Cannabis Tax Hasn't Gone Up In Smoke: CHP Distributes DUI Grants

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CA — Nearly $27 million from California's state tax on the cultivation and sale of cannabis and cannabis products is now available to help communities combat impaired driving, the California Highway Patrol said Tuesday.

"These grants represent an opportunity for the CHP to work collaboratively with local traffic safety stakeholders to strategically address impaired driving issues while making California's roadways a safer place to travel," CHP Commissioner Amanda Ray said.

According to a CHP spokesperson, the funding is the result of Proposition 64, the Control, Regulate and Tax Adult Use of Marijuana Act. Taxes collected from that measure are shared with the CHP for the purpose of distributing local grants for education, prevention, and enforcement programs regarding impaired driving.

Funding for the grants comes from a tax on the cultivation and sale of cannabis and cannabis products sold in California since January 2018.

Driving Under the Influence doesn't just mean alcohol consumption, the CHP says.

Since the legalization of marijuana in California, the California Office of Traffic Safety reported on its website that 42% of drivers killed in motor vehicle crashes in 2018 who were tested were positive for legal and illegal drugs.

The CHP will award grants to eligible law enforcement agencies and toxicology laboratories in Southern California and throughout the state, CHP officials said.
Applications will be accepted January 7 through February 23 for programs starting July 1, 2021, officials said.

The CHP will hold a virtual workshop January 6 for potential grant applicants.

Those interested in this grant opportunity can learn more about the program, obtain workshop updates, and view the 2021 Request for Application by visiting the Cannabis Tax Fund Grant Program.