California Bill Would Give Local Governments More Power to Fight Illegal Pot Growers

Seen as a win for rural counties, local jurisdictions would be able to place a lien on properties owned by unlicensed cannabis operators.

Hundreds of illegal marijuana farmers operate outside Montague, Calif., on May 7, 2024. John Fredricks/The Epoch Times

Unlicensed cannabis operators in California may soon face stricter enforcement under a bill that easily passed the state House and is currently in the state Senate.

Assembly Bill 491, sponsored by Assembly member Greg Wallis would allow local jurisdictions to collect penalties for unlicensed cannabis operations by placing a lien on the land where they are located.