“Safe Limits” Operation Seizes Illegal Intoxicating Cannabinoid Products

Sacramento — California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) inspectors and Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) investigators seized more than 150 boxes of cannabis products during Operation “Safe Limits,” a coordinated enforcement of California's cannabis laws and recent California Department of Public Health's (CDPH) emergency regulations aimed at protecting Californians.

Operation “Safe Limits” is focused on cigarette and tobacco retailers that are unlawfully selling cannabis products, including hemp products containing detectable levels of THC and other intoxicating cannabinoids.

“Operation Safe Limits highlights the importance of government agencies working together to make sure these illegal products aren't on store shelves,” said CDTFA Director Nicolas Maduros. “Enforcing the law protects Californians and supports our retailers who are playing by the rules. CDTFA will continue to work with DCC and other departments to make sure businesses comply with California's laws.”

During one of the inspections, authorities also discovered a loaded firearm, ammunition, and 40 grams of narcotics and over $20,000 in cash on the premises. DCC detectives promptly secured the business, obtained a search warrant, and followed established protocols to address the situation.

“Removing illegal intoxicating hemp products from the marketplace is essential to protecting consumers and upholding the integrity of California's regulated cannabis industry,” said DCC Director Nicole Elliott. “These unregulated products lack basic and important protections for consumers and youth. By ignoring state regulations, these retailers are putting public safety at risk and undermining the legitimate cannabis businesses that are operating within California's laws.”

Southern California Results: October 23, 2024

6 specialized enforcement teams were deployed across Glendale, Fullerton, and Riverside.

• Locations visited: 18
• Cannabis products seized: 117 boxes
• Cigarette/Tobacco products seized: 76 boxes
• Citations issued: 3

Northern California Results: October 30, 2024

6 specialized enforcement teams focused on Sacramento, Bakersfield, and Fresno.

• Locations visited: 33
• Cannabis products seized: 34 boxes
• Cigarette/Tobacco products seized: 25 boxes
• Citations issued: 12

CDTFA and DCC will continue to visit locations throughout the state to enforce state laws and regulations, crack down on illegal sales, and educate retailers on compliance requirements. To learn more about California's emergency regulations, visit CDPH's website.

The California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) administers California's sales and use, fuel, tobacco, alcohol, cannabis taxes, and other taxes and fees that fund specific state programs. CDTFA-administered programs accounted for more than $96.2 billion last fiscal year, supporting essential local services such as transportation, public safety and health, libraries, schools, social services, and natural resource management programs through the distribution of tax dollars going directly to local communities.