Since the start of 2025, California officials have conducted 111 operations targeting illegal cannabis activities, resulting in the seizure of nearly 270,000 pounds of illicit cannabis and the eradication of more than 260,000 plants. The estimated value of these seizures is close to $480 million.
Law enforcement agencies working with the Department of Cannabis Control arrested 112 individuals, seized 52 firearms, and confiscated over $230,000 in cash during these efforts.
Governor Gavin Newsom stated: “Illegal cannabis operations threaten the success of the legal market. We owe it to our businesses and consumers to take down these bad actors every chance we can.”
Since 2019, state authorities have carried out more than 1,200 operations against illegal cannabis businesses. In that period, they have seized about 1.6 million pounds of product and eradicated nearly 2.7 million plants valued at an estimated $2.8 billion.
To strengthen enforcement efforts over time, California has dedicated cannabis tax revenue for civil and criminal enforcement activities. This move aims to ease pressure on legal operators while maintaining consistent action against unlicensed ones. The Board of State and Community Corrections has also expanded grant eligibility for local jurisdictions—particularly those allowing retail access—to support local enforcement initiatives against illegal cannabis activity.
The Governor’s Office established the Unified Cannabis Enforcement Task Force to coordinate actions among state, local, and federal partners throughout California.
California’s regulated cannabis sector is considered the largest globally. It supports environmental goals, provides products tested for compliance, upholds fair labor practices, contributes to economic growth, and funds programs related to education, public health, and environmental protection. A recent report from the Department of Cannabis Control found that prices are stable within the market; industry value is increasing; and licensed businesses continue to grow.
