Tuesday, 28 July 2026, 11:55
Nevada County is taking a major step to curb illegal cannabis activity with a $4.5 million state grant. The funding, part of California's Proposition 64 Public Health and Safety Grant Program, will establish a dedicated team to tackle the growing threats of illicit cultivation, environmental harm, and youth cannabis use.
The Nevada County Sheriff's Office (NCSO), in partnership with the county's Community Development Agency, has been awarded $4.5 million to launch the Enforcement and Prevention of Illicit Cannabis in Nevada County (EPIC-NC) team. This five-year initiative aims to strengthen public safety, protect natural resources, and expand youth prevention programs.
Despite California's legalization of recreational cannabis in 2016, Nevada County remains a hotspot for illegal grows due to its remote terrain, extensive river watersheds, and proximity to public lands. These operations are linked to violent crime, property crimes, and severe environmental degradation.
“Illicit cannabis cultivation remains a significant threat to public safety, our natural resources, and the quality of life in Nevada County,” said Sheriff Shannan Moon. “This funding will allow us to strengthen our investigative capabilities, better protect our watersheds and public lands, and invest in prevention efforts that help keep our youth safe.”
Between 2023 and 2025, NCSO conducted an average of 42 illicit cannabis investigations each year, eradicating roughly 66,000 illegal plants and seizing more than 7,300 pounds of processed cannabis annually. In a two-month period in 2025, eight targeted properties showed evidence of environmental violations, including illegal water diversions, waterway pollution, and unlawful dumping.
The county also saw a 16% increase in reported violent crime in 2025, with several cases tied to cannabis-related offenses, including armed robbery. By early March 2026, investigators had already documented multiple felony thefts linked to cannabis operations.
The grant will support:
The youth prevention coordinator will focus on expanding structured recreational opportunities in western Nevada County and delivering evidence-based cannabis education.
Nevada County is not alone in receiving Proposition 64 funds. Governor Gavin Newsom announced $227 million in grants for 71 local efforts statewide. In the North Bay, Mendocino, Lake, and Solano counties received a combined $13.7 million. For example, Mendocino County secured $4.5 million for enforcement and $2.73 million for a youth cannabis prevention program, while Cathedral City in Riverside County also received $4.5 million for enforcement and public safety.
These grants are part of Cohort 4 of the Proposition 64 program, which has now distributed over $350 million since 2016. The funds help local governments combat illegal operations, protect the legal market, and address public health and environmental impacts.
Proposition 64, the Control, Regulate and Tax Adult Use of Marijuana Act, was approved by California voters in 2016. It legalized recreational cannabis for adults but also established the Public Health and Safety Grant Program to help local communities manage the consequences of legalization. Prior grants have funded the eradication of nearly one million illegal plants, seizure of 295 illegal firearms, and disruption of numerous illicit operations.
The EPIC-NC initiative represents a comprehensive, countywide strategy to combat the multifaceted impacts of illegal cannabis cultivation. By combining enforcement with prevention, Nevada County aims to reduce crime, protect its environment, and safeguard its youth. Implementation is set to begin this July.
