AGP Executive Report

Illinois Cannabis Overhaul: Gov. JB Pritzker signed SB 3222, modernizing Illinois cannabis rules and cracking down on “intoxicating hemp” products like delta-8 by banning sales to anyone under 21 and bringing them under the state’s cannabis framework, with childproof packaging and tighter marketing rules. Nebraska Medical Cannabis Rules: Nebraska’s medical cannabis regulations were signed after criticism from advocates who say the program is too restrictive (limited cultivators/manufacturers/dispensaries and no edibles/vapes/smoking), while supporters argue it’s a workable start. Alabama Rescheduling Fight: Alabama’s public health department is holding a July 22 hearing after objecting to federal medical marijuana rescheduling, deciding whether to mirror the change in state law. Georgia Access Expansion: Georgia’s “Putting Georgia’s Patients First Act” took effect, dropping the “low THC” label and shifting to a milligram system that could expand product options and patient access. Hemp Crackdown in Tennessee: A new THCA/kratom law took effect July 1, banning certain smokeable THCA products and all kratom sales, with steep penalties for retailers. Enforcement & Courts: Police in Wolverhampton arrested a man after suspected cannabis was found inside an oven; in Illinois, Grayville reported $1.2M in local cannabis tax revenue since 2023.

Recreational Retail Push (Virginia): Virginia approved a path for recreational marijuana sales in retail stores starting July 1, 2027, with regulators taking retail license applications Feb. 1 and the law raising the possession limit to 2 ounces. THC Beverages Mainstreaming: A new report highlights how Fourth of July barbecues are increasingly featuring THC-infused drinks sold in regular supermarkets, with industry groups urging Congress to keep hemp-derived THC products legal while lawmakers debate tighter limits. Local Market Watch (Manteca, CA): Manteca reported $760,749.81 in cannabis sales revenue in the first 16 months, with one dispensary operating and other permits tied up in location rules. Enforcement & Courts: Police and prosecutors across multiple states reported drug busts and court activity, including a prison-directed Indiana drug ring case involving “synthetic cannabis” and other narcotics. Public Safety (Holiday Patrols): An Independence Day enforcement push focused on impaired and unbuckled driving, explicitly warning against driving under the influence of cannabis or other drugs. Industry/Policy Tension: Commentary argues delaying regulated cannabis sales just pushes consumers toward untested, unregulated products while states miss out on tax and age-gating.

Tennessee Hemp/THCA Rules: Tennessee’s THCA ban is now in effect (July 1), tightening what hemp-derived products can be sold after lawmakers moved to close a regulatory gap that treated THCA differently from THC. Georgia Medical Cannabis Expansion: Georgia’s “Putting Georgia Patients First Act” is live, removing the 5% THC cap and letting licensed dispensaries sell more products, including vaporized flower and additional formats like edibles/gummies. Nebraska Medical Cannabis Regulations: Nebraska’s AG Hilgers approved permanent medical cannabis regulations, with Gov. Pillen signing off so the rules become law after filing—though a Nebraska Supreme Court challenge could still affect the program. Tennessee CBD Retail Compliance: Nashville’s beer permit board reminded businesses that new Tennessee hemp-derived cannabinoid rules took effect Jan. 1, 2026, bringing licensing, testing, labeling, and age restrictions under TABC. Enforcement & Courts: Nigeria Customs and NDLEA seized counterfeit-labeled medicines and large cannabis shipments at Apapa port; in the U.S., prosecutors announced a major Camden County Jail drug-ring takedown involving fentanyl and synthetic marijuana. Public Safety: AAA and Virginia State Police ramped up July 4 travel enforcement aimed at cutting impaired-driving and seat-belt violations.

Massive UK grow bust: Bradford police released footage from a hidden £6.2M cannabis factory under Bradford Interchange, finding nearly 7,000 plants in tightly packed underground rooms; Sheraz Ahmed (27 months) and Hung Nguyen (24 months) were jailed after admitting production. US traffic stop drug haul: A Tennessee traffic stop on I-75 led to meth and marijuana charges after officers found a marihuana pipe plus meth and pipes in the car/trunk. Canada Day basics (cannabis hours note): Canada Day closures hit most services, but the report flags that cannabis store hours aren’t regulated—so shoppers should check local listings. South Africa protest fallout: NatJoints and police updates followed June 30 anti-immigration marches; in Hillbrow, suspects were arrested after a shooting injured protesters, with heavy security and SANDF deployment reported. Vermont July 1 cannabis rules: New laws take effect July 1, including limits on cannabis purchases (up to two ounces of flower or equivalent). Nebraska medical cannabis update: Nebraska AG Mike Hilgers signed off on medical cannabis regulations, while also signaling potential legal uncertainty tied to ballot signature requirements.

