2022 Cannabis Academic Research Grant

Purpose

The Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) is soliciting proposals from public universities in California for research projects that study the implementation and effects of cannabis legalization. Through the Request for Proposal (RFP), DCC seeks to expand academic knowledge of cannabis; gain insight into how government policy decisions impact individuals, communities and equity; and support government officials in fact-based policymaking.

Description

California was the first state in the nation to allow medical cannabis use, and the fifth to allow adult (recreational) use of cannabis. As of July 2022, 37 states allow medical-use, and 19 states allow adult-use of cannabis. Despite these changes in state policy, cannabis remains classified federally as a Schedule 1 Controlled Substance, limiting research opportunities and our collective understanding of cannabis and its effects. Proposition 64, the ballot initiative passed in 2016, legalized cannabis for adults ages 21 and older, decriminalized personal possession of cannabis, and began redressing the harms of cannabis prohibition on individuals and communities, including through expungements of certain cannabis-related convictions. Proposition 64 also established cannabis-specific taxes and allocated a portion of these revenues to public health, environmental, criminal justice and research initiatives. $10 million is designated annually for California public universities to research and evaluate impacts of cannabis In this round of grant funding, DCC is prioritizing the funding of certain research topics that advance California’s understanding of cannabis, address research gaps and inform policymakers. The prioritized topics are listed in the RFP. These topics would examine the health of the cannabis industry, California’s legacy genetics, cannabinoids and potency, monopolies and unfair competition, and medicinal use of cannabis. These topics support areas of key importance for ensuring a balanced and successful implementation of cannabis legalization – from economic vitality to public health to preservation of the state’s cannabis heritage. These priority research topics were developed in consultation with other state agencies and were selected to support and advance the understanding of the implementation of Proposition 64 (as required by Revenue and Taxation Code), impacts of subsequent policy changes, and identified emerging policy deficits. While research project proposals that address all or a portion of a priority research topic will be prioritized for funding, DCC will also consider research proposals that address other topics that further public understanding of the effects of cannabis legalization. It is the Department’s hope that the research resulting from these grants will advance the body of scientific knowledge about cannabis and prove beneficial not only to California policymakers, but also to those across the nation and world.