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MCBA National
Cannabis
Equity Map

MCBA National
Cannabis
Equity
Map

The MCBA National Cannabis Equity Map was created as a research tool that gathers and stores data critical to the understanding and analysis of cannabis equity policy with an emphasis on the “Equitable Industry” pillar of cannabis social equity. The Map includes citations to the law to facilitate research and the comparative study of cannabis laws across both state and municipal programs.

The MCBA National Cannabis Equity Map was created as a research tool that gathers and stores data critical to the understanding and analysis of cannabis equity policy with an emphasis on the “Equitable Industry” pillar of cannabis social equity. The Map includes citations to the law to facilitate research and the comparative study of cannabis laws across both state and municipal programs.

Thanks to these partners for bringing this report and tool to life

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National Equity Maps

This tool is for lawmakers, advocates, industry, and other stakeholders seeking information on state and municipal social equity programs and other state and local cannabis policy impacting the outcome of social equity programs, racial and economic diversity of legal cannabis markets, and barriers to entry and sustainability for minority cannabis businesses.

  • Cannabis Legal Status

    State-by-State Breakdown

    Map Legend

    adult use program
    medical program only
    highly restricted
    prohibited

    Medical use of cannabis first became legal in the United States in 1996 when California approved Prop 215.

      Since then, 35 other states, 4 out of 5 permanently inhabited U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia have legalized medical marijuana. While the details of the medical programs vary state to state, in general, people with qualifying conditions ranging from epilepsy to social anxiety may, with physician referral, receive cannabis to treat or manage their conditions. Today, the use and general acceptance of medical cannabis continues to evolve in favor of medical programs.

        In 2012, Colorado and Washington became the first states to legalize adult-use cannabis creating the nation’s first state-regulated cannabis markets. Currently, more than one-third of Americans live where adult use cannabis is legal.

          State-by-State Breakdown

          Map Legend

          adult use program
          medical program only
          highly restricted
          prohibited

          Medical use of cannabis first became legal in the United States in 1996 when California approved Prop 215.

            Since then, 35 other states, 4 out of 5 permanently inhabited U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia have legalized medical marijuana. While the details of the medical programs vary state to state, in general, people with qualifying conditions ranging from epilepsy to social anxiety may, with physician referral, receive cannabis to treat or manage their conditions. Today, the use and general acceptance of medical cannabis continues to evolve in favor of medical programs.

              In 2012, Colorado and Washington became the first states to legalize adult-use cannabis creating the nation’s first state-regulated cannabis markets. Currently, more than one-third of Americans live where adult use cannabis is legal.

              • Cannabis Equity Programs

                State-by-State Breakdown

                Map Legend

                adult use equity program
                medical equity program
                no equity program

                Many states and localities have developed and implemented cannabis “social equity programs” with, or following, the legalization of adult use or medical cannabis. While the term “social equity” in the cannabis industry most often refers to the efforts to create an equitable industry outlined in this report, social equity programs should encompass all pillars of equity to ensure the efforts to redress the harms of cannabis prohibition are as broad as the harms.

                  MCBA defines “social equity” in the cannabis industry using four pillars that encompass the breadth of the restorative policies necessary to adequately address the harms of cannabis prohibition on impacted communities and create an equitable and just cannabis industry: Equitable Industry, Equitable Communities, Equitable Justice & Equitable Access.

                    While cannabis has been legalized for medical or adult use in 36 states, only 15 states have social equity programs. Thirteen of the 18 adult-use states and two of the 18 medical-only legal cannabis states have social equity programs. Of the 15 state social equity programs, not one has resulted in an equitable cannabis industry across all four pillars of equity.

                      Of the 36 legal cannabis states, 26 include state-level license caps that limit the number of licenses issued within the state. Limiting the number of licenses at the state level artificially inflates the value of the license. Despite arguments of oversaturation in low-income neighborhoods, state-level license caps do not decrease retail outlet density or overconcentration, especially in low-income neighborhoods.

                        State-by-State Breakdown

                        Map Legend

                        adult use equity program
                        medical equity program
                        no equity program

                        Many states and localities have developed and implemented cannabis “social equity programs” with, or following, the legalization of adult use or medical cannabis. While the term “social equity” in the cannabis industry most often refers to the efforts to create an equitable industry outlined in this report, social equity programs should encompass all pillars of equity to ensure the efforts to redress the harms of cannabis prohibition are as broad as the harms.

                          MCBA defines “social equity” in the cannabis industry using four pillars that encompass the breadth of the restorative policies necessary to adequately address the harms of cannabis prohibition on impacted communities and create an equitable and just cannabis industry: Equitable Industry, Equitable Communities, Equitable Justice & Equitable Access.

                            While cannabis has been legalized for medical or adult use in 36 states, only 15 states have social equity programs. Thirteen of the 18 adult-use states and two of the 18 medical-only legal cannabis states have social equity programs. Of the 15 state social equity programs, not one has resulted in an equitable cannabis industry across all four pillars of equity.

                              Of the 36 legal cannabis states, 26 include state-level license caps that limit the number of licenses issued within the state. Limiting the number of licenses at the state level artificially inflates the value of the license. Despite arguments of oversaturation in low-income neighborhoods, state-level license caps do not decrease retail outlet density or overconcentration, especially in low-income neighborhoods.

                              • Municipal-Level Equity Programs

                                State-by-State Breakdown

                                Map Legend

                                local equity program
                                no local program

                                MCBA has identified 13 local municipalities (county or city) that currently operate cannabis equity programs. Of these, 10 are found in California State.

                                  State-by-State Breakdown

                                  Map Legend

                                  local equity program
                                  no local program

                                  MCBA has identified 13 local municipalities (county or city) that currently operate cannabis equity programs. Of these, 10 are found in California State.

                                    MCBA National Cannabis Equity Report: Key Findings

                                    Despite broadly stated support for addressing the harms of cannabis prohibition and creating diversity in the cannabis industry, the barriers to entry for minority operators have continued to stifle progress to advance social equity efforts.
                                    MCBA’s National Cannabis Equity Report highlights the findings of 41 policy points explored in the Map. Among those highlights, MCBA identified 7 initial conclusions that we ask advocates and lawmakers to consider as we reexamine state social equity programs:
                                    1. The number and efficacy of state social equity programs does not reflect the expressed commitment to achieving equity through cannabis.

                                    2. The use of non-race criteria in the social equity qualifications and definitions has not yielded diverse cannabis markets.

                                    3. Despite evidence to support cited concerns, many states continue to utilize state-level license caps to limit state markets leading to a lack of diversity and the proliferation of the legacy market.

                                    4. Among the few social equity programs that provide funding, fewer still provide access to timely funding for social equity applicants and licensees.

                                    5. Requirements to secure premises prior to issuance of a license or conditional license continue to present a significant barrier to entry for social equity operators.

                                    6. Bans on ownership for individuals with past cannabis convictions remains prevalent in state-legal cannabis programs.

                                    7. Inequities in existing medical markets create inequities in adult use markets.

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                                    Download Equity Report

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                                    In addition to compiling this report, we are also currently taking our learnings from this report and re-writing our model state legislation.

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