AGP Executive Report

Cannabis Policy & Markets: Connecticut and the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe signed the state’s first tribal adult-use cannabis compact, setting rules for enforcement, taxes, and safety across tribal lands. Regulation & Compliance: Minnesota’s Legend Technical Services is shutting its cannabis testing program after its license was frozen, raising concerns about product testing backlogs. Industry & Supply Chain: Missouri DHSS completed FY2026 transfers of medical and adult-use marijuana funds, moving millions to constitutionally named beneficiaries. Public Safety & Enforcement: Police in Surrey, B.C. tied a trafficking probe to seizures including opium plus cannabis, cocaine, fentanyl, meth, and heroin, with deportations following charges. Drug & Cannabis Crime: A Malta traffic stop turned into a major cannabis haul—about 300 pounds—leading to felony charges. Health & Use Concerns: A report on using cannabis for sleep warns it may worsen problems for some people, even when it seems to help. International CBD Debate: South Korea’s lawmakers backed hops-derived CBD as a “cannabis-free” path for the bio-industry, pushing for science-based policy dialogue. Research & Risk: Studies discussed this week link cannabis use and other factors to higher mosquito attraction, adding another everyday risk angle.

CBD & Sleep Trials: Avecho is set to release phase III insomnia results for its synthetic CBD therapy, with ~520 patients taking 75mg, 150mg, or placebo nightly for eight weeks, positioning the product for an OTC pathway. Legal & Policy Shockwaves: The US Supreme Court unanimously ruled that marijuana users can’t be barred from owning guns just for using cannabis, a major Second Amendment win that’s already reshaping how states and regulators talk about cannabis. Ghana Hemp Licensing: Ghana’s industrial hemp fees and stalled licensing are headed to court, with critics calling the charges unscaled and exclusionary, while NACOC arrests on campus have reignited stigma concerns amid unfinished rules. Product & Retail Safety: Baguio’s “drug-cleared” barangay status was revoked after THC-laced vapes were reportedly found in schools, underscoring ongoing enforcement pressure around cannabis products. Industry Moves: Vape-Jet relocated its cannabis automation HQ, engineering, and manufacturing to Pittsburgh’s Strip District, betting on growth in legal cannabis production tech. Enforcement & Crime: NSW police charged a western Sydney teacher over alleged child abuse material found on devices, alongside a small amount of cannabis found in his car.

School safety & CBD/THC risk: Baguio officials say 20 barangays lost “drug-cleared” status after active pushers were found, and PDEA confirmed vapes laced with marijuana/THC were being sold in schools after confiscations and lab tests. Youth-targeted drug crackdown: Nigeria’s NDLEA arrested an 84-year-old and a 75-year-old accused of supplying illicit drugs to teenage secondary students in Umuahia, with opioids recovered from one suspect; separate operations also seized cannabis and synthetic cannabinoids. Federal policy fight: The DEA is holding a June 29 rescheduling hearing that only includes opponents of marijuana reform, drawing backlash from legalization advocates and state-licensed businesses. Medical cannabis in care: An oncology nursing symposium highlights medical cannabis as a way to reduce polypharmacy by addressing multiple symptoms at once (pain, nausea, appetite, sleep, anxiety). Legal/health debate: A study reports collective trauma reminders can trigger immediate cannabis cravings in regular users, adding to concerns about mental-health impacts. UK retail case: A man accused of stealing CBD oil from Holland & Barrett said he used it to mimic cannabis’s calming effects for mental health.

Regulated Cannabis Push (India): Himachal Pradesh approved amendments to regulate cannabis cultivation for industrial and medical/scientific use, aiming for a “Green to Gold” revenue boost of up to ₹2,000 crore annually and new jobs in textiles, cosmetics, and pharma. Cannabis Science (Health): A report highlights a cannabis compound that may relieve pain without the high, alongside broader coverage of aroma compounds and studies questioning risks/benefits. Cultivation Innovation (U.S.): Aeriz in Phoenix is expanding aeroponic, soil-free cannabis cultivation, claiming major water savings and faster growth. Policy & Markets (U.S./Virginia): Virginia lawmakers reached a compromise to launch a regulated retail cannabis market in 2027, with caps on licenses and ongoing debate over impacts on the illicit market. Enforcement & Seizures (Global): U.S. CBP seized over 10,000 pounds of marijuana bound for Europe at Baltimore; Malaysia reported 402 vape cases tied to synthetic drugs including cannabinoids/THC. Drug-Driving (UK): A Moray driver lost his licence after failing a roadside cannabis test and later blood analysis showed THC above Scotland’s legal limit. Local Crime (U.S.): Police in Columbus, Georgia reported 26 arrests and nearly 148g of marijuana seized during a targeted crackdown.

