Social equity cannabis operators press City for audits, enforcement and direct relief

Dozens of social equity cannabis operators and applicants urged the Los Angeles City Council Budget and Finance Committee on March 11 to audit the Department of Cannabis Regulation, provide direct grants and tax relief, and step up enforcement against illegal dispensaries.

The speakers said the city’s social equity program, created to help people harmed by the war on drugs, has produced delays, high fees and little direct assistance. "The program that was meant to help us is draining us," said Evelyn Brinson, a social equity operator, recounting delays, late fees and what she said were ineffective DCR help-desk responses. "Before you allocate another dollar, demand a full audit and ensure these funds actually reach the people they were meant to help."

A string of other operators echoed the request for oversight and financial relief. "We need direct grants. We need tax forgiveness," said Whitney Beatty, who identified herself as a social equity owner and single mother. Alfred Toregano, a social…