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    Greater LA

    How LA weed regulators are trying to help people of color get dispensary licenses

    Cannabis dispensaries are an essential business that have remained open through the pandemic.

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    Person smiling broadly wearing glasses and plaid shirt against ivy-covered wall background.By Steve Chiotakis • Jul 8, 2020 • 8m Listen

    Cannabis dispensaries are an essential business that have remained open through the pandemic. But many Angelenos have long complained that white people are predominantly profiting in the industry.

    LA has tried to mitigate that with their “Social Equity Program.” The program allows people affected by the war on drugs to be prioritized in getting dispensary licenses. But since the program began, it has been riddled with issues. Last week, the LA City Council voted unanimously to overhaul it, hoping to repair some of the damage.

    • Person smiling broadly wearing glasses and plaid shirt against ivy-covered wall background.

      Steve Chiotakis

      Afternoon News Anchor

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      Christian Bordal

      Managing Producer, Greater LA

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      Jenna Kagel

      Radio producer

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      Kathryn Barnes

      Producer, Reporter

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      Abdullah Saeed

      executive producer

      CultureCannabisPoliticsBusiness & EconomyLos Angeles
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