Interested in a new bong? Consider purchasing one directly from the California state government.
Merchandise confiscated from cannabis stores — including bongs, furniture, and electronic devices — is slated for auction this Friday at the California Highway Patrol’s Los Angeles headquarters parking lot.
This marks the inaugural public auction conducted by the California Department of Tax & Fee Administration, in collaboration with the CHP.
The cannabis-related items for sale are sourced from 10 marijuana enterprises that faced raids in recent months.
6 incidents of violence linked to a likely dispute over cannabis underscore the dangers and illegalities within California’s unauthorized marijuana trade
Among these establishments, only one operated legally but was targeted for tax evasion.
“The process of confiscating and selling assets from marijuana businesses that circumvent regulations serves as a strategy to recuperate owed state taxes,” stated CDTFA Director Nick Maduros in an official release.
The auction inventory includes items such as barriers for crowd management, equipment for cannabis processing, and naturally, an extensive selection of bongs.
Also available are less controversial items like a snow cone maker, framed artwork, and various office essentials, all set to go under the hammer.
Each piece will be auctioned in its current condition to the participant with the highest offer.
The CDTFA has announced that the auction proceeds will be directed towards settling the debts of the 10 involved parties.
Even after legalizing marijuana in 2018, California continues to battle against a robust black market that encompasses unauthorized cultivation sites, bold thefts from sanctioned retailers, and secretive illegal transports to states where it remains prohibited.
OTHER NEWS: California Nets $101M Unlicensed Cannabis in 3 Months
