{"id":80128,"date":"2026-04-20T19:12:47","date_gmt":"2026-04-21T02:12:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lapost.us\/?p=80128"},"modified":"2026-04-20T19:12:47","modified_gmt":"2026-04-21T02:12:47","slug":"california-marks-10-years-since-voter-approved-cannabis-legalization","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lapost.us\/?p=80128","title":{"rendered":"California marks 10 years since voter-approved cannabis legalization"},"content":{"rendered":"<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>What you need to know:\u00a0<\/strong><span id=\"m_-8620953671031708025docs-internal-guid-9ca85a4d-7fff-b5a0-dea4-c8bf5f137510\">California has cleared over 215,000 cannabis convictions and thwarted $1.2 billion in illicit cannabis activity in the decade since voters passed Prop 64 in 2016.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong id=\"m_-8620953671031708025docs-internal-guid-c16128a6-7fff-b945-7aea-5ed3cb5f3215\">SACRAMENTO \u2013<\/strong>\u00a0<span id=\"m_-8620953671031708025docs-internal-guid-2b81bb4a-7fff-ed44-e647-2ddb7f520b9e\">California has cleared more than 215,000 cannabis convictions and disrupted $1.2 billion in illicit cannabis activity over the past decade, Governor Gavin Newsom announced today, as the state marks 10 years since voters approved the Newsom-led Proposition 64 in 2016.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span id=\"m_-8620953671031708025docs-internal-guid-2b81bb4a-7fff-ed44-e647-2ddb7f520b9e\">A decade after voters legalized cannabis, California has paired large-scale record clearance with the nation\u2019s most expansive legal cannabis market \u2014 generating billions in revenue and directing funds back into communities harmed by decades of failed drug policies. Since legalization, state and local authorities have seized over 778,000 pounds of illegal cannabis and eradicated over 1 million plants \u2014 part of an aggressive push to shut down the illicit market while expanding opportunity through record clearance and reinvestment efforts.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 dir=\"ltr\"><span id=\"m_-8620953671031708025docs-internal-guid-980f23df-7fff-164b-50b4-d58136727260\">Expungement and equity<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span id=\"m_-8620953671031708025docs-internal-guid-980f23df-7fff-164b-50b4-d58136727260\">Since legalization, California has led the nation in automatically clearing or reducing prior cannabis convictions, removing barriers that disproportionately impacted communities of color.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\"><span id=\"m_-8620953671031708025docs-internal-guid-980f23df-7fff-164b-50b4-d58136727260\">According to the\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/mclist.us7.list-manage.com\/track\/click?u=afffa58af0d1d42fee9a20e55&amp;id=1f471b0c3d&amp;e=0a97a8055b\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/mclist.us7.list-manage.com\/track\/click?u%3Dafffa58af0d1d42fee9a20e55%26id%3D1f471b0c3d%26e%3D0a97a8055b&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1776823017860000&amp;usg=AOvVaw3WcC6-QeB03R25IAztlMTY\">California Department of Justice<\/a>, over 215,000 cannabis-related records have been cleared or reduced statewide<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\"><span id=\"m_-8620953671031708025docs-internal-guid-980f23df-7fff-164b-50b4-d58136727260\">Proposition 64 created pathways for resentencing and dismissal of past offenses<\/span><\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\"><span id=\"m_-8620953671031708025docs-internal-guid-980f23df-7fff-164b-50b4-d58136727260\">Cannabis tax revenues continue to fund community reinvestment and equity programs&#8221;<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span id=\"m_-8620953671031708025docs-internal-guid-980f23df-7fff-164b-50b4-d58136727260\">A robust regulatory framework<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span id=\"m_-8620953671031708025docs-internal-guid-980f23df-7fff-164b-50b4-d58136727260\">Under the Department of Cannabis Control, California oversees the entire supply chain \u2014 from cultivation to retail \u2014 with a focus on safety, accountability, and environmental protection.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong><span id=\"m_-8620953671031708025docs-internal-guid-980f23df-7fff-164b-50b4-d58136727260\">Recent actions include:<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\"><span id=\"m_-8620953671031708025docs-internal-guid-980f23df-7fff-164b-50b4-d58136727260\">Strengthening product safety and testing standards<\/span><\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\"><span id=\"m_-8620953671031708025docs-internal-guid-980f23df-7fff-164b-50b4-d58136727260\">Transitioning provisional licenses to annual licensure<\/span><\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\"><span id=\"m_-8620953671031708025docs-internal-guid-980f23df-7fff-164b-50b4-d58136727260\">Streamlining regulations to support legal operators<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span id=\"m_-8620953671031708025docs-internal-guid-980f23df-7fff-164b-50b4-d58136727260\">To support a more sustainable legal cannabis market, state policymakers reformed