San Diego County authorities have discovered an illegal cannabis farm with 15,000 plants worth an estimated $7.5 million, according to the Sheriff’s Department. The 9 1/2 pounds of cannabis was located in Valley Center, a rural community northeast of San Diego.
Illegal Cannabis Farming
California legalized cannabis in 2016, and adults above 21 can grow six plants in their homes. The seven individuals arrested for this incident have clearly exceeded this limit. Unfortunately, this is not a new problem for Southern California.
“It is not uncommon for investigators to find dangerous chemicals, illegal pesticides, and other hazardous materials used at unlicensed marijuana grow sites,” the department’s statement said. “These dangerous materials may enter the local groundwater supply and streams, creating extreme environmental hazards.”
San Diego Gas & Electric, the county’s code compliance team, the California Water Board, and the state Department of Fish and Wildlife helped in the operation and found fire dangers and health and safety risks at the farm, according to the Sheriff’s Department.
Other Recent Incidents
This incident is only 18 miles from where seven people died last September at an illegal cannabis growing operation near Riverside. Even more recently, authorities seized 5,000 plants in Riverside last month. Finally, north of Riverside, 40 acres of cannabis farms were discovered in High Dessert, CA. This was a multi-million dollar operation with armed guards protecting the facility.
“They have no due regard for the community,” said Lt. Marc Bracco, with the Gangs/Narcotics Division of the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department. “They don’t care about the safety of the neighborhood; they don’t care about the well-being of the environment.”
These illegal operations make it difficult for state-approved dispensaries in more ways than one. First, the cannabis grown at these illegal locations will likely sell in illegal markets, taking away from legal dispensaries. Additionally, these plants aren’t properly maintained, which could result in unregulated products. Although the worse you could get from this would be low-quality cannabis, the operation still disrupts legal operations. Finally, these illegal operations taint the cannabis community. When closed-minded individuals hear about these operations, they automatically discredit any progress the community makes.
Illegal Cannabis Farming
Illegal Cannabis Farming
