California Seized More Than $500M In Illegal Cannabis In 2024

California, the nation’s top cannabis market, continues to battle illegal operations on a grand scale. State officials seized $534 million worth of illegal cannabis in 2024, Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office reported Tuesday.

The seizures were part of operations conducted by the Unified Cannabis Enforcement Task Force, co-led by the Department of Cannabis Control. Efforts targeted illegal retail sales, unlicensed delivery services and unauthorized residential cultivation sites.

“We will continue to target illegal cannabis operations and cut off the illicit revenue streams of transnational criminal organizations that prey on workers, our environment and kids,” Newsom said in a statement. “Enforcement officials have been on the front lines—with local, state and federal partners—to bolster our legal cannabis market.”

Los Angeles and Alameda counties accounted for the largest share of cannabis seizures, each surpassing $100 million in value. They were followed by Mendocino, Shasta, Kern, San Bernardino, Nevada, Orange, Stanislaus and Contra Costa counties. Contra Costa had the lowest total, with $17 million in illegal cannabis confiscated.

In 2024, enforcement teams executed 425 search warrants statewide, targeting indoor, outdoor and retail operations. Of those, 155 were for indoor cultivation, 143 for outdoor cultivation and 87 for retail operations.

Officers seized $268,897,761 worth of unlicensed indoor cannabis yielding 162,887 pounds and over 280,000 plants. They seized $198,305,250 worth of unlicensed indoor cannabis yielding 122,673 pounds and over 190,000 plants. For retail operations, $17,289,441.50 worth of unlicensed cannabis was seized, with an additional 1,275 plants. The warrants led to 113 arrests total.

Despite the crackdown, state officials remain optimistic. The Department of Cannabis Control released a market outlook report Monday showing that legal cannabis prices remain stable, industry value is rising and the licensed market is growing.

“These enforcement efforts highlight California’s continued focus on maintaining the integrity of the legal market, supporting licensed operators, and protecting consumers and communities from the harms associated with unregulated cannabis activities,” Department of Cannabis Control Director Nicole Elliott said.

Illegal Cannabis Thrives in California

The black market continues to saturate the state. Paul Armentano, deputy director of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML), discussed California’s illicit market on NPR last month.

“We’re talking about a market that lacks transparency and accountability,” Armentano said. However, he emphasized that buying cannabis from a regulated market is safest. “Whether I was getting cannabis, alcohol or my broccoli from an entirely unregulated market, I’d be concerned about any number of issues.”

Since 2019, authorities have seized and destroyed nearly 800 tons—about 1.6 million pounds—of illegal cannabis, valued at approximately $2.8 billion. More than 1,400 enforcement operations have led to the destruction of 2.8 million plants, with many cases involving additional charges for weapons violations. In total, 733 arrests have been made.

Officials also issued “red tag” violations at 105 locations for code infractions, including unsafe electrical wiring, mold and illegal chemical use.

A new focus for state regulators, announced last September, is cracking down on illegal hemp products that contain active compounds believed to be used recreationally.

Newsom established the state’s cannabis task force in 2022 to enhance enforcement coordination between state, local and federal agencies. The task force includes representatives from the Department of Cannabis Control, the Department of Pesticide Regulation, the Department of Toxic Substances Control and the Department of Fish and Wildlife. Despite these ongoing efforts, illegal cannabis continues to thrive in California.