the cannabis tax system to ensure the continued success of the legal industry. In 2022, Governor Newsom signed\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/mclist.us7.list-manage.com\/track\/click?u=afffa58af0d1d42fee9a20e55&amp;id=027344173b&amp;e=0a97a8055b\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/mclist.us7.list-manage.com\/track\/click?u%3Dafffa58af0d1d42fee9a20e55%26id%3D027344173b%26e%3D0a97a8055b&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1776823017860000&amp;usg=AOvVaw0fHj_hjgTtFKnnGa1iusEy\">Assembly Bill 195<\/a>\u00a0(Committee on Budget), which eliminated the onerous cultivation tax. And in 2025, the Governor signed\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/mclist.us7.list-manage.com\/track\/click?u=afffa58af0d1d42fee9a20e55&amp;id=56d4eff264&amp;e=0a97a8055b\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/mclist.us7.list-manage.com\/track\/click?u%3Dafffa58af0d1d42fee9a20e55%26id%3D56d4eff264%26e%3D0a97a8055b&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1776823017860000&amp;usg=AOvVaw2YFIGaDtg8hlqtnvWNxn5Y\">Assembly Bill 564 (Haney)<\/a>, which reversed the scheduled increase to the state excise tax. These measures have worked to maintain adequate revenues to critical programs as the legal industry continues to develop. Since 2018, the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/mclist.us7.list-manage.com\/track\/click?u=afffa58af0d1d42fee9a20e55&amp;id=57e003675f&amp;e=0a97a8055b\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/mclist.us7.list-manage.com\/track\/click?u%3Dafffa58af0d1d42fee9a20e55%26id%3D57e003675f%26e%3D0a97a8055b&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1776823017860000&amp;usg=AOvVaw0IjIjAOfBLn9Wjzz_9lKe4\">California Department of Tax and Fee Administration<\/a>\u00a0 has collected more than $7 billion in cannabis tax revenue supporting research, enforcement, and community programs.<\/p>\n<table border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\">\n<table class=\"m_-8620953671031708025mcnTextContentContainer\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" align=\"left\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"m_-8620953671031708025mcnTextContent\" valign=\"top\">\n<h2><span id=\"m_-8620953671031708025docs-internal-guid-980f23df-7fff-164b-50b4-d58136727260\">Aggressive enforcement: $1.2 billion in illicit cannabis disrupted\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span id=\"m_-8620953671031708025docs-internal-guid-980f23df-7fff-164b-50b4-d58136727260\">California is proud of its work to aggressively dismantle illegal cannabis operations that threaten consumer safety, undermine the legal market, and harm workers and the environment.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<table border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\">\n<table border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" align=\"left\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"m_-8620953671031708025mcnImage CToWUd a6T\" tabindex=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/ci3.googleusercontent.com\/meips\/ADKq_NamigxHiGPgQCQWLgS3N5GkyrZFvHbcHTEW0mOoMNg_qjETDYng7I9-IddvHqjxX9bFfK8S8xqIKpP6-C_0_3KgtCX_pWx1t4ahWyNci2gu_pNKU2a71WuJD2XPB31XNyEaPpvrzOIlaKRGB5BWnEnRW2VwK0jhfFk=s0-d-e1-ft#https:\/\/mcusercontent.com\/afffa58af0d1d42fee9a20e55\/images\/91ca1e33-8e9b-799d-8959-728e9eb1b439.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"564\" align=\"center\" data-bit=\"iit\" \/><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<table border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\">\n<table class=\"m_-8620953671031708025mcnTextContentContainer\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" align=\"left\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"m_-8620953671031708025mcnTextContent\" valign=\"top\"><span id=\"m_-8620953671031708025docs-internal-guid-74f433c5-7fff-5ab4-b9f0-8b21c7e00060\">In 2022, Governor Newsom established the Unified Cannabis Enforcement Task Force (UCETF) to enhance collaboration and enforcement coordination between state, local, and federal partners. Co-chaired by the Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), the task force brings together more than 20 state partners to disrupt the illicit cannabis market.<\/p>\n<p>Since then:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\"><span id=\"m_-8620953671031708025docs-internal-guid-980f23df-7fff-164b-50b4-d58136727260\">778,000+ pounds of illicit cannabis seized<\/span><\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\"><span id=\"m_-8620953671031708025docs-internal-guid-980f23df-7fff-164b-50b4-d58136727260\">1 million+ illegal plants eradicated<\/span><\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\"><span id=\"m_-8620953671031708025docs-internal-guid-980f23df-7fff-164b-50b4-d58136727260\">$1.2 billion in illicit market activity disrupted<\/span><\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\"><span id=\"m_-8620953671031708025docs-internal-guid-980f23df-7fff-164b-50b4-d58136727260\">700+ search warrants, 76 arrests, 230+ firearms seized<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<table border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\">\n<table border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" align=\"left\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"m_-8620953671031708025mcnImage CToWUd a6T\" tabindex=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/ci3.googleusercontent.com\/meips\/ADKq_NbQ0ef9phwDy3zE7g94MKeEJIt8wcyE-c_I66d0--5dXlQgiYo0O7y6APRvbtnE5RrdyvMGLlDS9iedQ0izGc6dpU_ji_NfJZwoMW69XRaDDCuaudQXYHcwc07HLqLP-anjgZ6Ju0GP0nHcXhh4CDbsI2TLIN3k2yo=s0-d-e1-ft#https:\/\/mcusercontent.com\/afffa58af0d1d42fee9a20e55\/images\/1c5c42ee-2158-a868-4e08-574dd578a898.