Thousands of Plants Ripped Out in California

County officials destroyed 2,600 cannabis plants weighing 2.63 tons in California Valley on June 21, according to county officials.

Code enforcement officers and sheriff's deputies executed six abatement warrants in the bust, after receiving authority through the county's new cannabis abatement hearing process that targets plants deemed illegal.

The county's new cannabis ordinance does allow cultivation in some unincorporated areas, but the county says cannabis cannot be legally cultivated in most of California Valley due to zoning laws.

"The operators of illegal grows were afforded a hearing and an opportunity to stop growing and self-abate their crops. Some growers complied with the county's regulations, but many did not," the county said.

The news release said that officials will continue to seek out and stop illegal grows.

"While cannabis is legal to grow in portions of the county, all growers must obtain the necessary permits and licenses from both the county and the state," the release said.

The statement in full reads:

On June 21, 2018, County Planning & Building and Sheriff's Office served several abatement warrants on properties in California Valley. As a result, over two tons of illegal cannabis were seized and destroyed.

County Department of Planning & Building Code Enforcement and the Sheriff's Office executed six abatement warrants and abated 2,600 illegal cannabis plants, totaling 2.63 tons from California Valley on June 21, 2018. The joint effort was initiated through the County Cannabis Abatement Hearing process.

Cannabis cannot be legally cultivated in most of California Valley due to zoning laws. The operators of illegal grows were afforded a hearing and an opportunity to stop growing and self-abate their crops. Some growers complied with the County's regulations, but many did not.

County officials will continue to seek out and put a stop to illegal grows countywide through the streamlined civil hearing process. They hope to communicate the message that while cannabis is legal to grow in portions of the county, all growers must obtain the necessary permits and licenses from both the County and the State.