Black Cannabis Business Owners Rally for Justice and Equity in Los Angeles
LOS ANGELES, CA – In a powerful display of unity and resilience, Black cannabis retailers across Los Angeles joined forces to demand long-overdue justice, support, and equity in the city’s cannabis industry. Spearheaded by the Black Los Angeles Cannabis Council (BLACC), the rally took place Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at 8:30 AM on the steps of L.A City Hall.
“We’ve Been Ignored for 7 Years. Now We’re Done Waiting.”
Black Los Angeles Cannabis Council
The Black Los Angeles Cannabis Council aims to shine a spotlight on the systemic failures of the City’s Social Equity cannabis program—a program that was supposed to repair harm caused by the War on Drugs. Instead, Black-owned cannabis businesses have been met with crushing debt, discriminatory enforcement, and broken promises.
“Black cannabis operators in L.A were promised equity. Instead, we got delays, debt, and discrimination—while illegal shops flourish and our doors close.”
Black Los Angeles Cannabis Council
The demonstration seeks urgent support for the Cannabis Equity & Market Stabilization Motion, a proposed policy package designed to address years of inequity. The motion includes:
- Retroactive tax credits for impacted businesses
- A tiered tax structure to level the playing field
- Real reform of equity programs and enforcement against illegal operations
- Landlord accountability for enabling underground markets
The urgency is more than financial—it’s deeply personal. Many Black-owned dispensaries are facing closure, despite being legally licensed. Business owners like Kika Keith, founder of GorillaRX, L.A’s first Black woman-owned dispensary on Crenshaw Blvd, are under constant threat of closure due to aggressive policing and bureaucratic hurdles.
“This isn’t a handout. It’s a chance to finally make the Social Equity program mean something,” said organizers, emphasizing the positive impact this motion could have on both small businesses and the city’s economy through increased legal cannabis tax revenue.
The War on Drugs devastated our communities. Now, the same people most harmed are drowning in debt and harassment while others profit off our culture. Where is the justice?
Cannabis advocate and entrepreneur Lizzy Jeff
Organizers are calling on the community and allies to contact their city council representatives, and demand a YES vote on the motion.
How to Get Involved:
- Shop Smart: During 4/20 week, Shop Black. Shop Legal. Support Equity.
- Use Your Voice: Tag local leaders and demand action using #SaveBlackCannabis and #420Justice
Read More: https://www.blaccunity.com/
