Aerial tour of illegal cannabis grows

This tour represented another step that Wilk has taken to forestall the rampant escalation of illegal grows throughout the state.  

“Residents here are facing a unique public safety crisis as a result of large-scale illegal cultivation in our community,” Wilk said. “Not only are our communities less safe, our environment is being poisoned with dangerous chemicals and our limited water is being siphoned away from residents and farmers who are already faced with intense drought restrictions. Last month, I voted for legislation to put some teeth in our fight against these illegal grows. While this legislation is a step in the right direction, the discussion, today, underscored how much more needs to be done. I greatly appreciate the Attorney General’s attention to this issue, his presence, today, in Senate District 21 and his interest in hearing from members of my community so that we can begin to more effectively deal with illegal cannabis grows.”

Bonta said the illegal grow sites harm the environment and undermine businesses that do things the right way.

“Together, we’re fighting to stop our waterways from being polluted and pushing back on illegal and unlicensed activity,” he said. “I greatly appreciate the work of all of our partners across the state to continue to take on this challenge. Discussions like today’s roundtable hosted by Senator Wilk and Assembly member Lackey demonstrate that we can and will continue to work together.”

Wilk and Lackey voted in support of Assembly Bill 195, which expands the ability of local officials to go after illegal growers for water theft and water pollution and provides vital support to the legal cannabis industry through restructuring the cannabis tax code.

Law enforcement has eradicated several massive illegal grows in the Antelope Valley, including a “historic” bust last summer, seizing more than $1.2 billion worth of cannabis, but as members of the roundtable noted, much more needs to be done.

 “To any of those engaged in illicit cannabis grows, I want you to know we are coming after you,” Lackey said. “You’ve come after our desert and are stealing our water. You’re poisoning our land and enough is enough.”

Vice Mayor Marvin E. Crist said they are grateful for the discussion and action that Bonta, Wilk and Lackey are taking on the issue.

“We are determined to find solutions that will help us tackle this problem and these criminals head-on in the most effective way possible,” he said. “That is going to take some work and Lancaster is ready for the challenge.”