More evidence that California's illegal marijuana market is thriving

California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced on Tuesday that law enforcement teams across the state have wiped out nearly 775,000 illegal cannabis plants and more than 106,000 pounds of processed weed in a sweeping crackdown on unlicensed growers this year.

The raids, part of the state’s ongoing EPIC program, have also led to 282 arrests in 36 counties, with the haul estimated to be worth around $353 million.

“California has the largest legal cannabis market in the world, but unfortunately, illegal and unlicensed grows are still a big problem,” Bonta said in a statement. “EPIC was created to tackle not just the illegal cultivation but also the environmental damage, economic fallout, and labor issues that come with it.”

EPIC, short for Eradication and Prevention of Illicit Cannabis, is a joint effort between local, state, and federal agencies aimed at shutting down illegal operations.

Bonta pointed to the use of harmful chemicals, such as carbofuran, a toxic pesticide banned in the U.S., that contaminates the soil and water around these illegal grow sites.

So far, in 2024, EPIC teams have carried out 665 raids throughout California, seizing not only cannabis but also 201 weapons, Bonta's office said. They also tore down makeshift dams, water lines, and other infrastructure supporting these illicit operations.

In raids across Southern California, more than 136,000 plants were destroyed at 79 sites in Riverside County, officials said. Tens of thousands more were “eradicated” in Los Angeles, San Bernardino, San Diego and Santa Barbara counties.

Raids have occurred in 36 California counties.

“California cannabis enforcement has a long way to go to ensure that the illicit cannabis doesn’t make it into the legal market," said San Bernardino County Sheriff Shannon Dicus. "Partnerships like EPIC are a major step forward in tackling this problem.”

The program includes help from the U.S. Forest Service, DEA, California State Parks, and other agencies.

“California has the largest state park system in the country with 1.59 million acres of park land to protect," said California State Parks Law Enforcement Assistant Chief Jeremy Stinson. "Unfortunately, illegal cannabis cultivation is a serious threat to that land with more than 400 sites documented.” 

EPIC is also focusing on the unsafe conditions faced by workers in these illegal operations, who are often exploited with little regard for their well-being, Bonta said.

California voters approved the recreational use of marijuana by adults 21 and over in 2016. As of January 1, 2024, the state had approximately 1,244 licensed cannabis dispensaries.