Merced County Marijuana Enforcement Team has eradicated more than 10 illegal marijuana grows this month totaling more than 2,850 plants and 265 pounds of indoor high quality marijuana packaged for sales. On November 9, 2016 California approved Proposition 64 to legalize adult recreational use of marijuana. State law defines the amount of marijuana that a qualified patient or their primary caregiver can possess and cultivate. Adults over the age of 21 can cultivate up to six indoor plants per residence and possess the marijuana produced by these plants. All plants and harvest in excess of one ounce must be kept in a locked space not in public view at one’s residence. Merced County follows the local plant count ordinance which prohibits outdoor marijuana cultivation regardless of how many recommendation holders reside at any given residence. This new 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 ability to abate unlawful cannabis cultivation (Ord.9.29.200)