DEA/Rescheduling & Federal Policy: The DEA and FDA kicked off a major hearing on marijuana rescheduling, with advocates pushing for safer, more inclusive process as opponents try to shape outcomes. Supreme Court & Guns/Marijuana: The U.S. Supreme Court agreed to hear challenges to state assault-weapons bans (AR-15/AK-style), while also rejecting appeals on firearm age limits for 18–20-year-olds—another reminder that cannabis legality doesn’t automatically translate into gun-policy clarity. State Cannabis Compliance: Michigan regulators flagged recurring METRC tracking violations in their latest disciplinary report, showing enforcement is still focused on seed-to-sale paperwork and operational compliance. Germany Cannabis Rules: German courts drew a line on cannabis cuttings (clones), clarifying when propagation material becomes regulated cannabis—important for anyone selling or commercializing clones. Local Licensing Moves: Georgia medical cannabis expands July 1 with more vape access for cardholders, while Sangerville, Maine paused new commercial cannabis licenses for 180 days as it drafts tighter local rules. Medical Cannabis Regulation: Nebraska AG Hilgers signed off on the Medical Cannabis Commission’s regulations as constitutionality review clears the way for final approval. Industry/Business: Avicanna promoted Nick Hilborn to CFO, and Cronos named ATB Cormark as broker for share repurchases.

Virginia Cannabis Retail Rollout: Virginia approved a path to sell recreational marijuana in retail stores starting in 2027, adding to the state’s July 1 wave of new laws. Youth Vaping & THC Enforcement: California’s Imperial Police won a nearly $800K grant to add a full-time school resource officer aimed at curbing rising youth THC vaping and boosting early intervention. Hemp Sellers vs New Rules: Hemp sellers head to court to fight new regulations, keeping pressure on how hemp products are defined and policed. Rescheduling Momentum: The DEA kicked off a historic hearing on cannabis rescheduling, with new filings and debate over medical benefits and safety implications. Courtroom Outcomes: A man was sentenced to 10 years for possessing cannabis with intent to supply after a Paphos stop found 12.5kg of cannabis; in the UK, a drug-driver got a prison term after a high-speed pursuit that included cannabis possession. Global Drug Policy Watch: The UN World Drug Report says North America leads in cannabis and opioid use, while Hong Kong pulled an anti-drug ad after it appeared to promote drug appeal.

DEA Rescheduling Hearing: The DEA kicked off its June 29–July 15 hearing on moving cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III, with reform groups warning they’re being shut out of the process. Virginia Retail Push: Virginia approved budget-backed adult-use marijuana sales, setting up up to 350 retail shops starting July 1, 2027, while also locking in a steep public-consumption penalty that advocates call a “poverty penalty.” Idaho Ballot Setback: Idaho medical marijuana organizers say a judge ruled key signatures were turned in late, putting the initiative’s November chances at risk. Cannabis Banking: Senators and representatives reintroduced the Secure and Fair Enforcement Banking Act to give banks legal clarity for state-legal cannabis businesses after the medical rescheduling shift. Industry Access: Tilray agreed to buy HelloMD to expand direct-to-patient medical cannabis access in Canada. Road Safety Angle: MADD Canada praised Saskatchewan’s move to strengthen impaired-driving administrative penalties, citing alcohol and cannabis-related crashes. Legal/Enforcement Notes: A Madisonville KY DUI case included a suspected marijuana grinder; Georgia police arrested three men in a gang-linked operation with marijuana and guns.

Hemp/CBD Regulation Watch (US): Virginia’s legal cannabis market is set to start next summer, but hemp store owners are already bracing for federal hemp definition changes coming in November—one Mannassas shop says it may have to shut early. Product Safety & Labeling: North Carolina investigators tested 21 hemp/cannabis products and found unsafe bacteria levels in more than half, plus multiple items with THC above legal limits and mismatched cannabinoid amounts. Federal Legal Pressure (US): A Pennsylvania employer was charged with failing to remit $1.13M in withheld taxes; the court also flagged that medical marijuana use is illegal under federal law for supervision terms. Enforcement (Nigeria): NDLEA says it busted a syndicate planting drugs in passenger luggage and seized 7.5kg cocaine from a Lagos businesswoman plus a massive shipment of “Canadian Loud” cannabis worth about ₦12.3B. Global Drug Trends: A new UN report says global drug use hit a record high in 2024, with cannabis still the most used drug and cocaine at record levels. Court/Policy (US): The Supreme Court blocked thousands of Roundup “failure to warn” cancer lawsuits, a reminder that federal pesticide rules can shut down state-level claims.

