San Bernardino County is sponsoring state legislation to stop illegal cannabis farming. AB 2728 increases fines for illegal cannabis farming and the pollution of groundwater. The County is also seeking $10 million in state funding to clean up environmental damage at hundreds of illegal cannabis sites, Gary Daigneault has details…
California voters approved Proposition 64 in 2016, legalizing marijuana and allowing private growing of up to six cannabis plants. The measure reduced the penalty for illegal cannabis cultivation from a felony to a misdemeanor. As a result, law enforcement agencies have struggled to discourage illegal farming because of their inability to jail repeat offenders. The bill adds an additional penalty based on the size of the illegal farming operation. The County has also sponsored SB 1426 to specifically address the environmental damage and unique water-related crimes of illegal cannabis growing. The County is also supporting two illegal cannabis bills introduced in Sacramento. AB 2421 enhances the enforcement authority to prosecute for water theft and pollution. AB 1727 restores the criminal penalty for illegal cannabis cultivation to a felony.
