AGP Executive Report

Rescheduling & regulation: Rhode Island confirmed a new Cannabis Control Commission chair, Michelle Reddish, as the state keeps tightening oversight of medical/recreational marijuana and hemp. Court fights: Massachusetts’ Supreme Judicial Court kept a push to repeal recreational marijuana legalization on track for the November ballot. Industry & compliance: Missouri vape regulators recalled hundreds of THC vape pens after testing was done on bulk concentrate instead of finished cartridges. Policy & markets: Virginia’s budget talks include a new data center accountability commission and a legal retail marijuana market study. Health & public safety: France warned of rising adulterated cannabis, including edibles and vapes, as users face unpredictable contents. Business expansion: Alabama’s medical cannabis commission updated its market progress and reopened applications for testing lab licenses after the first dispensary opened. Global access: Ukraine’s medical cannabis program is now operational, with first THC products dispensed to patients. Local enforcement: UK police shut down a cannabis farm and seized 31 illegal tasers in a multi-agency operation.

Drug Enforcement: Hong Kong Customs seized about 15kg of suspected cannabis buds from an incoming passenger and arrested a 44-year-old woman, charging her with trafficking. Public Safety & Policy: Pennsylvania’s Senate rejected a bill that would have regulated “intoxicating hemp” products and created a cannabis control board, keeping “gas station weed” largely unregulated. Youth & Health: A Quebec study in Addiction found teen cannabis initiation risk jumps most when teens both have friends who use cannabis and believe it’s easy to obtain. Industry & Products: Trait Biosciences reported early pet-mobility findings from its CBD82S program and shared results on a water-soluble cannabidiol formulation for companion animals. Legal/Access: Virginia’s “Clean Slate” law is set to automatically seal many low-level convictions, including some marijuana-related misdemeanors, after qualifying clean-record periods. Community Impact: A UK case tied to cannabis farms led to the closure of a village pub after police found about 500 plants at the Swan Inn, with a new ownership team now refurbishing the site.

THC & Kratom Regulation Clash (South Carolina): Lawmakers are debating how to rein in fast-growing THC seltzers and other “emerging drug products,” while kratom supporters push back against restrictions amid public-health warnings about addiction and synthetic variants. Travel Rules Confusion (Michigan): TSA guidance after medical cannabis rescheduling still conflicts with Delta’s policy, leaving travelers unsure what’s allowed when flying with cannabis products. Aviation/Enforcement Reality Check (Georgia): A new explainer reiterates that recreational marijuana remains illegal statewide, but compliant hemp-derived products can be sold—creating confusion at retail counters. Industry Finance Move (Cannabis BNPL): FundCanna will embed its ReadyPaid BNPL into Apex Trading’s cannabis marketplace, aiming to speed seller payments and ease buyer credit limits. Product Safety/Health Warning (Sleep & CBD/THC): A report highlights concerns that using cannabis to sleep may worsen problems for some people, especially younger users. Legal/Compliance Spotlight (UK): A case involving a synthetic cannabinoid (“Spice”) death underscores risks tied to lab-made drugs. Supply Chain/Materials Angle: Z1RO is turning fallen leaves, hemp hurds, and other biomass into moulded fibre packaging as regulations pressure companies to move beyond plastic.

Homelessness & Policy: Australia’s “non-resident” homeless man Bikram Lama died in Sydney’s CBD after reportedly being denied access to housing, healthcare and support—while One Nation’s “illegal migrant” rhetoric targets people like him. Retail Enforcement: A Pelham Gardens smoke shop was resealed after deputies seized hundreds of pounds of illegal cannabis plus THC-flavored vapes and untaxed tobacco; officials warn padlock violations can bring up to $25,000 penalties. Prison Drug Safety: A 24-year-old Bolton prisoner died after using synthetic cannabinoids (“spice”) via a modified vape; an ombudsman report says the cardiac arrest was caused by synthetic cannabinoid use. Politics & Hemp Products: Colorado AG Phil Weiser accepted campaign donations from attorneys tied to litigation/settlements involving his office, including a cannabis company fined over misrepresenting hemp product health benefits. Community & Hemp Sales: Homewood, Alabama leaders discuss how cities will act as “gate keepers” under a new consumable hemp licensing law, with ABC deciding final licenses. Industry/Capital Markets: Glass House Brands filed a Canadian shelf prospectus and an at-the-market equity program to raise up to $100M. Local Cannabis Operations: Carpinteria Valley growers rushed odor-control tech after county moves to revoke licenses for failing to curb cannabis stench. Public Health & Drug Trends: EU warns synthetic opioids are evolving and youth involvement is rising; separate coverage highlights kratom bans under growing health concerns.

