Cannabis Social Equity Initiatives Across 5 US States Case Studies of Colorado, Washington, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Missouri.

Abstract

Context: Given the historic cannabis-related injustices in the US, several states that have legalized nonmedical cannabis also launched social equity (SE) initiatives involving criminal justice reform, equitable entrepreneurship assistance, and community reinvestment programs.

Objective: This manuscript explores SE initiatives across 5 states.

Design: Case studies of 5 states were conducted using a drug policy framework. Two researchers dual-coded cannabis-related SE policies pertaining to expungements/pardons, equitable entrepreneurship assistance, and revenue allocation (as of December 2024).

Setting: Colorado, Washington, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Missouri.

Results: Colorado, Washington, and Massachusetts implemented pardons for certain offenses; Connecticut and Missouri implemented expungement. There was variability in the eligible offenses and numbers of pardons and expungements granted across states. Regarding entrepreneurship assistance, the states' SE eligibility criteria were similar, albeit with some distinctions (eg, income restrictions, veterans). Each state either reserved licenses for SE applicants or had specific SE licenses. The states offered similar trainings but used distinct approaches (such as accelerator programs or role-specific tracks). Additionally, financial benefits, such as grants, loans, and fee waivers, differed across states. Each state implemented cannabis sales taxes, which varied in level and type (retail sales tax vs. excise tax). Revenues across states were directed to cannabis program costs, the general fund, and health care and educational initiatives and organizations, although there were differences in allocation across states.

Conclusions: Findings highlight the important efforts these states have made toward SE goals. However, given the varied approaches and limited evidence base, ongoing evaluation across states is needed to inform effective future SE initiatives.