1. (a) The Department shall administer the State's economic development and growth funds to facilitate the attraction, creation, expansion, and retention of businesses and jobs in the State.
2. (b) The Department shall encourage local governments to develop, and assist local governments in developing, strategic plans for economic development.

3. (c)

   1. (1) The Department may not deny a business entity conducting a trade or a business as a medical cannabis grower, processor, or dispensary or any other cannabis establishment licensed by the State a program benefit under this title solely because the business entity is a cannabis establishment, if the business entity otherwise satisfies the requirements of the program, including any industry sector specific requirements.
   2. (2) If, before July 1, 2023, a business entity described under paragraph (1) of this subsection was denied a program benefit under this title solely because the business entity was a cannabis establishment, the business entity may reapply for the program.

Added by Acts 2008, c. 306, § 2, eff. Oct. 1, 2008. Amended by Acts 2023, c. 471, § 1, eff. July 1, 2023; Acts 2023, c. 472, § 1, eff. July 1, 2023.