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.