AGP Executive Report

Federal Cannabis Tax Shift: Michigan cannabis firms may finally get relief after DOJ moved state-legal medical marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III, potentially easing the long-hit 280E tax penalty and opening doors for more research. Hemp Access for Teens: North Carolina lawmakers are pushing an age limit on hemp-derived products (including kratom), aiming to block sales to people under 21 after reports of kids ending up in the ER. Public Health Warning: Europe’s drug report flags rising risks from more potent substances, new psychoactives, and synthetic opioids—plus concerns that vapes may be used to deliver non-nicotine drugs. Market Watch: Florida’s Trulieve is set to become the first U.S. cannabis company listed on the NYSE, following the federal rescheduling that made public trading possible. Enforcement & Courts: A West Virginia man got a long federal sentence after meth sales led to discovery of a clandestine drug lab. Safety on the Road: A California DUI checkpoint is planned, with police reminding drivers that marijuana impairment is still illegal.

Cannabis Labor & Enforcement: Ascend Cannabis workers in Illinois voted to authorize a strike after more than a year of bargaining, while a Cape Town construction-site compliance sweep found dozens of undocumented foreign nationals and triggered arrests, underscoring how enforcement pressure is rising. Legal & Policy Moves: Virginia’s governor says talks are progressing on a bill to legalize and regulate recreational marijuana retail sales after a prior veto; California regulators unveiled an AI tool aimed at preventing kid-appealing cannabis packaging; and Texas hemp rules are back in effect after a court fight. Courts & Custody: A New Zealand woman, Everlee Wihongi, saw her marijuana possession conviction vacated, with her family saying release from ICE custody could be days or weeks away. Safety & Public Health: The EU warned drug trafficking is fueling violence and public health risks, with new forms of cannabis and stronger substances adding to harm. Local Land-Use: Haring, Michigan is considering a data-center construction ban or moratorium amid water and electricity concerns, reflecting how communities are tightening rules on growth. Crime Spillover: Worcester, Massachusetts reported a major firearms-and-drugs sweep that seized fentanyl, cocaine, marijuana, and illegal guns.

Medical Cannabis Access & Driving Rules: Australia is moving toward a world-first THC driving limit for medicinal cannabis users, proposing a 50 ng/mL saliva threshold with a stepped enforcement approach. Texas Patient Options: Texas launched medical cannabis vaporization for Compassionate Use Program patients, offering faster-acting inhalable products via physician-approved prescriptions. Youth Vaping Crackdown: A new July 1 Tennessee law targets under-21 purchases of nicotine and hemp vapes with community service, court programs, and possible $50 fines. Local Zoning & Safety: Pittsburgh approved tighter vape shop zoning—new shops can’t open within 1,000 feet of schools and face limits on hours and self-service sales. Public Health Warning: Malaysia’s poison center says vape devices are increasingly being misused to consume drugs, including synthetic substances, complicating detection and treatment. Enforcement & Courts: Police in Nairobi arrested four suspects after a raid recovered cannabis and processing items; in Scotland, a cannabis farm case involved a smell tip and forced entry. Business/Markets: Vireo Growth appointed BDO as its new auditor as it continues M&A growth in the cannabis space.

Child Safety & Drugs: Kansas police say a hospital reported an 8-month-old possibly overdosed on meth; the child’s caregiver, Tiara Heitman, was arrested after meth was found in her vehicle and she faces charges including aggravated endangerment and exposing a child to meth. Hemp/CBD Legal Battles: A Texas appeals court lifted a stay blocking enforcement of new rules restricting certain hemp products, while Texas AG Ken Paxton also launched a glyphosate residue probe into food, pushing consumer-protection claims. Drug Policy Crackdowns: Czech leaders plan 18 measures to tighten soft-drug rules, including removing kratom from legal sale and tightening cannabis access and grower rules. Court & Enforcement: UK courts saw cannabis cases ranging from a man jailed over an edible cannabis production setup to a woman convicted after kicking an officer during a search over suspected cannabis. Public Health Warning: The EU drugs agency warns new synthetic opioids are extremely potent and can appear quickly, with cannabis still the most used illicit drug. Industry/Media: Documentary “The Pl*nt” lands on Amazon Prime, featuring what’s billed as Dr. Raphael Mechoulam’s final interview on THC/CBD science. Travel/Compliance: TSA guidance updates keep coming as states and courts continue reshaping cannabis and hemp rules for travelers and consumers.

