Cannabis Policy

Cannabis industry and state politicians break promises to voters

When voters approved the legalization of recreational cannabis in 2016 (Proposition 64), they were promised that legalization would generate millions in new revenues to fund youth programs, environmental clean-ups, and law enforcement actions against the illegal market. Since 2021, the cannabis industry has led an ongoing campaign to reduce its taxes. Over the last four years, Governor Newsom and the Legislature have passed policy to significantly reduce cannabis taxes and have subsequently cut millions for child care, youth programs, environmental repair and law enforcement.

On February 19th, the law firm of Olson Remcho and four plaintiffs filed a lawsuit against the Department of Cannabis Control to force the state to live up to the promises made to voters in Proposition 64. If successful, the lawsuit will lead to a reinstatement of cannabis tax rates, raising $128 million or more for youth programs and other services. For more details on this action, please click here.

Protecting kids from cannabis advertising

When voters legalized cannabis in 2016, they were promised that legal cannabis would be kept away from kids. The cannabis industry and state politicians have broken this promise. As the State Auditor described very clearly in its August 2025 report, the industry is actively marketing its products to children and youth. In addition, by increasing THC levels in cannabis, the industry has significantly increased risks for psychosis and mental illness, particularly for young users, as shown in this new study by Kaiser Permanente. Since 2018, in partnership with the Getting It Right from the Start Project at the Public Health Institute, Youth Forward has supported legislation to address these concerns and has made little progress, due to opposition by the industry and by the lack of interest and care by state politicians.