Santa Barbara County Reassigns Cannabis Tax Dollars to Aid ICE‑Impacted Families

As cannabis tax revenues plummet, Santa Barbara County officials disbanded
their cannabis enforcement unit and redirected funding to support families
affected by ICE raids.

*From boom to bust in county cannabis tax*

Once bringing in $15.7 million in 2020–21, cannabis tax revenue in Santa
Barbara County has dropped to just $5.4 million in 2024–25. The steep
decline mirrors statewide trends—where inactive cannabis licenses now
outnumber active ones .

*Disbanding the specialized enforcement unit*

Citing high overhead—like a $19,185/month office lease—the county abolished
its dedicated cannabis enforcement team. Deputies were reassigned to
broader narcotics and licensing scenarios. Sheriff Bill Brown confirmed
that while general cannabis compliance efforts will continue, the
specialized team is no more .

*A shift in budgetary priorities*

Supervisors approved reallocating $240,000 of former cannabis tax funds to
the Immigrant Legal Defense Center. This nonprofit offers legal and mental
health aid to families impacted by ICE raids, addressing urgent local needs
such as children’s trauma .

*Balancing enforcement with community care*

Sheriff Brown emphasized that ongoing illicit grows and other drug
trafficking justify continued enforcement in a new structure. Supervisor
Laura Capps countered, urging efficiency and accountability from previous
cannabis revenue expenditures .

*Reflecting changing cannabis landscape*

With many growers exiting and revenues dwindling, officials say it’s time
to rethink enforcement infrastructure. The pivot to community support
reflects both the economic realities of the industry and the immediate
needs of vulnerable immigrant families.

The post Santa Barbara County Reassigns Cannabis Tax Dollars to Aid
ICE‑Impacted Families appeared first on Merry Jane.