Hemp & CBD Crackdown: A proposed Illinois law would shut down unlicensed intoxicating hemp shops, pushing sales into state-licensed dispensaries and threatening products like THCA flower and Delta-8. State Cannabis Policy: Virginia’s Spanberger vetoed a recreational marijuana market bill, but lawmakers are still eyeing a compromise in the budget. Tax Pressure on Legal Weed: Michigan’s 24% wholesale cannabis tax is underperforming hard—Treasury says the state collected far less than projected in early 2026. Travel & Compliance: TSA updated guidance after federal medical marijuana rescheduling, but travelers still need to follow state rules. Enforcement Watch: Utah County store owners in Lehi face charges over selling THC gummies and synthetic urine “fake pee” kits to help people beat drug tests. Local Legal/Industry Moves: KND Labs’ president was elected to the National Animal Supplement Council board as the company expands beyond hemp-derived products. Public Safety: A Nebraska traffic stop turned up a large stash of THC vapes, THC wax, gummies, and marijuana—plus firearms—leading to multiple charges.

Childcare Funding: Wisconsin childcare providers say a federal stabilization “safety net” is ending, raising fears of closures and pay cuts. Drug Enforcement: A Kansas traffic stop led to arrests after deputies found suspected meth, ecstasy, marijuana, and paraphernalia. Prison Contraband: A father admitted smuggling painkillers into a high-security prison during a visit, using a crisp packet to pass tablets. Cannabis Court Cases: A Vermont man was arraigned on lewd and “enabling consumption” charges that include cannabis; in the UK, a man with a knife, knuckledusters, and cannabis got a suspended prison term. Policy/Regulation Watch: Namibia’s cannabis ban challenge is set for a High Court decision on July 6. Public Safety & Health: TSA updated medical marijuana travel guidance, while debate continues over cannabis driving rules and their real-world impact. International Crackdowns: Indonesia’s narcotics agency is investigating an alleged international drug ring after Russian arrests in Bali.

FDA/CMS CBD Access: The FDA says it won’t interfere with a CMS pilot that lets Medicare/Medicaid cover certain hemp-derived CBD products (up to $500/yr) with strict THC limits; inhalable products are excluded. Travel Rules: TSA updated its “What Can I Bring?” guidance for medical marijuana, reiterating patients can travel with state-licensed meds for use after arrival, not during the flight. Regulatory Scrutiny: Australia’s top neurologists accuse the regulator of ignoring submissions in its review of paraquat, a weed killer tied to Parkinson’s concerns. Enforcement Crackdowns: Nigeria’s NDLEA reports major opioid seizures hidden in building materials and arrests tied to trafficking networks. Market Pressure: Washington’s cannabis regulators warn federal rescheduling uncertainty and oversupply are squeezing the legal market while illicit sales remain “thriving.” Courts & Safety: A U.S. Supreme Court term is set to tackle gun-rights limits for illegal drug users and transgender athlete bans—big implications for cannabis users and state policy. Public Health Warning: UK officials warn of contaminated drugs, including nitazenes, driving overdoses.

Virginia Cannabis Policy: Virginia lawmakers are trying again to build a legal recreational marijuana marketplace after Gov. Abigail Spanberger vetoed an adult-use bill; talks continue as businesses and consumers in places like Danville wait, while medical dispensaries and hemp-derived CBD/THC products already operate. Washington State Regulation: Washington’s Liquor and Cannabis Board says federal rescheduling and state market oversupply are squeezing the legal cannabis industry, even as regulators try to protect a small-business model and crack down on illicit sales. Minnesota Hemp/Cannabis Rules: Minnesota’s Office of Cannabis Management held a listening session in Duluth, warning that upcoming federal limits on THC/CBD hemp products could hit the market, even after medical cannabis rescheduling. Canada Retail Buzz: A Toronto shop is selling World Cup trophy-themed bongs to ride tourism demand, with weed sales expected to rise during the tournament. Enforcement & Courts: Police raids and court outcomes continue across the globe, including cannabis seizures at airports and prosecutions tied to drug trafficking and possession.

