Governor Newsom announces $35 Million to combat impaired driving and expand cannabis safety initiatives

Sacramento, California – In a continued effort to address impaired driving and ensure California’s roads are safe for all, Governor Gavin Newsom today announced more than $35 million in state funding to nearly 150 public safety agencies, local governments, crime laboratories, and nonprofit organizations across California. The funding, administered by the California Highway Patrol (CHP), is designed to strengthen education, enforcement, and outreach programs aimed at reducing driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs.

This investment comes at a pivotal time, as California’s legal cannabis market continues to expand. In response, the state is scaling up its commitment to public safety, with a renewed focus on preventing impaired driving linked not only to alcohol, but also cannabis and other substances. The majority of this latest funding will support training and public engagement—particularly in communities most affected by drug-impaired driving. Grant recipients will implement evidence-based programs, including drug recognition evaluator training and localized awareness campaigns, to help prevent crashes before they happen.

In addition to community-focused prevention efforts, several recipients will use funds to enhance forensic toxicology capabilities. Multiple two-year grants to crime laboratories will support the purchase of new testing equipment, reduce evidence backlogs, and expand the state’s capacity to investigate DUI-related incidents. Medical examiner and coroner’s offices will also receive funding to improve data collection and reporting in cases involving drug and alcohol impairment.

Governor Newsom emphasized that the funding represents a comprehensive strategy—one that balances public health, public safety, and the responsible regulation of California’s growing cannabis economy. With the world’s largest regulated cannabis market, California continues to prioritize environmental standards, product safety, and fair labor practices. A recent report from the Department of Cannabis Control confirmed that the licensed cannabis sector is gaining strength, with stable prices and expanding consumer access.

At the same time, the state has aggressively targeted illegal cannabis operations. In 2024 alone, California authorities seized $534 million in unlicensed cannabis products and dismantled a network of illicit grows and retailers. Since launching the Unified Cannabis Enforcement Task Force in 2022, officials have executed more than 500 search warrants, seized over 220 tons of illegal cannabis, and made more than 50 arrests statewide.

The Task Force—co-led by the Department of Cannabis Control—brings together agencies from across the state, including environmental regulators and wildlife protection teams, in a coordinated push to shut down operations that endanger public health, harm ecosystems, and undercut the legal market.

Today’s announcement builds on the Newsom administration’s broader investments in public safety. Since 2019, California has allocated $1.6 billion to help communities combat crime, hire more law enforcement personnel, and expand crime prevention strategies. With additional laws passed in 2023 targeting organized retail theft and property crime, the state is reinforcing its message: California will continue to lead with smart, data-driven approaches to safety and accountability.