California cannabis officials in 2024 seized $534 million worth of illegal cannabis. Through Governor Gavin Newsom’s Unified Cannabis Enforcement Task Force co-led by the Department of Cannabis Control, officials worked together to take down illegal cannabis operations, including residential illegal cultivation, and unlawful retail and delivery services.
The top 10 counties for enforcement activity in 2024 (according to the value of cannabis seized in 2024) were:
- Los Angeles: $103,682,619
- Alameda: $100,574,941
- Mendocino: $52,524,945
- Shasta: $26,375,085
- Kern: $10,980,530
- San Bernardino: $35,718,089
- Nevada: $28,897,700
- Orange: $24,475,013
- Stanislaus: $22,591,500
- Contra Costa: $17,030,343
In 2024, enforcement teams served 425 search warrants across the state, focusing on three types of illegal operations:
Indoor Cultivation
- 155 warrants served
- $268,897,761 worth of unlicensed cannabis seized
- 162,887 pounds of cannabis confiscated
- 288,904 unlicensed cannabis plants eradicated
- 61 firearms seized
- 28 arrests
Outdoor Cultivation
- 143 warrants served
- $198,305,250 worth of unlicensed cannabis seized
- 122,673 pounds of cannabis confiscated
- 190,812 unlicensed cannabis plants eradicated
- 30 firearms seized
- 57 arrests
Retail
- 87 warrants served
- $17,289,441.50 worth of unlicensed cannabis seized
- 8,821 pounds of cannabis confiscated
- 1,275 unlicensed cannabis plants eradicated
- 22 firearms seized
- 28 arrests
California’s regulated cannabis market is the largest in the world, fostering environmental stewardship, compliance-tested products, and fair labor practices, while driving economic growth and funding vital programs in education, public health, and environmental protection. The Department recently released a market outlook report that shows prices are stable, industry value is up, and the licensed market is growing.
A unified strategy across California
Since 2019, officials have seized and destroyed nearly 800 tons, or about 1.6 million pounds, of illegal cannabis worth an estimated retail value of $2.8 billion through over 1,400 operations. The Department of Cannabis Control has also eradicated nearly 2.8 million plants, seized 632 firearms, and arrested 733 individuals.
The cannabis task force was established in 2022 by Governor Newsom to enhance collaboration and enforcement coordination between state, local, and federal partners. Partners on the task force include the Department of Cannabis Control, the Department of Pesticide Regulation, the Department of Toxic Substances Control, and the Department of Fish and Wildlife, among others.
