City of Long Beach Celebrates Opening of First Cannabis Equity Dispensary

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PRESS RELEASE

Long Beach, CA - The City of Long Beach Department of Economic Development & Opportunity (EDO) today announced the licensing of the first dispensary under the City's Cannabis Equity Program (Program), marking a significant milestone in the City's ongoing commitment to advancing social equity and creating pathways for those disproportionately impacted by past cannabis criminalization.

The newly licensed and operating dispensary Off the Charts, located at 6037 Atlantic Ave. in the North Long Beach community, was awarded a Program grant to support with the opening of the establishment. The Program is designed to ensure that economic opportunities within the regulated cannabis industry are accessible to all Long Beach residents. Funded by the California Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development, the Program provides direct grants of up to $350,000 and a range of supportive services for eligible applicants, including one-on-one technical assistance comprising business development, legal and financial consulting services.

In July 2018, the Long Beach City Council approved the Adult-Use Cannabis Business Ordinance, which included the creation of the Program to support equitable opportunities in the local cannabis industry, and in May 2022, the ordinance was adopted. In September 2024, eight equity applicants were selected to move forward with the Program. Six of the eight equity dispensaries have secured locations and are progressing through the City's licensing and permitting process, of which five are expected to open later this year. In July 2025, the City reopened direct grant applications for the Program following a temporary pause and is currently accepting applications on a first-come, first-served basis. Applications are available online and will remain open until funding is exhausted. Recognizing that every cannabis business is different, the amount of grant funding awarded will be dependent upon the type of cannabis activity being conducted and the size of the facility.

Additional information about the Program is available at longbeach.gov/cannabis. Those who are interested in applying or have questions may email [email protected].

Media inquiries may be directed to Chelsey Magallon, Public Affairs Officer, Department of Economic Development & Opportunity, 562.570.3863, [email protected]

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