The City of San José has officially announced the ten residents eligible to open cannabis retail businesses under its Cannabis Equity Business Program. These candidates were chosen from 29 graduates of the Cannabis Business Equity Academy, which provides no-cost training for individuals adversely affected by historical cannabis laws. The program is a collaborative effort involving the Office of Economic Development and Cultural Affairs, the Enterprise Foundation, and the Cal Asian Chamber of Commerce. Nanci Klein, the Director of Economic Development and Cultural Affairs, highlighted the program's focus on equity, stating that 86% of the Academy's graduates belong to marginalized communities. The candidates were selected through a lottery conducted by the San José Police Department, and they will receive guidance in completing the registration process for cannabis businesses.

Additionally, they will benefit from grants aimed at covering startup and ongoing operational costs, including legal assistance. Frank Louie, from the CalAsian Chamber of Commerce, expressed his enthusiasm for supporting these entrepreneurs as they navigate the cannabis industry. This initiative underscores San José's commitment to fostering an inclusive business environment and promoting social equity in the cannabis sector.