Retail & Consumer CBD/Cannabis: Logan’s Roadhouse is testing THC-infused cocktails in Texas, with 5mg THC per drink, a three-drink limit, and no mixing with alcohol—another sign mainstream venues are chasing “low-dose” demand. Medical Access: New VA documents say veterans can’t currently get medical cannabis through official channels, with internal policy formalized around how clinicians discuss cannabis with patients. Public Safety & Driving: A Bracebridge woman faces charges after a crash with cannabis and alcohol readily available in her vehicle, while a Porterville DUI checkpoint reminds drivers that marijuana impairment is still illegal. Enforcement & Crackdowns: Mariposa County’s Marijuana Enforcement Team eradicated 3,173 illegal plants and seized firearms; Aberdeen police charged 50 people in an e-bike/scooter crackdown where cannabis and other drugs were recovered. Industry Expansion: High Tide opened a new Canna Cabana in Welland and expects another in Calgary, pushing its Canadian store count higher. Research & Health: A study links GLP-1 drugs’ mood effects to gut bacteria and a gut-brain pathway, adding to the broader wellness conversation around cannabinoids and mental health. Legal/Policy Fight: Anti-marijuana ballot campaigns in Maine and Massachusetts are accused of “fraudulent” and “misleading” petition tactics. CBD in the News: A UK inquest heard a tourist smoked CBD before drowning in Venice, underscoring how CBD use can still show up in serious incident reporting.

Cannabis Industry & Markets: Trulieve’s shares are set to start trading on the NYSE after approval for listing, a major mainstream milestone for U.S. medical cannabis. Policy & Regulation: Virginia’s governor says talks are making progress toward a bill to legalize and regulate recreational marijuana retail sales, after a prior veto. Public Health & Safety: The EU’s 2026 drug report warns trafficking is driving violence and health harms, noting new cannabis products and more potent substances are adding risk. Legal & Courts: A defamation fight involving a pot company heads to early courtroom action as attorneys argue social media claims were never untrue. Community & Culture: A St. Kitts IP official and chair of the medicinal cannabis board sparked debate on local music lyrics, calling for more positive themes. Enforcement & Crime: Police and customs actions this week included major drug seizures and ongoing crackdowns, underscoring how cannabis and other drugs keep intersecting with broader enforcement priorities. Local Governance: Maine’s cannabis policy director won an Augusta school board seat, signaling how CBD/cannabis leadership is showing up in local politics.

Youth-Focused Drug Crackdown (Canada): Mission RCMP says it dismantled a website allegedly selling cannabis and psilocybin to teens, seizing over 1,000 edible cannabis packages, 1,000+ vapes, and nearly 200 edible psilocybin products; three suspects were arrested in Abbotsford and items are pending lab checks. EU Drug Market Shift: The EU drugs agency warns synthetic opioids and nitazenes are rising, with cartels increasingly recruiting young people for trafficking and violence, while 50+ new psychoactive substances were detected in 2025. Medical Cannabis & Policy (US): Trulieve is set to become the first cannabis company to list on the NYSE after medical marijuana was reclassified to Schedule III, opening a pathway for DEA registration. Vaping + Cannabis Co-Use (Public Health): A new report highlights that nicotine exposure among youth is shifting from cigarettes to vapes and nicotine pouches, with cannabis/THC co-use increasingly common. Germany Pain Breakthrough: Germany approved Exilby, a marijuana-derived oral tincture for chronic pain, aiming to reduce reliance on opioids. Industry/Branding: Humboldt Seed Company and the Marley family launched two new cannabis seed strains, Redemption and One Love, marketed globally.

Hemp Rule Fight (Texas): A Texas appeals court lifted a stay, letting the state enforce its challenged “Total THC” hemp rules while litigation continues—meaning child-resistant packaging, testing, a 0.3% THC limit, and higher retailer licensing fees are back in play. Medical & Market Signals (Michigan): Michigan’s 25% wholesale cannabis tax is underperforming, pulling in far less than projected in early 2026, with industry critics blaming the rate for pushing buyers toward the illicit market. Enforcement & Seizures (Global): Police in Nairobi’s Kibra dismantled an alleged drug network, recovering cannabis rolls plus syringes and tablets; in India, customs at Delhi Airport seized 15.38 kg of hydroponic cannabis hidden in electric water heaters. Industry & Labor (Illinois): Teamsters authorized a strike at Ascend Wellness over contract talks, wages, health care, and workplace protections for cannabis workers. Hemp-to-Fashion (US): Choose Your Change announced a Sept. 19–20 Brooklyn Farm-to-Fabric Hemp Textile & Fashion Showcase to connect hemp farmers, manufacturers, and designers.

