California Seizes $480 Million in Illegal Cannabis in 2025 Enforcement Crackdown
SACRAMENTO, August 6, 2025 (CALIFORNIA NEWS TODAY) — Government officials in California have seized nearly $480 million in illegal cannabis products and plants since January, according to the state. The enforcement activity was part of a broader effort to disrupt illicit cannabis operations through statewide collaboration.
The Department of Cannabis Control (DCC), working with state, local, and federal partners, conducted 111 operations in 2025 that resulted in the seizure of nearly 270,000 pounds of processed cannabis and the eradication of more than 260,000 plants. These actions also led to 112 arrests, the seizure of 52 firearms, and over $230,000 in cash, according to the announcement.
"Illegal cannabis operations threaten the success of the legal market. We owe it to our businesses and consumers to take down these bad actors every chance we can," said Governor Gavin Newsom.
Since 2019, the DCC has carried out 1,213 enforcement actions, seizing almost 1.6 million pounds of cannabis and eliminating nearly 2.7 million plants valued at approximately $2.8 billion, the state reported.
Recent measures have allocated cannabis tax revenue to support enforcement efforts and reduce burdens on licensed operators. The Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC) has also expanded grant eligibility to include local jurisdictions that allow retail cannabis access, with the goal of enhancing enforcement at the local level.
The Governor’s Unified Cannabis Enforcement Task Force was established to coordinate efforts across state, local, and federal agencies to address illegal activity more effectively. According to the state, California’s regulated cannabis market supports product safety, labor standards, environmental goals, and public program funding. A recent market outlook from the DCC noted stable pricing and growth in the licensed cannabis sector.
For more information, visit www.cannabis.ca.gov.
Source: California Governors Office