Pain-Relief Research: University of Arizona researchers say cannabis-derived terpenes could ease chronic pain (like fibromyalgia and post-surgical pain) without THC’s high. Contamination Check: Arizona State University found fentanyl was not detected in 118 seized illicit cannabis samples, with only trace levels of other drugs showing up. Hypermobility Treatment: A UK registry study reports cannabis-based medicinal products reduced pain and opioid use for Ehlers-Danlos and hypermobility spectrum patients. Policy & Courts: The U.S. Supreme Court limited federal gun restrictions for marijuana users, ruling the government can’t treat regular cannabis use as automatically dangerous. Public Health Debate: A global Lancet review suggests commercial, profit-based cannabis sales are linked to higher use, addiction, and psychiatric hospital admissions. Safety/Enforcement: Police in West Sussex seized 500+ cannabis plants; Hong Kong Customs arrested two travelers over 5kg cannabis buds and stepped up airport drug checks. Market/Tax: A report says U.S. states have collected $28.4B in cannabis tax revenue since adult-use legalization began.

Virginia Cannabis Deal: Gov. Abigail Spanberger, Sen. Lashrecse Aird, and Del. Paul Krizek say a budget compromise will create a safe, legal adult-use retail cannabis market, with sales set to begin July 1, 2027. CBD/Health Research: A University of Utah and CU Boulder study finds many adults 60+ use cannabis edibles mainly to feel better—sleep, mental health, or pain—often after other treatments failed. Regulation Pressure (Hemp): Nebraska’s hemp industry is bracing for proposed rules that could ban many edible cannabinoid products, including THC-infused beverages, after an executive order aimed at protecting kids. Testing Bottleneck: Minnesota cannabis retailers face product delays after a key testing site shut down, worsening an already frustrating backlog. Local Market Moves: Chico, California’s city council voted to move forward on allowing commercial cannabis cultivation, while Calif. City approved a temporary moratorium on new cannabis business approvals. Legal/Enforcement Reality Check: Courts and police stories keep rolling in—from a Liverpool county-lines crackdown and a K9-led Vallejo firearms-and-drugs bust to a case where a New Zealand resident was released from ICE detention after a cannabis conviction.

US Supreme Court Gun-Rights Ruling: In Hemani v. United States, the Court unanimously limited the federal gun ban tied to marijuana use, saying regular cannabis users can’t automatically be treated as disqualified under 18 USC 922(g)(3), a major win for Second Amendment rights. Kentucky Medical Access: Gov. Andy Beshear rescinded a 2022 order that let patients use out-of-state medical cannabis, ending the protection on July 1 as Kentucky’s program is now fully running. Local Cannabis Retail Rules: Rhode Island’s New Shoreham planning process is tightening where retail cannabis can operate, focusing on zoning and buffer distances from schools, churches, parks, and libraries. Michigan Market Pressure: Michigan lawmakers are weighing limits on new cannabis licenses as supply outpaces demand, even while May sales hit about $258M. Enforcement & Courts: A Pinellas County man pleaded guilty in a federal meth trafficking case involving counterfeit pills and a firearm; in the UK, a hospital crowbar attacker also admitted cannabis possession; and in Georgia, six Chinese nationals were sentenced for a large marijuana growing operation after odor tips. CBD/Medical Research: A review links cannabis use disorder to worse medication adherence in bipolar disorder, while CBD appears in ongoing treatment discussions for rare epilepsy like Dravet syndrome.

Supreme Court Gun-Rights Win for Cannabis Users: In a unanimous 9-0 ruling, the U.S. Supreme Court said habitual marijuana users can’t be stripped of Second Amendment rights just for using cannabis, limiting a federal gun ban tied to drug use. Clinical CBD/Cannabis Care: PleoPharma started dosing the first patient in a Phase 3 trial of PP-01 for cannabis withdrawal symptoms in people with cannabis use disorder, with FDA Fast Track status. State Market Pressure: Oklahoma’s cannabis market is collapsing under oversupply and falling wholesale prices, with calls from leaders to shut down the medical program. Hemp Policy Watch: Nebraska is moving toward a ban on food and beverages containing any amount of THC, while Missouri hemp farmers brace for tighter restrictions. Retail Reality Checks: Minnesota dispensaries report testing backlogs, and one testing site is shutting down due to high costs. Local Access Expansion: Minnesota’s La Canna opened as the area’s first adult-use dispensary, but legal experts warn rules vary sharply across state lines.

