2022 Cannabis Academic Research Grant

Departmental Grant ID:
Department of Cannabis Control
Portal ID:
24932
Status:
Closed
Opportunity Type:
  • Grant
Last Updated:
 | 

Details

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.

Eligibility Requirements

Eligible Applicants:

  • Public Agency

Grant funds are available to public universities in California. The department will consider only one proposal per applicant for a given research project. Applicants may submit more than one proposal if the proposals are for separate and distinct research projects or activities.

Eligible Geographies:

State of California. Projects may occur on state or federal lands.

Important Dates

The date (and time, where applicable) by which all applications must be submitted to the grantmaker. Time listed as “00:00” equates to midnight.
The date on which the grantor expects to announce the recipient(s) of the grant.
April 2023
The length of time during which the grant money must be utilized.
Two years

Funding Details

The total projected dollar amount of the grant.
See Notes Below
A single grant opportunity may represent one or many awards. Some grantors may know in advance the exact number of awards to be given. Others may indicate a range. Some may wish to and wait until the application period closes before determining how many awards to offer; in this case, a value of “Dependent” will display.
Dependent
Grant opportunities representing multiple awards may offer awards in the same amount or in varied amounts. Some may wish to wait until the application period closes before determining per-award amounts; in this case, a value of “Dependent” will display.
$1 – $2,000,000
Certain grants require that the recipient(s) provide a letter of intent.
No
Certain grants require that the recipient(s) be able to fully or partially match the grant award amount with another funding source.
No

Available Funding Notes:

Proposition 64 imposed taxes on the cultivation and sale of cannabis. A portion of these taxes, $10,000,000 annually, has been designated for grants to public universities to research and evaluate the impacts of cannabis legalization, pursuant to Revenue and Taxation Code section 34019.

The funding source allocated to fund the grant. It may be either State or Federal (or a combination of both), and be tied to a specific piece of legislation, a proposition, or a bond number.
  • State

Funding Source Notes:

California Revenue and Taxation Code section 34019.

The manner in which the grant funding will be delivered to the awardee. Funding methods include reimbursements (where the recipient spends out-of-pocket and is reimbursed by the grantor) and advances (where the recipient spends received grant funds directly).
  • Advance(s)

Funding Method Notes:

Funds will be distributed through the State Controller’s Office after execution of the Grant Agreement. Recipients will receive a single disbursement of grant funds.

How to Apply

State agencies/departments recommend you read the full grant guidelines before applying.

Resources

For questions about this grant, contact:
1-844-612-2322, Grants@Cannabis.ca.gov