Golden State Today

California officials have seized illegal cannabis valued at $534 million in 2024, as part of ongoing efforts to enforce state regulations and support the legal cannabis market. Governor Gavin Newsom's Unified Cannabis Enforcement Task Force, co-led by the Department of Cannabis Control, played a significant role in these operations.

Governor Newsom emphasized the importance of targeting illegal operations: "We will continue to target illegal cannabis operations and cut off the illicit revenue streams of transnational criminal organizations who prey on workers, our environment, and kids."

The enforcement activities were concentrated in ten counties, with Los Angeles leading at $103.7 million worth of seizures. Other notable counties include Alameda with $100.6 million and Mendocino with $52.5 million.

In total, enforcement teams served 425 search warrants statewide focusing on indoor cultivation, outdoor cultivation, and retail operations. The largest share came from indoor cultivation with over $268 million worth of unlicensed cannabis seized.

Director Nicole Elliott highlighted the state's commitment to maintaining a regulated market: “These enforcement efforts highlight California’s continued focus on maintaining the integrity of the legal market.”

Since its inception in 2019, California's task force has eradicated nearly 800 tons of illegal cannabis valued at approximately $2.8 billion through more than 1,400 operations.

A notable operation named "Grab Bag" led to the seizure of over 2.2 million pieces of illegal packaging targeting children in Los Angeles's Toy District.

Additionally, emergency hemp regulations were announced by Governor Newsom in September due to health concerns related to intoxicating hemp products sold across California.

For further information about California's legal cannabis market and regulations, visit cannabis.ca.gov.