US Supreme Court Gun Ruling: In a unanimous 9-0 decision (U.S. v. Hemani), the court limited a federal law that bars “habitual” marijuana users from owning firearms, saying the government can’t automatically disarm someone based only on regular cannabis use when there’s no claim of intoxication or individualized danger. Public Safety & Driving: Fresno and Fulton police launched DUI and July 4 enforcement reminders that impairment isn’t just alcohol—cannabis and other drugs count, and driving under the influence remains illegal. Product Oversight: A Canada-focused study warns cannabis tracking and labeling are lagging behind fast-moving retail inventories, with inconsistent potency units and missing items from official systems. Health & Youth Vaping: Experts say kids are starting to vape younger, with concerns that vapes may include nicotine and even cannabis, plus calls for stronger parent and school awareness. Kentucky Medical Access Change: Kentucky rescinded out-of-state medical cannabis access, requiring patients to buy from in-state licensed dispensaries starting July 1. Law Enforcement Actions: Portugal’s GNR seized about two tonnes of hashish in the Algarve after a speedboat offload raid; in the UK, police also reported multiple cannabis-related warrants and seizures.

Virginia Retail Weed: Gov. Abigail Spanberger and lawmakers unveiled a revised adult-use cannabis retail plan, with sales targeted for July 1, 2027, a 6% launch tax rising to 8% in 2029, and a cap of 350 statewide retail locations. Local Zoning Fix: Marysville, California voted to loosen cannabis dispensary buffer rules after its 2050 plan left the whole city inside restricted zones; the buffer will now apply only to single- and two-family residential areas. Community Odor Pressure: Lee, New Hampshire’s select board put Green Theory Cultivation back in the hot seat, demanding a concrete odor mitigation plan after years of complaints. Hemp THC Legal Fight: Ohio’s intoxicating hemp drink ban was temporarily blocked by a federal judge, letting a limited set of companies sell THC products for two weeks while the case proceeds. Health & Policy Research: A Lancet Psychiatry study found that commercial, for-profit cannabis markets are linked to higher addiction and more potent products, while decriminalization/removing penalties didn’t clearly drive higher use. Sleep Claims: An American Academy of Sleep Medicine survey reported 64% of cannabis users said it improved sleep quality, while experts warn about risks like daytime sleepiness and impaired driving. Industry Pushback: The National Restaurant Association urged Congress to delay a THC drinks ban and create a clear federal regulatory framework for hemp-derived THC beverages. Enforcement Snapshot: Police in California and elsewhere reported cannabis-related arrests and seizures, including a Shasta County DUI checkpoint funded by the California Highway Patrol Cannabis Tax Fund.

Regulated Retail Push (Virginia): Gov. Abigail Spanberger and lawmakers announced a budget deal to create a safe, legal adult-use cannabis retail market, with sales targeted for 2027—aimed at stronger protections for kids and teens. Public Health & Safety (Czech CBD): Patient groups launched an appeal urging the Czech government and EU to publish the evidence before treating CBD like a “drug precursor,” warning against quiet restrictions. Law Enforcement (UK): Cleveland Police’s Operation Artemis raids in Middlesbrough turned up suspected “date rape drugs” plus small cannabis amounts, with a 38-year-old arrested. Enforcement (Ghana): Tema police seized a truckload of plant material suspected to be Indian hemp—56 sacks with wrapped parcels—arresting two suspects. Industry & Growth (Commercial Cultivation): DRM announced a “Core 7” collaboration to streamline design and operations for commercial cannabis cultivation operators. Community Impact (Canada): A Garden River First Nation dispensary said it may stay closed longer while Health Canada rushes cannabis testing after three poisonings, including one death. Market/Branding (Hemp Products): Multiple promo pieces highlighted hemp-derived THC/CBD edibles for sleep and pain, alongside new product lines and trade-show appearances. Youth Use Trend (Colorado): Colorado reported a sharp decade-long decline in teen cannabis use, citing regulated, age-restricted retail access.

Virginia Cannabis Deal: Gov. Abigail Spanberger and lawmakers struck a budget-compromise to launch a regulated adult-use retail cannabis market in Virginia on July 1, 2027, with the Cannabis Control Authority running licensing, testing, and enforcement, plus a cap of 350 retail licenses and a 6% state tax (local add-ons allowed). Tech & Retail: Dutchie rolled out Consumer AI for dispensaries, including a voice shopping assistant and register co-pilot, aiming to help customers find products and streamline retail operations as rescheduling reshapes growth plans. Health & Aging: A JAMA Network Open study finds adults 60+ are increasingly using edible cannabis for pain, sleep, and mental health—often to avoid pharmaceuticals—highlighting demand for clearer, evidence-based guidance. Industry/Operations: Illinois approved SEA Craft to take over the shuttered PharmaCann grow in Dwight, targeting first harvest by September and sales in Q4 2026. Enforcement & Supply Chains: UK Border Force seized a record 12 tonnes of cannabis worth £139m at Southampton; Nigeria’s customs and NDLEA intercepted a 40-foot container of “Canadian Loud” plus expired drugs valued at N12.8bn. Public Safety Note: Ogle County’s July 4 campaign warns drivers not to drink or use cannabis and other impairing substances.

