AGP Executive Report

Hemp Oversight Win (Illinois): Illinois Gov. Pritzker signed a Hernandez-backed bill (SB 3222) tightening statewide licensing, safety standards, testing, labeling, and enforcement for hemp and cannabis products, aiming to protect consumers and improve equity in the market. Court & Compliance (Montana): Montana Supreme Court approved new ballot language for I-194 (“Montana Plan”), limiting “artificial persons” from contributing to candidate elections or ballot issues, with penalties tied to forfeiting business privileges. Travel/Testing Reality Check (THC): A Vermont state-treasurer fraud case hit a snag when a defendant’s federal hearing was postponed after a THC-positive test; the judge said proximity to drugs doesn’t automatically explain positives. Legal Cannabis in Practice (New Hampshire): Therapeutic cannabis use among older adults is rising fast, with New Hampshire’s program still tied to qualifying medical conditions (no recreational sales). Brand/Trade Clash (Canada): FIFA sent a cease-and-desist to a Toronto cannabis shop selling World Cup trophy-shaped bongs, demanding sales and profit details. Local Enforcement (Scotland Neck): A traffic stop led to fentanyl pills plus marijuana and firearms charges for a Durham man, with bond denied. Business Expansion (Florida): Botanical Brewing is expanding in Cape Coral, adding production capacity for non-alcoholic drinks including kava and Delta-9 hemp seltzers.

Pennsylvania Budget & Cannabis Taxes: Gov. Josh Shapiro’s proposed $116M boost for the Pennsylvania State Police would add about 380 troopers, with part of the funding tied to a proposed tax on legalized recreational marijuana. Colorado Cannabis Oversight: A Colorado cultivator says a newly released recording shows worries about tax collection, compliance, and possible ways operators reduce tax obligations in the legal marijuana market. International Airport Busts: Hong Kong Customs seized about 15kg of suspected cannabis buds from a woman arriving from Bangkok (via Ho Chi Minh City), and India’s Mumbai Customs arrested a 28-year-old woman accused of smuggling 11.824kg of hydroponic weed worth about Rs 11.82 crore. Local Enforcement & Court Outcomes: In the UK, police used a Community Resolution to dispose of cannabis after a first offense; in England, a man was sentenced after heroin was found under his armpit and cocaine concealed elsewhere during a strip-search. Policy Watch: Hong Kong gazetted an Evidence (Amendment) Bill to reform the hearsay rule in criminal proceedings. Community & Culture: The Puyallup Tribe is setting up a World Cup fan zone and powwow events, highlighting cultural exchange alongside the tournament.

Court Ruling: Colorado’s Supreme Court said a Safe2Tell school safety tip plus an administrator’s check of details gave police enough reason to search a student’s backpack, leading to a marijuana vape pen discovery. Indoor Grow Case: Texas authorities arrested a man after a Polk County raid uncovered a “sophisticated” indoor marijuana grow, seizing 50+ pounds and starting asset forfeiture. Local Enforcement Reminder: A police agency in another state reiterated marijuana is still illegal, with ticketing and possible fines if people dispute in court. Medical Cannabis Politics: Kentucky Democrats blasted Rep. Jason Nemes for threatening criminal prosecution of patients in the state’s medical cannabis program. Hemp Retail Searches: New York’s appellate court cleared the way for warrantless searches of licensed hemp shops to find illicit cannabis. Tax/Policy Watch: Pennsylvania lawmakers are weighing a 5% digital ad tax, alongside cannabis and skill-game revenue ideas. Cannabis in the Real World: A Shreveport murder conviction tied to a 2023 drug deal included testimony about marijuana and guns after the shooting. Travel/Border: Mumbai airport customs arrested a woman accused of smuggling hydroponic cannabis worth Rs 11.82 crore. Industry/Health: A new study finds many older adults use edible cannabis mainly for pain and sleep, not to get high.

Medical Cannabis Politics: Kentucky lawmakers are pushing back hard on Gov. Andy Beshear’s executive order expanding medical cannabis qualifying conditions, with a GOP leader calling for prosecution of agencies and licensees that follow the change. Prison & Enforcement: A Belmarsh prison officer accused of an “inappropriate relationship” with a life-sentenced murderer denies misconduct, while a separate UK case shows cannabis charges popping up alongside violent allegations. Illicit Market Crackdowns: New York deputies resealed a Pelham Gardens smoke shop for a second time after seizing hundreds of pounds of illegal cannabis plus THC and flavored vapes, alleging the business cut through a padlock to keep selling. Cross-Border Smuggling: Kuwait customs says it stopped an 86 kg drugs shipment from the UK, including cannabis and cocaine. Legal/Travel Guidance: A Wisconsin judge vacated a marijuana-related conviction for an ICE detainee, but the family worries the immigration hearing could still be delayed. Local Cannabis Business Watch: Connecticut’s recreational market is described as stagnant statewide, but one Norwalk dispensary area is cited as a rare bright spot for tax revenue.

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.