A massive marijuana grow operation was discovered in the heart of downtown Los Angeles Tuesday afternoon.
Police were called to the 1800 block of, coincidentally, South Flower Street around 6 p.m., LAPD Capt. Elaine Morales posted on social media.
Arriving officers discovered dozens, possibly hundreds, of marijuana plants being grown on two floors inside a large, commercial-type building.
“Surprise, surprise,” Morales posted, referring to the officers’ reaction to discovering the operation.
“Great work, lots to book, two floors of this green leafy plant,” Morales said.
No details about any arrests related to the discovery were released.
Although cannabis and marijuana products are legal to purchase and use in California, there are still restrictions surrounding the growth of cannabis plants.
According to the state, private residents over 21 years of age can grow up to six cannabis plants at home.
“If you turn the cannabis into a product, you cannot use volatile solvents like butane or propane,” officials said. “Some cities and counties have specific rules for home grows, such as permit requirements or requiring grows to be indoors.”
Massive grow operations without permits can be shut down and destroyed. Officials say the crackdown on illegal cannabis operations will protect consumers from unregulated and potentially harmful cannabis products.
In June 2022, Governor Gavin Newsom created the Unified Cannabis Enforcement Task Force (UCETF) to crack down on illegal cannabis operations.
“California is taking immediate and aggressive action to stop illegal cannabis and strengthen the burgeoning legal market throughout the state,” Newsom said. “By shutting down illegal grow sites and applying serious consequences to offenders, we are working to curtail the criminal organizations that are undercutting the regulated cannabis market in California.”
