The central coastal pot operation, which was attacked last week by a large force of federal immigration agents, is the subject of a state investigation into illegal child labour, state officials said Monday.
Officials with the State Department’s Cannabis Commission said they have launched a “active investigation” after receiving complaints that Glass House, one of the state’s largest legal cannabis companies, had hired minors. The company has facilities in Camarillo and Carpinteria. It is unknown where the complaints were directed.
In a statement, state officials said they conducted a site visit at Glass House in May but found violations. However, later that month, the department received complaints and began an investigation.
“Employment of individuals under the age of 21 in the cannabis industry is strictly illegal, serious and unacceptable,” the statement said. “We encourage anyone with information about child labour and trafficking at any facility to contact the department immediately.”
Glass House did not immediately respond to a request for comment Monday. However, in a statement posted on X last week, the company said it “does not employ minors and has never hired them.”
Federal officials stormed the company’s operations in Santa Barbara and Ventura counties as part of the Trump administration’s ongoing campaign against undocumented immigrants in California. Authorities said 361 people were arrested on two sites that included “at least 14 immigrant children.”
In a statement, the Department of Homeland Security said it had “rescued” children from potential exploitation, forced labor and human trafficking. Divisional officials said 10 children, unaccompanied minors, have been transferred to custody of the Department of Health and Human Services.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
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