notified 62 social equity licensees that they were eligible for a share of the $1 million available through the Social Equity Grant Program (SEGP).
Each of the grantees will receive an equal share of $16,129.
“Since the legalization of marijuana in 2018, it has been clear to me we need to do more as a state to shepherd this growing industry into a more sustainable, equitable era,” said Senator Sarah Anthony. “I was proud to partner with CRA in my first year as appropriations chair to create this Social Equity Grant Program, ensuring Michiganders who have experienced the heaviest burden of cannabis prohibition and enforcement can share in the gains of the industry. This is a chance to reinvest in local talent and stimulate the economy in urban and rural communities across our state – like Lansing – that have been disproportionately impacted by this emerging industry. Congratulations to the 62 awardees statewide and the seven grantees from the Greater Lansing region.”
The Fiscal Year 2024 state budget included $1 million to further develop the Social Equity Program that was created after voters legalized adult-use marijuana in 2018. The voter initiative required the state to develop a plan to promote and encourage participation in the marijuana industry by people from communities that have been disproportionately impacted by marijuana prohibition and enforcement and to positively impact those communities.
“I’m thrilled to see our licensees use these funds to positively impact their employees, their communities, and their business,” said CRA Executive Director Brian Hanna. “Our social equity licensees truly deserve this opportunity.”
While social equity licensees have always been able to receive discounts on fees and application assistance through the CRA’s Social Equity Program, this is the first time that funding has been allocated specifically to support social equity licensees.
The approved 62 SEGP grantees have a valid CRA-issued adult-use license, are majority owned by eligible Social Equity Program participants, and are certified participants in the CRA’s Social Equity All-Star Program.
Social Equity Grant Program funds must be spent in one or more of the following categories:
Funds spent on employee education can be used for an employee of the business to take one or more classes or courses that are relevant to the business from an accredited institution. Funds spent on business needs must be used towards compliance with licensing and regulatory statutes and rules. Funds spent on community investment may be used on or donated to organizations, non-profits, and/or charities that positively impact the community in which the business is located.
The 62 grantees of the 2024 Social Equity Grant Program are as follows:
Detroit
Lansing
Muskegon
Battle Creek
Kalamazoo
Bay City
Grand Rapids
Statewide
Media Contact:
CRA Communications