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"564\" align=\"center\" data-bit=\"iit\" \/><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<table border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\">\n<table class=\"m_-8620953671031708025mcnTextContentContainer\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" align=\"left\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"m_-8620953671031708025mcnTextContent\" valign=\"top\"><span id=\"m_-8620953671031708025docs-internal-guid-19108794-7fff-9b8e-d403-d9d235437b36\">\u201cIllegal cannabis operations continue to pose serious threats to California\u2019s environment and communities,\u201d said\u00a0<\/span><strong>CDFW Director Meghan Hertel<\/strong>. \u201cBut through coordinated enforcement operations like these, with support from partners across the state, we are working to protect and conserve California\u2019s natural resources and ensure they\u2019re available for future generations.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><span id=\"m_-8620953671031708025docs-internal-guid-980f23df-7fff-164b-50b4-d58136727260\">In just the first quarter of 2026, operations seized more than $34 million in illegal cannabis.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span id=\"m_-8620953671031708025docs-internal-guid-980f23df-7fff-164b-50b4-d58136727260\">While the task force serves as the state\u2019s primary multiagency enforcement effort, local and partner agencies also carry out independent cannabis enforcement actions under their core authorities.<\/p>\n<p>Additional statewide enforcement includes:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\"><span id=\"m_-8620953671031708025docs-internal-guid-f33c4d1e-7fff-dbef-b0a4-4eb7eb5ce8f4\">25.7 million plants eradicated and 1.88 million pounds seized (CDFW efforts)<\/span><\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\"><span id=\"m_-8620953671031708025docs-internal-guid-980f23df-7fff-164b-50b4-d58136727260\">1.5 million pounds seized and 2.5 million plants eradicated (DCC operations)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span id=\"m_-8620953671031708025docs-internal-guid-7897cffb-7fff-ed27-18a6-b3f7b89cce92\">\u201cThe illicit cannabis market continues to threaten public safety, our environment, and the integrity of California\u2019s legal industry,\u201d said\u00a0<\/span><strong>DCC Director Clint Kellum<\/strong>. \u201cThese coordinated efforts demonstrate the state\u2019s commitment to holding illegal operators accountable and protecting communities across the state.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><span id=\"m_-8620953671031708025docs-internal-guid-980f23df-7fff-164b-50b4-d58136727260\">Local agencies are also vital to California\u2019s broad, multifaceted approach to disrupting the illicit cannabis market, carrying out both coordinated and independent enforcement efforts.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"m_-8620953671031708025docs-internal-guid-980f23df-7fff-164b-50b4-d58136727260\">Investing in communities\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span id=\"m_-8620953671031708025docs-internal-guid-980f23df-7fff-164b-50b4-d58136727260\">State cannabis tax revenue is reinvested into communities statewide, supporting public safety, environmental protection, and other important programs. Through Proposition 64 grant programs, administered by the Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC), hundreds of millions of dollars have been directed to local governments.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span id=\"m_-8620953671031708025docs-internal-guid-980f23df-7fff-164b-50b4-d58136727260\">These investments support:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\"><span id=\"m_-8620953671031708025docs-internal-guid-980f23df-7fff-164b-50b4-d58136727260\">Environmental protection and restoration efforts<\/span><\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\"><span id=\"m_-8620953671031708025docs-internal-guid-980f23df-7fff-164b-50b4-d58136727260\">Public safety initiatives, including law enforcement and fire protection<\/span><\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\"><span id=\"m_-8620953671031708025docs-internal-guid-980f23df-7fff-164b-50b4-d58136727260\">Community reinvestment and local programming<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span id=\"m_-8620953671031708025docs-internal-guid-544ca8a3-7fff-47ac-149c-c654debd16ec\">\u201cThe Proposition 64 grant program reflects California\u2019s ongoing commitment to reinvest in community health and safety,\u201d said<strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><strong>BSCC Chair Linda Penner<\/strong>. \u201cThrough sustained support for local governments, this funding is strengthening enforcement efforts, disrupting illicit cannabis activity, and improving public safety outcomes across the state.