$534 Million in Illegal Cannabis Seized in California in 2024

April 1, 2025
|In Stoner Culture, Cannabis in the Media, News
|By Blunt

California just dropped the hammer on illegal cannabis operations — and the numbers are jaw-dropping.
In 2024, authorities seized an estimated $534 million worth of illegal cannabis, a bold reminder of the state’s relentless crackdown on unlicensed activity and its commitment to protecting the legal cannabis market.

🚔 Major Enforcement Effort Led by UCETF

At the heart of this operation is the Unified Cannabis Enforcement Task Force (UCETF), created by Governor Gavin Newsom in 2022. This multi-agency task force launched 425 search warrants across the state, targeting illegal grow operations, unlicensed retailers, and black-market distributors.

Here’s how it all breaks down:

🌿 Indoor Cultivation

  • 155 warrants executed

  • 162,902 pounds of illegal cannabis seized (valued at $269M)

  • 288,900 unlicensed plants eradicated

  • 61 firearms confiscated

  • 28 arrests

🌱 Outdoor Cultivation

  • 143 warrants executed

  • 122,125 pounds of cannabis seized (valued at $198M)

  • 190,800 plants destroyed

  • 30 firearms seized

  • 57 arrests

🛍️ Unlicensed Retail Operations

  • 87 warrants executed

  • 8,821 pounds of cannabis confiscated (valued at $17.3M)

  • 1,275 illegal plants eradicated

  • 22 firearms seized

  • 28 arrests

📍 Top Counties Hit the Hardest

In 2024, enforcement efforts hit some regions particularly hard. The top counties, based on the estimated value of seized cannabis, were:

  • Los Angeles County – $103.7 million

  • Alameda County – $100.6 million

  • Mendocino County – $52.5 million

Since 2019, California has seized nearly $2.8 billion worth of illegal cannabis products, sending a clear message to black-market operators.

🌱 Why This Crackdown Matters

Illegal cannabis cultivation doesn’t just hurt legal businesses — it also endangers consumers and the environment. Unlicensed growers often use toxic pesticides, divert water sources, and create hazardous waste, threatening ecosystems and public health.

By enforcing cannabis regulations, the UCETF is working to:

  • Ensure product safety for consumers

  • Level the playing field for licensed cannabis businesses

  • Protect natural resources and rural communities from environmental harm

California’s cannabis crackdown is far from over, and 2024’s historic $534M bust proves the state isn’t slowing down any time soon. As the legal market continues to grow, enforcement remains a key pillar in ensuring its sustainability and safety.