August 17, 2021 - Over the last few months, deputies with the Merced County Sheriff’s Office SET Team, developed information regarding several marijuana cultivation sites throughout Merced County. Deputies confirmed the information and authored several search warrants for the cultivation sites. As a result of their hard work, the warrants resulted in the eradication of approximately 71,000 marijuana plants the seizure of approximately 12,000 pounds of finished produce, 29 firearms, and an undisclosed amount of cash.

Large marijuana grows are a public nuisance, and often involve other crimes, such illegal dumping of hazardous material, theft of utilities, stolen property and firearms, illegal firearms, home invasion robberies, and homicides.

Sheriff Vern Warnke wants to remind everyone that the Merced County Sheriff’s Office is enforcing the cultivation laws regarding marijuana that the county has put in place in 2018. All outdoor marijuana grows are illegal and will be dealt with immediately and prosecuted to the full extent of the law. Additionally, you are only allowed to grow 6 plants indoors.

If you have questions about the laws regarding the cultivation and possession of marijuana, please call the Merced County Sheriff’s Office at 209-385-7445. The County Cannabis Ordinance details are as follows:

Personal Cultivation Restrictions reasonably regulated (Ord. 9.29.060):

• Personal use cannabis plants limited from twelve (12) to six (6)
• Cultivation can occur in either 1) within a single private residence; or 2) inside a fully enclosed and secure structure located upon the grounds of a private residence. Outdoor cultivation of any type, on any parcel is prohibited.
• Cultivation must comply with Building and Construction Code, Title 16.
• Cultivation cannot be conducted in a manner that constitutes a public nuisance.

Enforcement – penalty/consequences for noncompliance unchanged from previous Medical Marijuana Cultivation Ordinance

• Administrative Penalties for unlawful cannabis cultivation (Ordinance 9.29.083)
• All violations deemed a misdemeanor; Sheriff has the ability to abate unlawful cannabis cultivation (Ord. 9.29.200)

Source & photos: Merced County Sheriff’s Office