Hemp Legal Fight: A federal appeals court upheld the DEA’s position that CBD is a Schedule 1 controlled substance, a blow to hemp producers that could keep sales tied to state-by-state permission. DEA/Enforcement Push: Nigeria’s NDLEA reported major cross-border drug seizures, including ₦12.4bn worth of imported cannabis at Lagos ports plus arrests tied to cocaine and tramadol trafficking. CBD in the Real World: A National Sleep Foundation-funded survey found nearly 10% of U.S. adults use cannabis to sleep, but users reported poorer sleep quality—raising questions about whether cannabis helps or worsens sleep. Local Policy Watch: Vermont’s Act 164 lets towns opt into retail cannabis by vote; Royalton is now considering putting the question to voters. Courtroom Detail: An Indian court acquitted a man accused of carrying 10 kg of ganja, citing procedural failures under NDPS rules. Industry/Business: Curaleaf CEO Boris Jordan says institutional equity investors are finally willing to talk with cannabis firms, hinting at possible capital shifts. Public Safety: A Whangārei woman is campaigning to remove meth pipes from shops, spotlighting the debate over whether selling drug paraphernalia is legal.

Regulated-market pushback: New Mexico is rolling out a dedicated cannabis enforcement bureau to target illegal operators after complaints that legalization hasn’t curbed the black market. Public health & youth access: Dane County, Wisconsin is training prevention groups on legal THC products and how policies could limit teen access. Courts & compliance: A Durban man was arrested in a cannabis operation after police said he lacked permits; officers also seized a firearm and ammo. Local governance & enforcement: India’s Himachal Pradesh High Court ordered transfers of Kullu officials and launched an SIT probe into Kasol rave parties, citing failures to prevent drug-linked events. Road safety: UK courts handed drug-driving bans and fines in cases involving cannabis, including a driver who said he mistook a THC joint for a cigarette. Policy friction: Virginia lawmakers are facing calls to change a budget provision that increases penalties for using marijuana in public. Enforcement at the border: Ukraine reported 540 drug-smuggling cases in early 2026, including cannabis seizures. Industry/legal news: Menominee, Michigan continues to see referendum and contract arguments over marijuana licenses.

Hemp & CBD Policy: The White House is urging Congress to revise a looming federal crackdown on hemp-derived cannabinoid products, offering Michigan and Ohio businesses a potential reprieve instead of a broad ban. Legal/Regulation: South Carolina lawmakers failed to agree on THC limits, leaving hemp THC products legal for now. Courts & Enforcement: A Chicago-area traffic stop in Auburn Gresham netted a loaded gun, psilocybin mushrooms, cannabis, and about $10,000 cash—showing how cannabis odor/visibility can escalate cases. Public Safety: Illinois police and sheriffs are running a Fourth of July push to keep impaired drivers off the road, explicitly including cannabis and other drugs. Drug Supply & Seizures: An interagency task force says U.S. authorities seized 305.5 metric tons of cocaine and arrested 518 people. Local Business/Wellness: Boise Mushroom Company is promoting medicinal mushrooms as an alternative wellness trend, with capsules, tinctures, and classes. International: Myanmar says it’s destroying seized drugs and pushing opium farmers toward coffee cultivation.

Federal cannabis policy: A U.S. judge dismissed misdemeanor drug charges against Olympic skier Bode Miller after prosecutors said new information made dismissal “in the interest of justice,” keeping the focus on how rescheduling and state/federal gaps play out in court. State cannabis funding: Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte signed HB 932 to expand how marijuana tax conservation money can be used, broadening habitat projects and creating new wildlife-crossing funding. Voter backlash: North Dakota voters rejected a measure to legalize recreational marijuana and another that would have limited local property taxes, showing continued political resistance to both cannabis and tax changes. Local dispensary push: Circleville, Ohio’s judicial committee advanced a proposed ordinance to allow a marijuana dispensary, with zoning and security requirements front and center. Enforcement & public safety: UNODC warned traffickers are exploiting technology and instability to flood markets with more dangerous drugs, while multiple local reports highlighted arrests and seizures involving cannabis and other narcotics. Community tensions: In South Africa, KuGompo City braced for protests around a 30 June deadline as police and health officials shut down alleged spaza shop drug activity, fueling CBD-area unrest.

