In 2016, California voters passed Proposition 64, legalizing cannabis with the promise that tax revenue would be reinvested into communities most harmed by the War on Drugs.

Since then, Santa Barbara County has collected nearly $55 million in cannabis tax revenue. However, too much of this funding continues to go toward enforcement, while prevention, youth development, and community-based support remain underfunded. Today, more than $780,000 remains unallocated, creating an opportunity to invest directly in young people.

This matters because youth across Santa Barbara County continue to face serious barriers, including limited access to mental health resources, a lack of safe and supportive spaces, few early intervention programs, and not enough opportunities to build leadership, stability, and long-term success.

Investing in youth is not only the right thing to do, it is a proven prevention strategy. Youth programs help increase academic success, reduce risk factors, and strengthen community well-being. Research shows that every $1 invested in prevention can return $7 to $8 in long-term benefits.

Santa Barbara County has the resources. Now is the time to ensure cannabis tax revenue is used to support the youth and communities it was originally meant to serve.