Mendocino Cannabis Cultivators Receive $3.1 Million Grant Support

In a significant boost for Mendocino County’s cannabis industry, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has awarded $3.1 million to the Rural Resilience Project (RRP) to assist local cultivators. Announced on September 11, 2024, this funding aims to help over 200 cannabis growers transition from provisional to annual licensure.

The grant, part of CDFW’s Cannabis Restoration Grant Program, will provide crucial services to small-scale cultivators with less than 20,000 square feet of canopy. RRP will offer technical assistance in areas such as biological surveys, water conservation, and environmental impact mitigation, addressing requirements set by Mendocino County ordinances and the California Environmental Quality Act.

With the provisional license sunset date approaching on December 31, 2025, this initiative comes at a critical time. The project will prioritize cultivators needing help with environmental compliance, a key factor in obtaining annual licenses.

Eligible cultivators are encouraged to submit their information through the RRP Eligibility Assessment Form. The project will also host workshops and webinars in multiple languages, with the first informational session expected as early as September 2024.

This funding represents a significant step in supporting Mendocino County’s cannabis industry while ensuring environmental protection and regulatory compliance. CRGP funding is provided by the Environmental Restoration and Protection Account pursuant to Revenue and Taxation Code section 34019(f)(2).

For more information on CRGP’s funding opportunities and projects, visit the Cannabis Restoration Grant Program website.