Local CBD/Hemp Zoning Hearings: Elizabeth City Council is holding public hearings July 13 on proposed Unified Development Ordinance changes for drug rehab/treatment facilities and for stores selling CBD and hemp products, including special permits, location limits, and spacing rules meant to protect schools and parks. Federal Banking Push for Cannabis: A bipartisan group of lawmakers refiled the SAFE Banking Act of 2026 to reduce banking barriers for state-legal cannabis businesses, aiming to cut down on all-cash operations. Medical Cannabis Retail Expansion: FINO Brands opened its first Florida retail medical cannabis dispensary in Clermont (soft opening June 23), pitching a more education- and terpene-focused patient experience. Local Cannabis Tax Spending: St. Mary’s County commissioners will hold a July 14 public hearing on how to spend cannabis-sales tax revenue for low-income community initiatives. Hemp/THC Regulatory Clash: A federal judge temporarily blocked parts of Ohio’s new hemp law, reigniting debate over whether intoxicating hemp products should compete under looser rules than licensed marijuana markets. Enforcement & Courts: Utah prosecutors were held in contempt in the Charlie Kirk murder case after comments to media about the defendant’s guilt, while an eastern Idaho prosecutor said misdemeanor drug charges against Olympic skier Bode Miller will be dismissed. Drug Policy & Safety: La Salle County’s July 4 enforcement campaign urged residents to avoid driving impaired by alcohol or cannabis.

US Supreme Court & Guns: The Court struck down Hawaii’s “permission” law for carrying guns into stores and hotels, a ruling that also follows closely after it limited how marijuana users can be treated in gun-rights cases. Drug Enforcement & Seizures: Nigeria’s NDLEA says it destroyed 51 hectares of cannabis in Ekiti and arrested 281 suspects for trafficking and abuse, while police in Kilifi, Kenya seized bhang and arrested two suspected traffickers. Prison & Smuggling Crackdowns: Bangladesh’s rail authorities arrested a locomotive official after 15.7kg of cannabis was found hidden in a freight container train. Hemp/Cannabis Regulation Moves: Guam approved its first permit to operate a cannabis cultivation facility, seven years after legalization. Local Cannabis Rules: Rehoboth Beach, Delaware reminded organizers that public events on city grounds must go through the permit process, including cases involving public marijuana smoking. Medical/Legal Crossovers: A Georgia man accused of fleeing at 135 mph was charged after investigators said he threw out fentanyl; police also found marijuana and oxycodone.

Supreme Court Roundup Fallout: The U.S. Supreme Court dealt Bayer a major win, blocking state lawsuits claiming Roundup failed to warn about cancer risks—tightening federal label control and slamming the door on thousands of pending cases. Farmers vs. Big Ag: Critics say the ruling doesn’t protect farmers, arguing Bayer’s “farmers need this” narrative is really about shielding liability. DEA Rescheduling Process: MariMed says it has filed DEA registration applications for state-licensed medical cannabis operators as it moves toward protections tied to Schedule III. Corporate Cannabis Finance: TerrAscend closed a $21.7M convertible debenture financing to retire higher-rate debt and fund acquisitions. Local Retail Milestone: Sweetspot Cannabis Dispensary opened in Hamilton Township, with a weekend grand opening and promotions. Policy Pushback: Massachusetts cannabis entrepreneurs launched a campaign to stop a ballot measure that would repeal legalized adult-use marijuana. Drug Enforcement & Courts: A drone smuggling case in Georgia alleges deliveries of meth, marijuana, phones, and weapons into prisons; meanwhile, Bode Miller’s misdemeanor drug charges were reported to be dismissed.

Hemp Regulation Watch (US/WA): Washington’s WSDA finalized a hemp production regulatory plan with new license fees, THC testing and sampling rules, and it’s also set to gain authority to accredit cannabis labs starting July 1, 2024—aimed at curbing “lab shopping” and THC inflation. Hemp & Agriculture Threats (US/WA): WSDA confirmed the first North American detection of sunflower broomrape in Yakima, while its Japanese beetle survey found a near threefold jump in traps, with eradication efforts expected to expand in 2026. Cannabis Policy & Courts (US): The US Supreme Court backed marijuana users’ Second Amendment rights in a gun case, while the DOJ warned California it may sue over a “Glock ban” set to take effect July 1. Enforcement & Public Safety (UK/Europe): UK courts saw multiple cannabis-related cases, including a drug-driver spared jail after a roadside cannabis test and a separate case where a knuckleduster plus cannabis led to fines. Drug Supply Crackdowns (Global): Spain/US-linked investigators arrested Ibiza DJ Hugo Bianco in an alleged trafficking network involving cannabis, and Ghana’s NACOC destroyed 9.6 tonnes of cannabis plus hemp products.