Oregon is now one of just a few states to lack "social equity programs” for its cannabis industry, a new state audit found.
Cannabis-related equity programs aim to help those harmed by past drug enforcement policies to enter the now-legal cannabis industry.
The city of Portland currently uses cannabis taxes to fund grants to entrepreneurs of color and community programs supporting equity.
But previous efforts to establish statewide equity programs in Oregon have failed to advance in the Legislature.
The Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission said it plans to develop an equity program once it begins reassuring expired or suspended licenses.
In a text to Axios, state Rep. Janell Bynum wrote, "If we don't act soon, Oregon will miss the opportunity to right the wrongs of the War on Drugs."
A national report, however, found that none of the 15 current state equity programs met all goals for industry, justice, community and access.