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><span id=\"m_-8620953671031708025docs-internal-guid-980f23df-7fff-164b-50b4-d58136727260\">Recent funding and impact:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\"><span id=\"m_-8620953671031708025docs-internal-guid-980f23df-7fff-164b-50b4-d58136727260\">$125 million<\/span>\u00a0in new grant funding awarded<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\"><span id=\"m_-8620953671031708025docs-internal-guid-980f23df-7fff-164b-50b4-d58136727260\">Nearly\u00a0<\/span>$250 million distributed statewide across four cohorts<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span id=\"m_-8620953671031708025docs-internal-guid-980f23df-7fff-164b-50b4-d58136727260\">Prior grantees that used funds for enforcement activities eradicated almost\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/mclist.us7.list-manage.com\/track\/click?u=afffa58af0d1d42fee9a20e55&amp;id=d901c5d763&amp;e=0a97a8055b\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/mclist.us7.list-manage.com\/track\/click?u%3Dafffa58af0d1d42fee9a20e55%26id%3Dd901c5d763%26e%3D0a97a8055b&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1776823017861000&amp;usg=AOvVaw1tYnxrVlgKTQiFShtLROJ_\">one million illegal cannabis plants<\/a>\u00a0and seized 295 illegal firearms. In addition, 38,000 pounds of processed illicit marijuana were seized before reaching consumers.<\/p>\n<p><span id=\"m_-8620953671031708025docs-internal-guid-e25da2df-7fff-1be4-c578-470047ca6ea4\">Additionally, cannabis tax funds support natural resources through programs such as the Cannabis Restoration Grant Program operated by CDFW, which has awarded\u00a0<\/span>$75 million in grants to address environmental impacts associated with cannabis cultivation and support local partnerships.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"m_-8620953671031708025docs-internal-guid-980f23df-7fff-164b-50b4-d58136727260\">Protecting California\u2019s environment\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span id=\"m_-8620953671031708025docs-internal-guid-980f23df-7fff-164b-50b4-d58136727260\">Protecting California\u2019s environment for future generations remains a priority as the state advances a safe, regulated cannabis market. State partners, including CDFW, California State Parks, and the State Water Resources Control Board, take coordinated action to address habitat damage caused by illicit cultivation and support responsible operators.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span id=\"m_-8620953671031708025docs-internal-guid-980f23df-7fff-164b-50b4-d58136727260\">Since legalization:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\"><span id=\"m_-8620953671031708025docs-internal-guid-980f23df-7fff-164b-50b4-d58136727260\">350,000 pounds of trash removed<\/span><\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\"><span id=\"m_-8620953671031708025docs-internal-guid-980f23df-7fff-164b-50b4-d58136727260\">566,000 feet of illegal irrigation removed<\/span><\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\"><span id=\"m_-8620953671031708025docs-internal-guid-980f23df-7fff-164b-50b4-d58136727260\">221 illegal water diversions dismantled<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span id=\"m_-8620953671031708025docs-internal-guid-a0e0de18-7fff-1b00-0f69-476c52f435bd\">Through restoration programs at State Parks:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\"><span id=\"m_-8620953671031708025docs-internal-guid-980f23df-7fff-164b-50b4-d58136727260\">$90 million invested<\/span>\u00a0across 89 projects<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\"><span id=\"m_-8620953671031708025docs-internal-guid-980f23df-7fff-164b-50b4-d58136727260\">150 illicit sites remediated<\/span><\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\"><span id=\"m_-8620953671031708025docs-internal-guid-980f23df-7fff-164b-50b4-d58136727260\">84,000 plants removed<\/span>\u00a0and 73,000 pounds of waste cleared<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span id=\"m_-8620953671031708025docs-internal-guid-980f23df-7fff-164b-50b4-d58136727260\">These actions help restore damaged landscapes, protect water resources, and prevent long-term environmental harm.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"m_-8620953671031708025docs-internal-guid-980f23df-7fff-164b-50b4-d58136727260\">2,000 inspections to protect our water resources<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span id=\"m_-8620953671031708025docs-internal-guid-980f23df-7fff-164b-50b4-d58136727260\">Over the past decade, the\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/mclist.us7.list-manage.com\/track\/click?u=afffa58af0d1d42fee9a20e55&amp;id=1cc90d61fb&amp;e=0a97a8055b\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/mclist.us7.list-manage.com\/track\/click?u%3Dafffa58af0d1d42fee9a20e55%26id%3D1cc90d61fb%26e%3D0a97a8055b&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1776823017861000&amp;usg=AOvVaw0GtfUSryaLrm0J4ceG9Gzb\">Water Boards\u2019 Cannabis Cultivation Program<\/a>\u00a0has expanded into a comprehensive regulatory and enforcement framework that protects California\u2019s watersheds from the impacts of illegal cultivation while supporting responsible growers through its permitting programs.