California Department of Cannabis Control Announces $30 Million in New Grants to Fund Academic Cannabis Research

State Partners With Public Universities to Expand Scientific Knowledge and Support Evidence-Based Cannabis Policy

SACRAMENTO, Calif. —  The California Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) has launched a new round of grant funding, allocating up to $30 million to public universities for cannabis-related academic research. The state agency’s objective is to expand scientific knowledge on cannabis and guide the development of informed, data-driven policies that can positively impact both public health and the regulated industry.

With this announcement, California continues to build on its legacy of cannabis reform and regulation by investing in research to fill critical knowledge gaps. The grants will support studies ranging from public health and safety to consumer behavior and environmental impacts, reinforcing the state’s commitment to public transparency, scientific rigor, and national leadership in cannabis policy.

California Reaches $80 Million in Total Cannabis Research Funding Through Newest Grant Cycle

This most recent funding opportunity brings the total investment by the state of California to $80 million in cannabis-related research since the launch of its public grant initiatives. This funding stems from tax revenues generated under Proposition 64, the landmark legislation passed in 2016 that legalized adult-use cannabis and laid the groundwork for a regulated market.

Previous research grant rounds, administered in 2020 and 2023, supported studies across a wide range of topics such as cannabis market trends, health outcomes, and the socio-economic effects of legalization. The new round of grants aims to build on existing insights while incorporating emerging national perspectives, particularly as cannabis reform continues to evolve across the United States.

New Research Priorities Center on Public Safety, Health, Environmental Impact, and Cannabis Market Dynamics

As part of this funding initiative, the DCC has outlined a series of priority research areas that applicants are encouraged to explore. These areas reflect the most pressing questions facing the cannabis sector today and emphasize the importance of using research to support sound governance and policy. The priority topics include:

• Public health and safety education strategies to mitigate potential harms and increase awareness
  
• Analysis of cannabis crop yields to assess agricultural productivity and economic outcomes
  
• Examination of state and local cannabis policies, including their effectiveness and community impact
  
• Research into consumer behavior and preferences within the regulated cannabis marketplace
  
• Study of cannabis effects on physical and mental health, including long-term impacts
  
• Environmental sustainability initiatives, such as water usage and carbon footprints in cultivation
  
• Comparative assessments of enforcement strategies across jurisdictions
  

A complete list of recommended research themes is available on the DCC’s official website, where applicants can also find proposal submission guidelines.

DCC Commits to Transparency by Making All Research Findings Publicly Accessible at No Cost

To maximize the benefit of this investment, the Department of Cannabis Control has announced that all findings from the grant-funded research will be made freely available to the public. This open-access approach is intended to promote transparency, facilitate education, and support policymakers, stakeholders, and communities not only in California but across the nation.

By providing free access to data-backed research, California aims to become a national model for cannabis regulation based on scientific evidence, public accountability, and cross-sector collaboration.

Proposal Window Open Through July 25, With Awards Expected in Late September

The DCC will begin accepting grant proposals starting June 19, 2025, with the submission deadline set for July 25, 2025. Final selections and grant award announcements are scheduled for late September 2025.

Eligible applicants include public universities within California’s higher education system, which are uniquely positioned to deliver independent, academically rigorous cannabis research. These institutions will play a vital role in generating insights that help shape future legislation, improve public health outcomes, and ensure environmental sustainability in cannabis cultivation.

California Takes the Lead Amid Federal Research Funding Limitations

While federal cannabis research funding remains constrained due to the ongoing classification of cannabis as a Schedule I substance, California continues to lead the way by actively funding its own independent studies. The DCC’s initiative not only addresses in-state needs but also aims to influence the broader national discourse by offering publicly accessible, peer-reviewed insights on cannabis.

Through its sustained financial and regulatory support, California is ensuring that policy decisions affecting millions of cannabis consumers, businesses, and communities are grounded in evidence, not speculation.