Section 3780.18 - Purpose of cannabis social equity and jobs program(A) Additional efforts are needed to reduce barriers to ownership and opportunities within the adult use cannabis industry for individuals and communities most adversely impacted by the enforcement of marijuana-related laws.(B) In the interest of establishing an adult cannabis industry that is equitable and accessible to those most adversely impacted by the enforcement of marijuana-related laws in this State, the cannabis social equity and jobs program should be established.(C) Individuals who have been arrested or incarcerated due to drug laws suffer long-lasting negative consequences, including impacts to employment, business ownership, housing, health, and long-term financial well-being.(D) Family members, especially children, and communities of those who have been arrested or incarcerated due to drug laws, suffer from emotional, psychological, and financial harms as a result of such arrests or incarcerations.(E) Certain communities have disproportionately suffered the harms of enforcement of marijuana-related laws. Those communities face greater difficulties accessing traditional banking systems and capital for establishing businesses.(F) Individuals who have resided in areas of high poverty suffer negative consequences, including barriers to entry in employment, business ownership, housing, health, and long-term financial well-being.(G) Promotion of business ownership and employment by individuals who have resided in areas of high poverty and high enforcement of marijuana-related laws furthers an equitable cannabis industry.(H) Therefore, in the interest of remedying the harms resulting from the disproportionate enforcement of marijuana-related laws, a cannabis social equity and jobs program shall provide financial assistance and license application support to individuals most directly and adversely impacted by the enforcement of marijuana-related laws who are interested in starting or working in cannabis business entities.Enacted by Initiative Petition, 11/27/2023. Effective 12/7/2023