<\/p>\n<p><span id=\"m_-8620953671031708025docs-internal-guid-980f23df-7fff-164b-50b4-d58136727260\">Since its launch in 2014, the program has:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\"><span id=\"m_-8620953671031708025docs-internal-guid-980f23df-7fff-164b-50b4-d58136727260\">Enrolled over 4,000 permittees<\/span>, processed their water\u2011right registrations<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\"><span id=\"m_-8620953671031708025docs-internal-guid-980f23df-7fff-164b-50b4-d58136727260\">Completed more than\u00a0<\/span>1,000 compliance visits<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\"><span id=\"m_-8620953671031708025docs-internal-guid-980f23df-7fff-164b-50b4-d58136727260\">Issued more than\u00a0<\/span>$3.5 million in administrative penalties<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\"><span id=\"m_-8620953671031708025docs-internal-guid-980f23df-7fff-164b-50b4-d58136727260\">Implemented\u00a0<\/span>over 165 enforcement actions, including cleanup and abatement and cease-and-desist orders<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\"><span id=\"m_-8620953671031708025docs-internal-guid-980f23df-7fff-164b-50b4-d58136727260\">Participated in more than\u00a0<\/span>2,000 multi-agency inspections<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\"><span id=\"m_-8620953671031708025docs-internal-guid-980f23df-7fff-164b-50b4-d58136727260\">Supported hundreds<\/span>\u00a0of local criminal prosecutions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span id=\"m_-8620953671031708025docs-internal-guid-980f23df-7fff-164b-50b4-d58136727260\">Looking ahead<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span id=\"m_-8620953671031708025docs-internal-guid-980f23df-7fff-164b-50b4-d58136727260\">As the cannabis market evolves, California is addressing emerging challenges, including intoxicating hemp-derived products that fall outside the state\u2019s cannabis regulatory framework. The Newsom Administration is advancing efforts to close these loopholes and ensure all intoxicating products meet consistent safety, labeling, and age requirements.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span id=\"m_-8620953671031708025docs-internal-guid-980f23df-7fff-164b-50b4-d58136727260\">These efforts focus on strengthening safety and product standards, ensuring clear and accurate labeling and enforcing age restrictions across all intoxicating products. The California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) continues to play a key role in this effort.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span id=\"m_-8620953671031708025docs-internal-guid-980f23df-7fff-164b-50b4-d58136727260\">Since 2024, the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control has done the following to enforce states rules on intoxicating hemp products:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\"><span id=\"m_-8620953671031708025docs-internal-guid-980f23df-7fff-164b-50b4-d58136727260\">Visited\u00a0<\/span>20,806 locations<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\"><span id=\"m_-8620953671031708025docs-internal-guid-980f23df-7fff-164b-50b4-d58136727260\">Identified\u00a0<\/span>157 violators<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\"><span id=\"m_-8620953671031708025docs-internal-guid-980f23df-7fff-164b-50b4-d58136727260\">Seized\u00a0<\/span>7,300+ illegal products<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\"><span id=\"m_-8620953671031708025docs-internal-guid-980f23df-7fff-164b-50b4-d58136727260\">Achieved\u00a0<\/span>99.25% compliance with state rules<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>What you need to know:\u00a0California has&#46;&#46;&#46;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-80128","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-ca-local"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lapost.us\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/80128","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lapost.us\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lapost.us\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lapost.us\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lapost.us\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=80128"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/lapost.us\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/80128\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":80129,"href":"https:\/\/lapost.us\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/80128\/revisions\/80129"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lapost.us\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=80128"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lapost.us\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=80128"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lapost.us\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=80128"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}