Marijuana Grow

Even with the legalization of recreational marijuana in California, illegal grow operations have not stopped. The NBC4 I-Team investigates grow operations in Southern California.

California Department of Cannabis Control found three locations growing illegal cannabis in Baldwin Park. In just one day and in one community they found 11,290 cannabis plants. Chief Bill Jones makes it clear that it’s not only a danger to the neighbors around these homes, but to anyone using illegal marijuana. Lolita Lopez reports for the NBC4 News on Jan. 28, 2023.

A million dollar home that was being used to illegally grow marijuana in Covina Hills was completely engulfed in flames.

A million dollar home that was being used to illegally grow marijuana went up in flames. Angie Crouch reports for the NBC4 News on Dec. 12, 2022.

Illegal pot grows were already a problem in the High Desert, but during the pandemic, the number increased, and now officials say with scarce water resources in Southern California, it’s a drought problem too.

The growing problem exploded during the pandemic, and now it’s not just an illegal problem — it’s a drought problem. An average marijuana plant needs 3 gallons of water per plant per day. Carolyn Johnson reports May 17, 2022.