CBD in the crosshairs: Kuwait says it arrested an Egyptian expatriate after anti-narcotics officers seized 140 A4 sheets “soaked” with a synthetic drug, plus 40g hashish, 15g crystal meth, and 200ml of CBD-related material—along with scales allegedly used for distribution. Local enforcement vs. “zero tolerance”: In Barrie, Ontario, a “shroom” shop remains defiant after police raids, with a clerk saying they’re “just waiting to be raided again” as the city pushes a tougher policy. Public health angle on psychoactives: Colorado regulators and investigators are warning about mushroom-infused products showing up in stores; Denver inspectors reportedly found illegal psychoactive ingredients in PolkaDot-branded chocolate and gummies. Cannabis and policing fallout: A federal jury in Iowa awarded $105,000 to a man detained for DUI after police questioned him about weed despite breathalyzer results showing he was sober. Drug trafficking busts: Kerala reports major arrests tied to Operation Toofan, including seizures of cannabis and MDMA, while Hong Kong Customs says it seized 16kg of cannabis buds and 3.4kg of cocaine from airport passengers.

Medical Cannabis Access: Kentucky opened a new medical cannabis dispensary in Bowling Green, with plans to help patients get cards on-site after Gov. Beshear’s executive order expanded qualifying conditions. Regulation & Enforcement: Philadelphia City Council passed bills to tighten rules on smoke shops, targeting kratom and hemp-based THC with permits, testing, and age limits, plus penalties for landlords. Public Safety & Legal Risk: A Siskiyou County investigation found THC in cookies after a teacher and students at Dunsmuir Elementary fell ill; officials say follow-up continues. Market Oversight: Minnesota’s Office of Cannabis Management held a listening tour on the state’s cannabis market and is gathering input on a possible psilocybin pilot for PTSD and depression. Court/Crime Spillover: A UK case highlighted cannabis and drug trafficking tied to a deported man running Leeds cannabis farms, while U.S. reports included marijuana-linked charges and seizures alongside broader drug-and-gun enforcement.

Medical Cannabis Expansion (Kentucky): Gov. Andy Beshear’s executive order nearly quadruples Kentucky’s qualifying conditions for medical cannabis, expanding the list from 6 to 21, with clinicians pointing to benefits for chronic pain and PTSD. Corporate/Market Shake-Up (Michigan): TerrAscend says Michigan became “an extremely difficult market,” exiting dispensaries and cultivation—sparking job-loss concerns as other facilities follow with closures. U.S. Stock Moves (Trulieve): Trulieve announced its NYSE uplisting plan, with subordinate shares expected to start trading June 10 under “TRLV,” tied to federal medical cannabis rescheduling momentum. Legal/Local Governance (Virginia): Virginia lawmakers and the governor’s office are reportedly negotiating a compromise to revive vetoed recreational cannabis legalization via budget legislation. Enforcement & Courts: A 6th Circuit ruling says a marijuana retailer license denial didn’t create a protected property interest for a substantive due process claim; separately, Michigan’s wholesale marijuana tax debate continues as officials argue it’s too early to judge the 24% tax. Public Safety: Police warn impaired driving includes cannabis and other substances; Lancaster County also reports marijuana-related arrests during a traffic enforcement push. Prison Smuggling: A woman was caught bringing cannabis into a UK prison after staff noticed a “strong smell,” leading to seizure and charges.

Medical Cannabis Access (Kentucky): Gov. Andy Beshear signed an executive order expanding Kentucky’s medical cannabis qualifying conditions from 6 to 21, aiming to broaden options for patients with chronic pain and certain mental health conditions. School & Public Health (California): Parents at Dunsmuir Elementary say multiple students became ill and later tested positive for marijuana after a school incident involving shared food; the district says it reported it to law enforcement and is cooperating. Drugged Driving (UK): A York man was fined, banned, and ordered to pay costs after a blood test found THC; he argued he only smoked once at a party and didn’t realize it would linger. Local Enforcement (Maryland): Baltimore City cracked down on illegal “smoke shops,” seizing 73 pounds of illegal cannabis products and nearly 18,000 untaxed tobacco items in recent actions. Courts & Cannabis Cases (UK): A Preston Crown Court case ended with a 4-year-plus sentence for a dealer convicted after police found cocaine and cannabis at his home. Regulatory Watch (Rhode Island): Rhode Island named a new chair for its cannabis regulator, setting up another personnel change as retail licensing moves slowly.

