Know Your Rights. *UPDATE 6/17*
Posted on 07/01/2025
July 2025
Liberty and Justice for All: Why the First Amendment Still Matters
As we approach celebrating Independence Day amidst protests both local, state and abroad; One may find themselves reflecting less on fireworks and more on the freedoms we often take for granted. The First Amendment isn’t just a principle in theory, it’s the foundation of our democracy. It protects our right to speak, to protest, to publish, to worship, and to hold our leaders accountable. In today’s climate of division, censorship, and distrust, these "inalienable" rights are under increasing pressure from institutions, platforms, and even each other. When we silence opposing voices, we weaken the very system that allows us to disagree peacefully.
As a nation, we must encourage healthy dialogue and discourse while insisting on resolution oriented regulatory practices. It is critical that we suspend judgement and listen. The Constitution is more than a historical record, it’s a living and breathing document. This Independence Day, let’s honor our freedoms not just with celebration, but with a recommitment to vigilance, civility, and courage. Let us be mindful of the examples we set and remain diligent in our pursuit of liberty and justice for everyone.
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE FROM THE SOCIAL EQUITY PROGRAM IN 2025?
The Job Board is back!
Whether you're hiring or on the hunt for your next opportunity, our updated platform is now live and ready to connect top talent with the roles they’re made for. Fresh listings, easier navigation, and new features to help you land the perfect fit—check it out now!
FREE COACHING
DCR offers over 1,500 hours of free business, professional, and workforce development coaching with subject-matter experts. Complete and submit the Coaching Indemnification Form. THEN, CLICK HERE TO SCHEDULE YOUR NEXT COACHING SESSION
TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
The Business, Licensing & Compliance Assistance Program’s 2025 Webinar Series has begun! For the latest one on Tax Compliance click below.
FREE LEGAL SERVICES
You are eligible to apply for 10 hours of free legal assistance and 30 hours of legal assistance for $35 per hour.
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If you are accessing the LMS system for the first time, please log in using the email address linked to your DCR Accela Account and use “Password1”. If you are having difficulty logging into the LMS, contact us at dcr.sep@lacity.org.
Meet a few of our Social Equity subject matter experts. They are here to help you navigate the cannabis industry with no cost to you. All Social Equity applicants should take advantage and get help with questions regarding your business.
Complete and submit the Coaching Indemnification Form. Then, click here to schedule your next coaching session!
Upcoming July Webinars
Date / Time | Host | Event Title |
Tuesday July 1 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM | Chris Eggers | Advanced Security |
Tuesday July 15 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM | Manndie Tingler | Market Smarter: Event Strategy and Effective Ambassador Programs |
Tuesday July 24 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM | Courtney Lang | Los Angeles Consumption Lounge Update |
For more information on upcoming webinars, click here.
Watch past webinars below
California Compliance Challenges (06/17/2025)
Access to Capital & Investor Agreements (6/12/2025)
For more information on upcoming webinars, click here.
Annual Licensing
To date, 318 retailers have received approval for Annual Licensure from the City of Los Angeles Cannabis Regulation Commission (CRC).
Community meetings are a requirement prior to scheduling a hearing in front of the Cannabis Regulation Commission, who is ultimately responsible for the approval or denial of an Annual License.
DCR continues to prioritize the review of all annual applications based on the following criteria: (1) upcoming State license expiration dates; (2) non-retail Social Equity businesses who do not have a state provisional license; (3) Social Equity retail businesses; and, (4) all other businesses.
To find out more about the Annual Licensing process, please visit our website. DCR will be releasing a guide with next steps this month for all recent recipients of an Annual License, stay tuned.
Is Your DBA On File With DCR?
Do you have a DBA (Doing Business As)? Is it registered in Accela?
If not, you will also need to submit a Modification Request with DCR (via Accela) to add your DBA.
To complete this process, please submit form LIC-4001-MOD and include the FBN filing stamped by the LA County Registrar Recorder/Clerk. Modification requests are free of charge.
Please file this ASAP as it needs to be completed before you receive a Notice of Completed Application pertaining to the annual licensing process. If you have any questions about the DBA process, reach out to your assigned DCR licensing staff member.
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IN THE NEWS
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Cannabis companies still standing after reset 'well positioned to thrive'
Why cannabis industry must adopt standardized THC-potency labeling
The Hidden Immigration Risks of Cannabis Employment: What Employers and Workers Need to Know
CLICK HERE FOR MORE DCR NEWS
Thank you for reading our monthly CannaDispatch newsletter, designed to provide timely and useful information about DCR-SEP news, services, programming and resources for the Los Angeles Social Equity community, SEIAs, licensees and operators.
If you have suggestions for future newsletter topics, please email us at dcr.sep@lacity.org. The DCR public counter is open Tuesday and Wednesday from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM at 221 N. Figueroa St, Suite 1245, Los Angeles, CA 90012. Call (213) 978-0738 to speak with a DCR representative.
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Los Angeles, CA 90012
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