LOS ANGELES – During the week of September 14, 200, the California Bureau of Cannabis Control’s (BCC) Cannabis Enforcement Unit, served two search warrants, targeting the unlicensed cultivating and distributing of cannabis.

In one case, with the assistance of the Los Angeles Police Department, BCC’s Enforcement Unit served a search warrant on an unlicensed cultivator and distributor located in Van Nuys. The search warrant resulted in the seizure of thousands of cannabis plants with an estimated value of more than $1.9 million.

The following day, with the assistance of the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department and the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration, investigators served a search warrant on an unlicensed cannabis dispensary located in Azusa. The search warrant resulted in the seizure of cannabis flower, concentrates, and edibles with an estimated retail value of more than $200,000.

All commercial cannabis activity in California must be conducted on a premise with a valid license issued by the appropriate state cannabis licensing authority. Selling cannabis goods without a state license or at a location that is not licensed is a violation of state law.

“There is no shortage of unlicensed commercial cannabis operations in California” said California Statewide Law Enforcement Association (CSLEA) President Alan Barcelona.  “There is no quality control in connection with unlicensed operations, therefore products could put consumers at risk.   In addition, unlicensed commercial operations compete against those operators who follow rules and regulations and have obtained the proper licenses.”