Small businesses impacted by recent wildfires in Oregon are now eligible for federal disaster relief—unless that business happens to be cannabis-related, that is.
The Small Business Administration (SBA) announced last week that people in certain areas of Oregon can apply for disaster assistance loans. But a representative from the agency told that cannabis companies are excluded because cannabis remains federally prohibited.
“Cannabis businesses are not eligible to apply for SBA disaster loans,” SBA spokesperson Carol Chastang said, adding that the relief also doesn’t extend to agriculture businesses so even hemp farmers don’t qualify regardless of the crop’s legal status.
That said, people who work in either the cannabis or hemp market whose primary residence is damaged or destroyed by the fires can apply. “However, they would be ineligible for SBA assistance if they were running the cannabis business out of their home,” Chastang said.
Read more at marijuanamoment.net