NEVADA CITY, CA – The Nevada County Sheriff’s Office (NCSO), serving as the lead agency in partnership with the Nevada County Community Development Agency’s (CDA) Cannabis Compliance and Recreation programs, has been awarded a $4.5 million grant through the California Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC) Proposition 64 Public Health and Safety Grant Program, Cohort 4.
The five-year award will support the creation of the Enforcement and Prevention of Illicit Cannabis in Nevada County (EPIC-NC) team, a collaborative initiative designed to strengthen public safety, protect environmental resources, and expand youth prevention and education programs throughout Nevada County.
Despite the legalization of recreational cannabis in California in 2016, illicit cannabis cultivation poses significant challenges in Nevada County. The county’s remote terrain, extensive river watersheds, and proximity to public lands have made it a target for illegal cultivation operations that have been associated with violent crime, property crime, and environmental damage. At the same time, Nevada County continues to experience elevated rates of youth cannabis use, underscoring the need for both enforcement and prevention efforts.
From 2023 to 2025, NCSO conducted an average of 42 illicit cannabis investigations annually, resulting in the eradication of approximately 66,000 illegal cannabis plants and the seizure of more than 7,300 pounds of processed cannabis each year. During enforcement operations conducted in September and October 2025 alone, eight targeted properties showed evidence of environmental violations, including illegal water diversions, waterway pollution, and unlawful dumping. Illicit cannabis activity has also contributed to increases in serious criminal activity. In 2025, Nevada County experienced a 16% increase in reported violent crime with several investigations involving cannabis-related offenses, including armed robbery. Within the first two weeks of March 2026, prior to the peak growing season, investigators had already documented multiple felony theft cases involving cannabis operations.
“Illicit cannabis cultivation remains a significant threat to public safety, our natural resources, and the quality of life in Nevada County,” said Nevada County 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.”
The grant will fund two deputy sheriff detectives, one sheriff’s crime analyst, one regional parks public safety and youth prevention coordinator supporting the County’s recreation program, three enforcement vehicles (two for NCSO and one for the County’s Cannabis Compliance Division), specialized investigative software and training, digital forensic tools, and enhanced compliance and enforcement technology to strengthen Nevada County’s response to illicit cannabis activity and its impacts on public safety, the environment, and local communities.
The County’s public safety and youth prevention coordinator position will strengthen community outreach and expand youth engagement in positive, structured recreational opportunities in high-use recreation areas of western Nevada County, while supporting evidence-based education and outreach related to cannabis prevention.
The EPIC-NC initiative reflects a coordinated, countywide approach to addressing the public safety, environmental, and community impacts associated with illicit cannabis while investing in prevention strategies designed to benefit future generations. Implementation of the program is expected to begin this July.