Compton officials use 4/20 to publicize crackdown on illegal dispensaries

The City of Compton is intensifying its crackdown on illegal cannabis dispensaries, with a specialized task force operating for six months to identify and shut down unlicensed operations. So far, nine storefronts have been closed, with roughly 70 others under investigation. Authorities report that these sites generate $3,000–$7,000 in daily profits and often sell other illegal substances disguised as candy, posing risks to children, as well as weapons. The illegal operations have been linked to violent crime, including murders, robberies, and fights. Compton does not permit any dispensaries within city limits, citing insufficient infrastructure to sustain legal or illegal operations. The city has filed lawsuits against more than 30 defendants, including operators, landlords, and financial backers, emphasizing a comprehensive approach to safeguarding public safety and curbing illicit activity.