The Oakland City Council in California is considering so-called “equity permits,” which would allow, and even encourage, those with cannabis convictions to own marijuana businesses.
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Cannabist columnist Susan Squibb says “it’s a very good step, in the right direction.” But Bloom Farms founder Mike Ray, whose company is based in California, says he agrees and disagrees with Squibb. “I think it was well intentioned, but I think the plan is flawed, and basically allows for six districts — I don’t know if it’s exactly six — of sixty different police beats to decide on who gets 50 percent of the cannabis permits. I don’t think that makes sense at all.”
“Who makes up these districts and who decides? It doesn’t create a level playing field for the rest of Oakland,” he adds.