Federal Policy Shock: A new legal challenge aims to pause U.S. federal marijuana rescheduling, but Michigan businesses may still face delays as DOJ/DEA move forward with formal steps. Virginia Retail Push: Gov. Abigail Spanberger and lawmakers unveiled a budget-compromise plan for a legal retail cannabis market, targeting a July 1, 2027 start, with 350 licenses and a 6% starting tax while closing the “25:1 hemp loophole.” Youth Appeal Warning: A Washington State University study found most teens say cannabis gummies/candies would appeal to under-21 buyers even when packaging follows rules, pointing to design features as a prevention target. Packaging + Health: Spain clinicians highlighted cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome as a daily-use risk, with heat/capsaicin offering symptom relief. Industry + Science: HAIVYA reported third-party trial results showing big yield and water-efficiency gains from its bioacoustic cultivation protocol. Local Market Moves: New York’s Finger Lakes Growers Showcase kicks off June 28 with free, 21+ admission and on-site product sales. Enforcement Snapshot: Kuwait reported 14 arrests across drug cases, including meth, hashish, marijuana, heroin, and synthetic cannabinoids.

Hemp Funding Push (Australia): Murrumbidgee gets a $10M boost for a Gundaline Station hemp processing facility aimed at linen-quality fibre, while Berrigan Shire receives $1.3M for town infrastructure under a Sustainable Communities Program—though local leaders question long-term local benefits. Regulation & Retail (US): Illinois moves to curb intoxicating hemp products for minors as lawmakers tighten rules around hemp-derived THC. Local Enforcement (US): Baltimore’s mayor is set to sign a bill restricting “smoke shops” within 750 feet of schools and parks, with prior raids netting illegal cannabis and untaxed products. Industry & Compliance (US): Carpinteria pot growers rush odor-control tech after the county threatens license revocations; only one grower still lacks full odor control. Business/Finance (Cannabis): High Tide reports record Q2 revenue of $179.3M and positive cash flow, highlighting growth in retail and its German medical cannabis arm. Public Safety (Cannabis-adjacent): Jones County, Mississippi hosts an info session on “cob” (pinaca), warning of severe youth health risks. Crime & Seizures (Global): Kenya detectives recover cannabis sativa bales hidden in a truck cabin and toolbox after a highway ambush. Cannabis Facility Incident (US): Monterey County arrests suspects after a cannabis greenhouse burglary triggers multi-county pursuits and crashes. Hemp/THC Events (US): Texas Hemp Business Council’s Mark Bordas will speak at the Hemp Beverage Expo on navigating shifting rules.

Federal Banking & Rescheduling: A new report digs into how cannabis rescheduling is colliding with banking access, showing why cash-heavy operations still struggle to scale. Massachusetts Delivery Growth: Massachusetts marks five years of adult-use cannabis delivery, highlighting equity-focused delivery license models that lowered barriers for impacted entrepreneurs. Illinois Hemp/CBD Rules Tighten: Gov. Pritzker signed a hemp and cannabis omnibus bill doubling adult-use possession limits and cracking down on intoxicating hemp sales, while expanding regulated options like drive-throughs and curbside pickup. Local Tax Pressure in LA: Los Angeles voters approved Measure CB to make unlicensed cannabis shops pay the same taxes as licensed retailers, aiming to raise $30M–$35M a year. Health & Safety Research: A major long-term study links teen cannabis use to slower cognitive development, while a separate deployment news item shows THC breath testing moving into Quebec heavy industry. Industry Expansion: InterCure completed a Botanico acquisition and is reviewing U.S. medical cannabis opportunities after federal rescheduling. Enforcement & Risk: Police reports include a cannabis facility burglary in Monterey County and a Bradford case involving an illegal cannabis grow.

Hemp & Regulation: Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker signed SB 3222 to immediately ban “intoxicating hemp” sales to anyone under 21, with tighter rules coming in November 2026—aimed at reducing misleading marketing and improving oversight. Industry & Policy Watch: Washington’s legal cannabis market leaders say federal rescheduling uncertainty and state oversupply are still the biggest headaches, while regulators keep pushing against illicit-market activity. Public Safety & Enforcement: Nigeria’s NDLEA reported major airport and market busts, including a Brazil-based businessman arrested in Lagos after shirts and towels were found soaked with liquid cocaine, plus large cannabis seizures across multiple states. Community & Health: Nigeria’s drug-abuse advocates and mental health experts urged churches to lead prevention, rehab, and reintegration efforts after warnings that millions have been exposed to psychoactive substances. Media & Business: Australia’s Kyle Sandilands appears to be moving toward a settlement with ARN and is reportedly planning a subscription live show—while Illinois-style hemp rules keep spotlighting how “cannabis-adjacent” products are regulated.