On December 26, 2025, California's Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) awarded nearly $30 million in competitive research grants to nine academic institutions for 22 research projects. This marks the third round of grant funding, totaling nearly $80 million since 2020 to support cannabis-related research, with topics ranging from the industry's economic dynamics to preventing cannabis-related harm to public health and the environment.
All research findings will be made available at no cost to the public to support broad access to rigorous, science-backed research while contributing to the national understanding of cannabis.
DCC received 149 proposals. Funding decisions were based on researchers demonstrating strong scientific methodologies, the potential of their research to improve public understanding of cannabis and its effects, and to inform future policymaking.
The Cannabis Academic Research Grant program is funded by cannabis tax revenues established under Proposition 64 (2016), which legalized adult-use cannabis, decriminalized personal possession, and began addressing the harms caused by cannabis prohibition.
For more information:
California Department of Cannabis Control
cannabis.ca.gov/