Medical Cannabis Rollout: Alabama’s first legal medical dispensary, Callie’s Apothecary in Montgomery, has opened as patients begin buying products under the state’s program, with more storefronts planned along the Gulf Coast. Travel & Compliance: TSA updated its medical marijuana travel guidance, clarifying what may be allowed in carry-on and checked baggage under federal rules, while still flagging that officers can refer suspected legal violations to law enforcement. Public Safety & Enforcement: Police in Kano, Nigeria, arrested 345 suspects in anti-crime and drug operations across 44 local areas, including seizures of cannabis and other substances. Local Zoning for Retail: Lake Success, New York, advanced zoning changes that could allow Nassau County’s first recreational cannabis dispensary, with a special use permit and traffic, parking, and security studies still required. Industry & Tech: EnWave signed an evaluation and license option deal with Swiss Cannabis Selection to test its REV dehydration tech for cannabinoid products, aiming to speed drying while preserving quality. Research & Risk Debate: A new report highlights how high-potency cannabis is fueling debates over psychosis and addiction risks, as states and health groups weigh policy and patient safety.

CBD Medicare/Medicaid Push: The FDA says it won’t interfere with CMS coverage for certain hemp-derived CBD products, with limits like 0.3% delta-9 THC and small total-THC caps (oral forms only). Travel Rules: TSA updated medical marijuana guidance, clarifying what patients can bring and urging people to separate treatment from flying. Drug Enforcement: Indonesia’s BNN is probing an international trafficking network after Russian nationals were arrested in Bali with about 7.8kg of narcotics, with investigators tracing distribution lines. Local Cannabis in the Mix: Sri Lanka’s STF seized 227kg of “Kerala cannabis” in separate recoveries, including parcels hidden roadside and in a lagoon. Market Watch: Tilray’s Brewdog deal is framed as a pivot toward “brand manager” ambitions, but UK sales weakness raises doubts. Health & Safety: A doctor’s Q&A warns that spirometer numbers don’t diagnose COPD, and stresses proper lung-function testing—especially for people with tobacco and cannabis histories.

Regulation & Markets: Washington’s legal cannabis industry is bracing for federal rescheduling uncertainty, while state regulators say oversupply is squeezing prices and the illicit market is still “thriving,” even as they tighten retail ownership rules. Travel & Safety: TSA updated medical marijuana guidance, but the message is clear: using cannabis on flights isn’t recommended and travelers should plan to access medicine only after landing. Enforcement & Crime: UK police jailed a “highly sophisticated” Royal Mail drug gang after an “industrial-scale” parcel operation worth about £2.2m, including cannabis resin and THC edibles. Public Health Research: A large study links sleep problems and irregular sleep habits with signs of brain aging, adding to the broader wellness conversation around cannabis and other complementary therapies. Local Cannabis Fallout: In Ireland, Gardaí seized about €50k of cannabis in a Cobh raid, while in the UK a derelict garage site in Littleborough is alleged to be used for cannabis growing. Driving & Impairment: Colorado launched a summer DUI crackdown urging drivers to plan ahead if alcohol or cannabis is involved.

Regulatory Push (US): Virginia lawmakers are trying again to build a regulated recreational marijuana market after Gov. Abigail Spanberger vetoed an earlier adult-use plan, with talks focused on public health, enforcement, and timing—while hemp-derived CBD and THC products already operate in places like Danville. Market Pressure (Washington): Washington’s cannabis regulators say federal rescheduling uncertainty, oversupply, and a retail-vs-producer imbalance are squeezing the legal market, even as the state tightens rules meant to protect small operators. Medical Access (NSW/US): NSW is moving toward letting medicinal cannabis patients drive without major penalties, and Kentucky expanded medical cannabis eligibility via executive order. Enforcement & Public Safety (UK/Europe): The UK Army launched an £18m drugs crackdown including testing for cocaine, cannabis, steroids, and psychoactive substances; meanwhile, police jailed a “highly sophisticated” mail-order drugs gang that shipped cannabis resin and THC edibles alongside other drugs via Royal Mail. CBD in the Mix (Middle East): Kuwait’s drug enforcement arrested an Egyptian suspect after seizing hashish, crystal meth, and CBD-related material, plus packaging scales. Consumer Warning (Colorado): Denver health officials flagged unregulated “PolkaDot” mushroom-chocolate products after tests found illegal psychoactive ingredients. Local Politics (Cannabis Tax): Cities including San Benito County are weighing cannabis tax and ballot moves as election results roll in.