Medical cannabis driving rules: A NSW op-ed blasts proposed “medicinal” cannabis driving reforms, arguing THC impairment can hit key driving functions and that a “three strikes” fine-only approach won’t prevent more crashes. Hemp & cannabis regulation: Illinois is moving to regulate “intoxicating hemp” products and tighten sales rules, including raising the purchase age to 21 for THC-containing hemp items. Legal fight over marijuana use in care: An Iowa nursing home is suing after a resident’s involuntary discharge over alleged marijuana use was reversed by state regulators—setting up a new court battle over what counts as a legal basis for eviction. Criminal cases with cannabis in the mix: A Nebraska man faces felony child abuse charges after police say he drove intoxicated while a 14-year-old took the wheel, with allegations he provided marijuana and alcohol; in Illinois, a teen accused of threatening to “kill an officer” was also charged after police found suspected cannabis during arrest. Industry/commerce: A Missouri AG deal forces CBD American Shaman to suspend in-state kratom and 7-OH sales, ending litigation over alleged misleading marketing. Money & policy: California reported about $248M in cannabis tax revenue in Q1 2026, including excise and sales tax collections.

NSW Medicinal Driving Reform: Australia’s NSW is moving to let registered medicinal cannabis users drive legally under a THC limit, but the plan still includes a 24-hour roadside ban after a positive test and harsher penalties for repeat offences—sparking pushback from the Coalition and praise from Greens. Federal Court Pressure on Cannabis Businesses: A federal court fight is heating up around cannabis dispensary lending and loan disputes, while industry players rush to secure DEA registrations after the U.S. rescheduling shift. International Enforcement Crackdowns: Telangana’s EAGLE task force says it busted an international hydroponic cannabis smuggling ring from Thailand, seizing Rs 12 crore and arresting multiple suspects; Indonesia also arrested an Australian over cannabis vape liquid, with up to 20 years on the table. EU CBD Food Crackdown: France is cracking down on CBD foods and flowers under EU “novel food” rules, threatening the grey market for non-psychoactive cannabis products. Local UK Youth Vaping Concern: A UK borough reports high use of illegal THC/Spice vapes among schoolchildren, fueling calls for stronger prevention and enforcement.

Federal vs. state rescheduling fight: Wyoming’s AG filed an objection to marijuana rescheduling, arguing the state legislature—not an automatic administrative process—should decide how federal changes affect Wyoming’s Controlled Substances Act. Border enforcement: Oman customs seized 6.179 kg of marijuana at Muscat International Airport, while Ghana’s NACOC reported a major Volta Region cannabis haul (2,372.38 kg) tied to a suspected storage/distribution site. Driving access for medical patients: NSW proposed a “commonsense” scheme letting registered medicinal cannabis drivers keep driving if roadside THC stays under 50 ng/mL, avoiding automatic suspensions and court handling in most cases. Local policy and taxes: Los Angeles voters backed a measure to extend cannabis business taxes to unlicensed operators, with analysts projecting tens of millions for the general fund. Medical access expansion: Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds signed a bill doubling allowed medical dispensaries from 5 to 10. Enforcement and court cases: A Glasgow taxi driver’s license was suspended after police alleged large cannabis and herbal drug possession; in North Carolina, a teen accused of a deadly shooting also faces marijuana/paraphernalia charges. Retail crackdown: Trafford (UK) raided shops after tips and seized “cannabis lollipops” in child-appealing packaging.

Liberia Enforcement: The Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency says it arrested 233 people and seized 422.08 kg of drugs in Q1 2026, including marijuana and “Kush,” with officials calling it part of a national security push. Illicit Vaping Online: A UK study finds TikTok is awash with rule-breaking vape content aimed at young people, while credible health messaging struggles to reach them. Cannabis Farm Bust: UK police say a gang of Albanian illegal immigrants was caught running a large cannabis grow in a Nottinghamshire industrial unit, with sentencing delayed to June 30. Medical Cannabis Access: Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear issued an emergency regulation adding 15 qualifying conditions to the state’s medical cannabis program. Water Use Research: A UC Berkeley-led study reports cannabis is rarely the top water user in Northern California watersheds, with impacts showing up more at monthly than annual scales. Local Courts/Policy: Pennsylvania’s House approved “Ryan’s Law,” allowing terminally ill patients to use medical marijuana in hospitals and care facilities. Workplace/Community Safety: A Suva health ministry push targets bus idling near a busy market, urging council action to curb exhaust fumes.