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Illegal cannabis operations devastate our environment, harm our health, exploit vulnerable workers, and jeopardize public safety. At California DOJ, we are working to dismantle illegal and unlicensed cultivation and hold those behind the operations accountable for their crimes.
This year alone, our team has eradicated nearly 775,000 illegal cannabis plants and 106,000 pounds of processed cannabis—totaling an estimated $353 million in value. Through our operations, we also arrested over 280 individuals and seized more than 200 illicit weapons.
California encourages cannabis businesses and entrepreneurs to partake in our state’s burgeoning legal marketplace, and contribute to our workforce and economy. What we won’t tolerate is illegal and unlicensed cannabis operations that siphon the success of law-abiding businesses and put our people and environment in serious danger. We will continue to go after the underground cannabis market until we put a stop to this criminal activity for good.
In solidarity,
Rob
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Eradicating Illegal Cannabis Grows
 Over the course of the 2024 season, Eradication and Prevention of Illicit Cannabis (EPIC) teams operating in Northern, Central, and Southern California, conducted 665 operations, recovered 201 weapons, and removed infrastructure, including dams, water lines, and containers of toxic chemicals, such as carbofuran, methyl parathion, aluminum phosphate, zinc phosphide, and illegal fertilizers. I want to express my gratitude to the various partners involved in this effort, including local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. Together, we are working toward a solution that not only curtails illegal activities but also promotes a sustainable and equitable cannabis industry in the state.
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Enforcing State Hazardous Waste Laws
 This week — in partnership with the California Department of Toxic Substances Control and the district attorneys of Alameda, Fresno, Monterey, Orange, Riverside, Sacramento, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Joaquin, Solano, Tulare, and Yolo Counties — I also announced a $7.5 million settlement with Walmart, resolving allegations that the retail corporation unlawfully disposed hazardous waste and medical waste from their facilities statewide to municipal landfills. This settlement includes strong injunctive terms that will ensure that Walmart takes the necessary steps to ensure that its hazardous waste is handled and disposed of as required by law.
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Safeguarding Access to Preventive Healthcare
 I joined 24 attorneys general in filing an amicus brief with the U.S. Supreme Court this week in support of the Biden Administration’s defense of the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) preventive care mandate. Preventive healthcare is not only lifesaving, but it addresses the root causes of illnesses, which leads to healthier futures for millions of Americans nationwide. Numerous studies have found that the number of individuals using services such as blood pressure checks, cholesterol checks, and flu vaccinations rose significantly after the ACA’s preventive services provision was enacted.
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Preventing Illegal Sales of Tobacco to Youth
 Tobacco use is the number one preventable killer in the United States, and smoking-related illness accounts for approximately 40,000 deaths annually in California. This week, I was proud to announce the 76 recipients of DOJ’s Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Proposition 56 Tobacco Grant Program, as well as the seizure of over $1 million of illegal flavored tobacco products. Totaling more than $28.5 million, the funding prioritizes retail enforcement and education as part of my commitment to fighting the illegal sales and marketing of tobacco products to minors.
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Creating a Safer, More Secure California
 In addition, my office secured the felony conviction of Sirron Croskey for armed robbery, reckless evading, and possession of a loaded firearm in public. Croskey carried out multiple robberies across Contra Costa, Alameda, Santa Clara, and Napa counties, targeting victims in casino parking lots while brandishing a loaded, unregistered firearm to facilitate the crimes. Californians deserve to live their lives free from the shadow of violence. I am immensely proud of my team for their unwavering commitment to justice and for ensuring that those who violate the law are held responsible.
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Make a Difference at California DOJ
 Apply today to help DOJ protect the health, well-being, and public safety of Californians. Check out our featured jobs below and visit oag.ca.gov/careers for a full listing of available positions:
Deputy Attorney General III, Native American and Tribal Affairs
Deputy Attorney General III, Tort & Condemnation
Deputy Attorney General IV, Health Quality Enforcement
Deputy Attorney General IV, Consumer Protection
Deputy Attorney General III, Cannabis Control
Legal Analyst, Natural Resources Law
Training Officer, DLE Advanced Training Center
Victims’ Services Unit Manager, Community Awareness Response and Engagement Team
Direct Access Coordinator, Record Quality Services Program
Investigative Auditor IV, Charitable Trusts Section
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Post of the Week
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Video of the Week
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 During the 2024 season, our EPIC Task force seized nearly 881,000 pounds of illegally-grown cannabis. We're tackling the environmental damage caused by illegal cannabis grows and working towards a solution that promotes a sustainable and equitable industry in the state.
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Resource Corner
 With Election Day fast approaching on November 5 – and early in-person Vote Centers opening yesterday in 29 California counties – it is important to be aware of the California Voter Bill of Rights, which you can find above.
In the lead up to the election and on Election Day, DOJ will be on call to provide additional assistance to the Secretary of State’s Office in enforcing California’s election laws, as needed, through a team of attorneys and administrative staff located across the state.
To find early in-person Vote Center locations or official ballot drop boxes, please click here. The counties with early in-person voting are part of the California Voter’s Choice Act, a state program that provides voters in specific counties the opportunity to vote at centralized locations throughout their county.
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