Sacramento, CA – The United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Western States Council today applauded Governor Jerry Brown for signing SB 1294 (Bradford), which will create equity in California’s newly legalized cannabis industry by distributing grants and assistance to people who have been harmed by cannabis prohibition. The following statement may be attributed to James Araby, Executive Director, United Food and Commercial Workers Western States Council:
“When voters approved Proposition 64, they wanted the new industry to be open and inclusive, accessible and representative. SB 1294, the California Cannabis Equity Act of 2018 will help minimize barriers for disadvantaged Californians trying to enter the market by providing applicants loans and grants to start their business, technical and regulatory compliance assistance and fee waivers to individuals disproportionally affected by the criminalization of cannabis.
“Cities like Los Angeles, Oakland, Sacramento and San Francisco have already created or implemented equity programs that support inclusion and offer assistance to disadvantaged populations. SB 1294 is an important step forward for the whole state to diversify the cannabis industry and we’re proud that Governor Brown’s signature will promote diversity in this rapidly growing industry.”
In addition to the United Food and Commercial Workers Western States Council, SB 1294 is supported by the American Civil Liberties Union, the Drug Policy Alliance, the City and County of San Francisco, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, the City of Oakland, the City of Palm Springs, the City of Sacramento and others.
# # #
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 26, 2018
CONTACT: Mike Roth, 916.444.7170