California law enforcement agencies have seized and destroyed more than $1.2 billion worth of illegal cannabis since 2022, according to state officials. The enforcement effort represents an 18-fold increase in seizures since the launch of a coordinated, multi-agency crackdown on unlicensed cannabis operations across the state.
The effort is led by the Unified Cannabis Enforcement Task Force (UCETF), established to combat illegal cultivation, manufacturing, and distribution that undermine public safety, environmental health, and California’s regulated cannabis market.
Enforcement Efforts Have Expanded Statewide
Since UCETF’s formation in 2022, state and local agencies have significantly increased enforcement actions: 
- More than $1.2 billion in illegal cannabis seized and destroyed statewide
- Approximately 757,000 pounds of illegal cannabis removed from circulation
- Over 670 search warrants served across 36 counties
- More than 1 million unlicensed cannabis plants eradicated
In 2025 alone, seizures totaled roughly $609 million, reflecting the scale and intensity of enforcement compared to the task force’s early years.
UCETF is co-chaired by the California Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), with support from local, state, and federal partners.
Counties With the Largest Seizures
In 2025, the highest volumes of illegal cannabis seizures occurred in:
- Los Angeles County: ~88,000 pounds (~$132 million)
- Alameda County: ~81,000 pounds (~$134 million)
- Monterey County: ~77,000 pounds (~$128 million)
- Kern County: ~52,000 pounds (~$86 million)
- Tulare County: ~32,000 pounds (~$53 million)
More than 60 partner agencies participated in enforcement actions across these counties.
Environmental and Public Safety Impacts
Illegal cannabis operations often extend beyond unlicensed cultivation. Enforcement actions have uncovered a range of associated violations, including:
- Use of banned or hazardous pesticides
- Water diversions and environmental damage
- Labor trafficking and wage theft
- Unsafe conditions that pose risks to workers, nearby communities, and public lands
State agencies emphasize that these impacts are a major reason for sustained enforcement efforts, particularly in ecologically sensitive areas and regions heavily used for outdoor recreation.
Why This Matters for Public Lands and Outdoor Recreation
Many illegal cannabis operations occur on or near public lands, where environmental damage can affect watersheds, wildlife habitat, and recreation access. Cleanup and restoration efforts often fall to public agencies long after illegal sites are abandoned.
By targeting illicit operations, enforcement agencies aim to protect natural resources, improve public safety, and support legal cannabis businesses that operate under environmental and labor regulations.
Learn More
- California Department of Cannabis Control (DCC): https://www.cannabis.ca.gov
- California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW): https://wildlife.ca.gov
Source Note
This article is adapted from a January 27, 2026 press release issued by the Office of the Governor of California, with information from the California Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW).