CBD in the spotlight (and in trouble): Kuwait arrested an Egyptian man after seizing hashish, crystal meth, and “CBD-related material” plus drug-laced papers and scales, underscoring how CBD-adjacent products can get pulled into trafficking cases. Mail-order drug crackdown: UK police jailed three men behind a “highly sophisticated” Royal Mail operation that shipped thousands of parcels, including cannabis resin and THC edibles, with investigators estimating a £2.2m haul. Public health + psychoactive products: Colorado regulators moved against unregulated PolkaDot chocolate and gummies after tests found illegal psychoactive ingredients, adding to the push for tighter consumer protections. Cannabis in courtrooms: A UK case saw a man with cannabis found during a search tied to cocaine dealing, while another story highlighted police concern over cannabis skunk during an assault arrest. Policy + access: In the U.S., a city council is again considering a cannabis tax ballot measure, reflecting ongoing local pressure on cannabis regulation and revenue models.

Lebanon Amnesty Watch: Lebanon is set to approve its biggest amnesty in 35 years, potentially freeing thousands of detainees and replacing death and life sentences for some militants and drug dealers, while critics warn it deepens sectarian tensions. CBD/Health Research: Swiss researchers report cannabis use in young men doesn’t lower testosterone and may raise it, and separate work links cannabis use disorder to psychosis pathways. Legal & Policy: Minnesota’s Office of Cannabis Management is holding a listening tour on the cannabis market and is also exploring a possible psilocybin pilot; Philadelphia passed bills to tighten smoke shop rules by treating kratom and hemp-based THC as intoxicating substances with permits, testing, and age limits. Industry & Markets: Trulieve plans to list on the NYSE after federal medical cannabis rule shifts, while Vireo Growth closed an acquisition and moves to expand dispensary deals in Nevada and Maryland. Safety Alerts: A California school incident involved THC-positive cookies, and Barrie, Canada’s “zero-tolerance” push faces continued defiance from shops selling unlicensed cannabis and psychedelics. CBD Spotlight: A lab study suggests CBD may calm Alzheimer’s-related brain inflammation in mice.

Federal Hemp CBD Policy: The White House is urging Congress to amend the law to keep hemp-derived full-spectrum CBD products legal as a broad ban looms in November, signaling a last-minute push to preserve access. Market & Tech: RollCraft (STM Canna) is rolling out a complete pre-roll fill-and-close automation line for under $30,000, aiming to bring high-volume pre-roll production within reach for smaller operators as pre-rolls keep leading by units sold. Public Company Move: Trulieve says its subordinate voting shares are approved for NYSE uplisting, expected to start trading June 10 under ticker TRLV, after federal medical marijuana rescheduling to Schedule III. Tax Pressure Watch: Michigan’s Treasury says it’s too early to judge the performance of the new 24% wholesale marijuana tax, as the industry fights the measure in court. Regulatory/Compliance: Michigan regulators flagged thousands of cannabis products with missing or improper labeling in a processor inspection, including “California packaging” issues. Local Legalization: Wyoming City Council approved two recreational cannabis business requests, including a grow site expansion and a new cannabis shop. Enforcement Abroad: Nigeria-linked claims are emerging in a cross-border cannabis case, while Antigua and Barbuda police defended a large-scale illegal grow raid and warned licensed limits won’t be tolerated.

Medical Access Expansion: Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear signed an executive order expanding medical cannabis qualifying conditions from 6 to 21, with advocates saying it will broaden options for chronic pain and PTSD-related care. Retail Milestone: Alabama’s first licensed medical dispensary, Callie’s Apothecary, opened in Montgomery, though patients in parts of the state still face long travel and limited local certifying doctors. Local Rules Tighten/Shift: Okanogan County, Washington is weighing new limits that would block new cannabis operations and sharply restrict upgrades, despite an economic report citing $70M+ in local activity. Public Safety & Enforcement: Baltimore seized 73 pounds of illegal cannabis plus 18,000 tobacco products in a crackdown targeting shops accused of exploiting children; in Illinois, a traffic stop led to cannabis, a loaded handgun, and weapons charges. Health Research: A study in Comprehensive Psychiatry found problematic cannabis use disorder linked to worse memory performance, while other cognitive tests were similar across groups. Cannabis in the News Cycle: NSW moved to let medicinal cannabis users drive without major penalty, while Minnesota counties launched a campaign warning about accidental child ingestion of cannabis edibles.