Monterey County DA Conducts Operations Against Unlicensed Cannabis Cultivators and Eradicates Dangerous Product in South Monterey County

Monterey, California- Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni announced on Friday, May 21 that during the month of May, 2021, the District Attorney’s Office’s Bureau of Investigations in cooperation with the Department of Fish and Wildlife and other state and local agencies conducted cannabis enforcement operations targeting unlicensed cannabis cultivators in south Monterey County. In total, these operations resulted in the eradication and destruction of approximately 5 tons of illegal cannabis. Similar enforcement actions will continue throughout the year. In California, cannabis cultivation for personal and recreational use is legal; however, cultivating over 6 plants is presumed to be for business purposes and, therefore, requires a state and local cultivation license. Cultivation over this limit without the requisite licenses violates both criminal and civil laws, and may result in a felony conviction, substantial fines and fees, and civil liability. The illegal cannabis seized during these recent enforcement actions underwent laboratory screening and testing and was found to contain harmful pesticides and dangerous heavy metals. In contrast, legal cannabis product undergoes significant laboratory testing and screening to ensure product safety for the public. Among other things, legal cannabis is screened for THC levels as well as the presence of heavy metals, pesticides, and other dangerous chemicals. Investigation into these illegal operations is active and ongoing. The District Attorney’s Office is committed to ensuring a level playing field in Monterey County’s licensed cannabis industry by eliminating unfair and unlicensed business practices. Additionally, it is committed to protecting public health and safety by eradicating harmful cannabis products before they enter the illegal market.