California authorities have reported the seizure of more than $316 million in unlicensed cannabis and $474,000 in cash during the first quarter of 2025. This information was shared by Governor Gavin Newsom, who emphasized the importance of strict enforcement measures led by the Department of Cannabis Control.
The ramped-up enforcement since January included significant operations, resulting in the seizure of 212,681 illegal cannabis plants and 35 firearms. Authorities executed 99 warrants and made 29 arrests as part of these efforts. Newsom stated that as California’s legal cannabis market continues to grow, it is crucial to address the threats posed by unlicensed operators that can compromise public health and the integrity of the cannabis industry.
Multiple law enforcement and regulatory bodies were involved in these investigations and seizures. Key agencies included the Department of Cannabis Control, the Unified Cannabis Enforcement Task Force, the Department of Fish & Wildlife, the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration, the California Department of Pesticide Regulations, as well as local police departments from Torrance and Oakland, and the Alameda District Attorney’s Office.
In response to the challenges in regulating cannabis products, the state has implemented emergency regulations since September, which removed 90% to 95% of hemp retail products from the market. Agents from California’s Alcoholic Beverage Control visited 9,251 locations and seized over 7,000 hemp products from 141 violators. Moreover, in March, the state’s health department extended a temporary ban on products with detectable levels of hemp-derived THC until at least June.
In 2024, California reported the seizure or eradication of unregulated cannabis products valued at $544 million. However, it is worth noting that government estimates regarding these figures are often subject to exaggeration.
