About the San Jose Cannabis Council

Empowering San Jose Through Knowledge, Equity, and Responsible Change

Founded in 2021 as a direct response to the evolving cannabis landscape in California, the San Jose Cannabis Council (SJCC) is an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. We exist to bridge the gap between state and local regulations, community needs, and evidence-based practices—ensuring that cannabis policies and education serve everyone fairly and safely.

Meet Our Board

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Our Founding Story

In the years following California's Proposition 64 (2016 legalization of adult-use cannabis), San Jose implemented a structured regulatory framework through the San Jose Police Department's Division of Cannabis Regulation. This included limits on business registrations, equity-focused pathways, and strict operational standards to replace the unregulated medical collectives of the early 2010s.

Recognizing both the opportunities and ongoing challenges, such as barriers for those disproportionately impacted by the War on Drugs, the need for youth protection, and the importance of harm reduction, community advocates came together to form SJCC in 2021. Our organization was created to complement official efforts (like the City's Cannabis Equity Program, which selected 10 eligible equity applicants in 2024 and continues to build on state grants) by providing grassroots education, advocacy support, and inclusive resources that official channels sometimes cannot reach at scale.

Our Core Mission

The San Jose Cannabis Council works to foster a responsible, equitable, and informed cannabis environment in San Jose by:

Delivering accessible, science-backed education on cannabis use, risks, benefits, and local/state laws.

Advocating for policies that expand opportunities for equity applicants, reduce unnecessary barriers, and prioritize public health and safety.

Supporting community programs that address harm reduction, youth prevention, medical access, veteran care, and senior wellness.

Promoting inclusion and repair for individuals and families harmed by decades of cannabis prohibition.

We align closely with existing frameworks, including the City's Cannabis Equity Business Program (offering up to 10 retail registrations for qualified equity owners, supported by state-funded academies and grants) and broader California initiatives like the Cannabis Equity Grants Program for Local Jurisdictions (with $15 million available in FY 2025-26).

Our Guiding Values

Equity First

We prioritize those most affected by historical cannabis enforcement, supporting pathways like San Jose's equity lottery and academy graduates who completed no-cost training in 2024.

Evidence-Based Education

All resources draw from trusted sources: California Department of Cannabis Control (DCC), Department of Public Health, San Jose Police Division of Cannabis Regulation, NORML, and peer-reviewed studies. We emphasize facts over hype—e.g., adult-use possession limits (up to 28.5 grams flower), indoor cultivation rules, and the importance of avoiding public nuisance issues.

Community-Centered

Decisions are driven by local voices from neighborhoods like East San Jose, Downtown, and Willow Glen. We collaborate with residents, businesses, and officials to create practical solutions.

Transparency & Accountability

As a non-profit, we publish annual reports, financials, and impact metrics. We are committed to open dialogue and continuous improvement.

Harm Reduction & Safety

We promote responsible use to minimize risks, protect youth (in line with strict local marketing/sales rules), and encourage legal, regulated markets over illicit ones.

Why We Matter in San Jose

San Jose's cannabis industry has faced ups and downs—from early unregulated storefronts to today's regulated system with equity focus. Yet challenges remain: ensuring sustained support for equity licensees, educating newcomers amid evolving rules, and addressing community concerns like odor, security, and youth exposure. SJCC fills these gaps by offering free workshops, advocacy toolkits, neighborhood outreach, and resources that empower residents to engage constructively.

Our work contributes to a regulated marketplace that generates tax revenue for public services, creates jobs (especially for equity participants), and reduces stigma through informed conversation.