California Dept. of Fish and Wildlife Announces Enforcement for Illegal Cannabis Growing Season

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), the Department of Cannabis Control (DCC), and the State Water Resource Board (SWRCB) announced in a July 1 press release that they will jointly authorize enforcement teams for the 2022 cannabis growing season . This is an annual announcement as the CDFW also announced its preparation for the 2021 growing season last July.

These efforts are funded through Proposition 64, which allows these government agencies to focus on protecting “priority watersheds and areas with sensitive habitats and/or threatened or endangered species.” Authorities will work with local county, state and federal groups to ensure enforcement is properly handled.

“The environmental impact of illegal cannabis operations can last for decades, causing irreparable damage to our natural resources,” said David Bess, CDFW associate director and chief of law enforcement. “Those who fail to comply with state laws and disregard the environmental impacts associated with illegal farming practices will be subject to enforcement action.”

California’s waterways and the wildlife that depend on them suffer when illegal cannabis growers divert water. “Tributaries are often critical in providing clear, cold water for larger waterways,” the press release said. “Many vulnerable aquatic species, such as southern torrent salamanders, coastal tailed frogs, steelhead and coho salmon, rely on these tributaries during the late summer months to maintain water quality and temperatures necessary for survival.”

Additionally, the health of these streams directly affects the “physical, biological and chemical impacts” of the entire local area, which is home to countless creatures whose habitat needs to be preserved.

California’s drought has once again reached historic lows, making protection of these waterways imperative. “Compliance with state cannabis regulations is even more important during drought conditions when limited water supplies are available and water quality impacts are amplified,” said Yvonne West, director of the Office of Enforcement for the State Water Resources Control Board. “I’m proud to work with so many people in the cannabis community who are committed to regulated and environmentally responsible cultivation. The State Water Board is committed to taking enforcement action against those who harm our precious water resources.”

Santa Barbara District Attorney Joyce Dudley also issued a statement addressing the need to enforce illegal cannabis growing operations. “My office is committed to criminal and civil enforcement to protect the environment and public safety,” Dudley said. “Environmental damage from cannabis cultivation can be severe and long-term, including exposure to hazardous pesticides, degradation of water quality, and injury to wildlife. In addition, cultivators who break the law should not have an unfair competitive advantage over legitimate cultivators who devote time and resources to complying with the regulations. My office will continue to work with our local and state agency partners to ensure compliance with the law.”

Other California counties, such as San Bernardino, are also supporting legislation aimed at both protecting groundwater and eliminating illegal cultivation. The county sponsored Assembly Bill 2728 and Senate Bill 1426, which would introduce fines for violations. According to researchers, cannabis plants (depending on their growth stage) could need up to six gallons of water per day during the growing season, which extends from June through October.

At a press conference in May, Assemblyman Tom Lackey addressed illegal cannabis growers who are polluting local water supplies. “To everyone involved in illegal cultivation, I want you to know that there is a collective effort and we’re after you,” Lackey said. “You’re after a very sacred cause: our community. You come after our desert and steal our water. You are poisoning our country and enough is enough.”

Outside of the growing season, Los Angeles County has also worked to combat illegal cultivation. In July 2021, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department conducted one of the largest seizures of illegal cannabis worth $1.2 billion.