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Social Equity Verification Process

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Social equity verification is the process where OCM confirms an applicant's social equity eligibility. This service is free. Jump to our verification guide for more information on the process.

If you are an applicant who received social equity verification in the first cycle, your status remains current. You are not required to provide further documentation to verify your status at this time. Anyone who didn’t get verified for social equity status in the first cycle can go through verification when the window opens.

What does it mean to be verified as a social equity applicant and business?

Completing social equity verification is the first step for people who wish to apply for a cannabis business license with a social equity classification. Verification alone does not equate to submitting a license application. An applicant verified as a social equity applicant retains that status in perpetuity.

Social equity verification is an option to consider when making business decisions on the path to obtaining a cannabis license. It is not required for obtaining a cannabis business license. As with deciding which license type to pursue, it is a consideration for each prospective applicant to determine which route (whether that is social equity verified classification or not) best meets their unique business goals. OCM is unable to provide legal or business advice and cannot assist in decisions on which license type to apply for or which license classification to pursue and recommends seeking counsel to make these determinations. The table below provides information to consider as you make this determination.

Capped versus uncapped license type considerations
License type
Increased chance of lottery selection?
Need to verify social equity prior to application?
Limited ability to sell business?
Different application standards?
Ability to promote yourself as a social equity business?
Different access to resources outside of OCM?
Social equity: Mezzobusiness, Cultivator, Retailer, Manufacturer
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Maybe
Social equity: Uncapped
Not applicable
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Maybe
General: Mezzobusiness, Cultivator, Retailer, Manufacturer
No
No
No
No
No
Maybe
General: Uncapped
Not applicable
No
No
No
No
Maybe


Verification toolkit

The guide linked below provides guidance and instruction for people seeking a cannabis business license with a social equity verification. The guide includes step-by-step instructions on how to register an account on the OCM Citizen Portal, complete the social equity verification steps on the OCM Citizen Portal, and submit supporting materials for social equity verification.

The webinar linked below provides a general overview of the licensing process, focusing on the first step of social equity verification. Watch to learn about resources and understand social equity in cannabis licensing, the eligibility criteria for social equity status, and the verification process.

Check our Frequently Asked Questions webpage for answers to a wide range of questions related to social equity and the verification process.

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