AGP Executive Report

Federal Hemp Policy: The Trump administration asked Congress to either regulate full-spectrum hemp CBD products or delay a looming federal crackdown on hemp-derived THC, aiming to protect access while new rules are set to start in November. Medical Cannabis Expansion: Georgia’s SB 220 takes effect July 1, removing the 5% THC cap and legalizing medical cannabis flower and vapes, with a new Fine Fettle dispensary opening in Evans tied to the change. Local Zoning & Cannabis Use: Owatonna is revising zoning to clarify where businesses—including cannabis cultivation—can operate, trying to protect residential quality while allowing certain home-based or industrial-area activities. Industry Access Moves: St. Louis Park breweries and distilleries got temporary liquor-license changes that may make it easier to sell more than their own in-house products. Enforcement & Market Pressure: UNODC reports global drug use is rising to 331M people in 2024, with synthetic drugs spreading fast—while multiple countries report major cannabis and other narcotics seizures. Tourism Safety: Washington state launched a World Cup tourist education page on legal cannabis rules, labeling, and risks. Product Category Watch: A Lancet Psychiatry review found decriminalizing personal cannabis use doesn’t increase use, but commercial legalization is linked to higher sales and consumption.

Hemp & THC Regulation Deadlock (South Carolina): Lawmakers in SC adjourned without a deal on hemp-derived THC rules, leaving intoxicating gummies and drinks largely unregulated this year; the Senate backed a compromise (age limits, sales restrictions), but the House killed it, with lawmakers warning it could either protect kids or cripple small businesses. Retail Hemp Crackdown (Tennessee): West Knoxville’s Hemp House will close by July 2 as new Tennessee hemp rules take effect, including bans on THC-A products that the owner says drive about 40% of revenue. DEA vs Hemp Chemistry (HHC): The DEA is defending its stance that synthetically made HHC is federally banned, resisting requests to pause its new classification while lawsuits play out. Labor Shock in Cannabis (Illinois): Ascend Wellness workers at a Barry, IL grow house went on strike, alleging unfair labor practices and unsafe conditions, marking the first strike at a cannabis grow facility. World Cup Safety Warning (Washington): Health officials warn visiting tourists that legal WA cannabis edibles can be far stronger than expected, with dosing guidance aimed at preventing overconsumption. R&D Funding (Cannabinoid Drug Discovery): eXoZymes won a $2.03M NIH SBIR Phase IIB grant to develop rare cannabinoid analogs for drug discovery. Enforcement & Seizures: Police charged two men after Wairoa search warrants turned up meth, cocaine, cannabis, cash, and ammo; and NSW’s Strike Force Korpisalo seized nearly 64kg of drugs and chemicals tied to prohibited drug manufacturing.

Cannabis Banking Push: A bipartisan U.S. Senate bill (SAFE Act) aims to protect banks serving marijuana businesses as federal rescheduling talks heat up. Hemp Policy Shakeup: The White House also asked Congress to revise federal hemp rules for “fair treatment” and extend/replace the hemp moratorium, alongside a push to codify year-round E15. Medical Cannabis Deal: New Zealand’s Ora Pharm bought Helius Therapeutics to build an end-to-end medicinal cannabis and hemp supply chain, with production expected to ramp quickly. Industry Listing: Glass House Brands’ subordinate shares won NYSE approval, expected to start trading June 30 after medical cannabis reclassification. Public Health & Youth: Oregon county officials warned adolescent cannabis use may raise mental health risks, urging education for families. Enforcement & Supply Chains: UK police charged 21 people, including a prison officer, over alleged cannabis and phone smuggling into HMP Gartree; in Ireland, Garda and customs uncovered a cocaine lab and €640k cannabis in Kildare. Regulatory Access: Guam approved its first cannabis cultivation permit, signaling slow-but-starting local industry growth. Public Consumption Politics: Virginia advocates are fighting a proposed jump in public-use fines from $25 to $250, calling it a “poverty penalty.” Product Safety/Gray Area: Georgia’s “hemp loophole” debate resurfaced as lawmakers face pressure over candy-styled THC/hemp products and inconsistent enforcement.

Hemp Compliance Deadline: Hawaiʻi starts enforcing hemp retailer/distributor registration July 1, with the state warning online and out-of-state sellers to register and meet THC limits. Medicinal Cannabis Driving Reform: NSW’s Road Transport Amendment bill would stop automatic penalties for eligible medicinal cannabis patients when THC is detected but they’re not impaired—though roadside testing and a 24-hour ban still apply pending lab results. Regulatory Fight Over Hemp: The White House asks Congress to prevent broad federal recriminalization of hemp products, pushing for “fair treatment” of hemp-derived cannabinoid products. DEA Rescheduling Hearing Setup: A DEA judge set the schedule for the marijuana rescheduling hearing starting next week, with designated parties presenting across late June into mid-July. R&D Boost for Cannabinoids: eXoZymes won a $2.03M NIH SBIR grant to advance rare cannabinoid production and cannabinoid analogs. Industry/Market Signals: A proposed Missouri expungement cleanup may still leave some records uncleared, while Michigan medical sales reportedly fell as the federal rescheduling fight intensifies. Enforcement Snapshot: Police in Mykonos dismantled a drug trafficking ring using tourist vans, seizing cocaine, “pink cocaine,” ketamine, meth, ecstasy, and raw cannabis.

Hemp Retail Crackdown: Hawaii will start enforcing hemp retailer and distributor registration statewide on July 1, ending the grace period June 30 and requiring online and out-of-state sellers to register and meet THC limits. Regulatory Pressure: Virginia’s adult-use cannabis framework is moving forward as new laws take effect July 1, including changes tied to the state’s “clean slate” record-sealing rollout and broader public-safety rules. Enforcement Spotlight (UK/NI): PSNI says it arrested 16 people and seized about £1.1m worth of cannabis plants after raids uncovered nine “grow houses” across Armagh, Tyrone and Fermanagh. Border/Port Busts (Malaysia): Police report 653.6kg of cannabis buds seized at KLIA in the first half of the year, with dozens of arrests tied to transit routes. Industry/Finance: AMASS Brands Group entered a SAFE investment in Afterdream, a hemp-derived THC beverage brand, targeting expansion in the functional adult beverage space. Product Safety/Consumer Watch: A report warns many CBD rubs underdeliver on label claims and that topical CBD effects are localized, making formula and concentration key.

Hemp Regulation Crackdown: Hawaiʻi will start enforcing hemp retailer and distributor registration statewide on July 1, ending its June 30 grace period, with the Attorney General backing investigations into noncompliance. CBD/THC Market Watch: Texas hemp businesses are asking an appeals court to reinstate a temporary injunction over new hemp rules, arguing DSHS enforcement signals are conflicting and could raise costs and disrupt supply. Industry Dealmaking: New Zealand’s Ora Pharm is buying Helius to become a major medical cannabis player, aiming to scale pharmaceutical-grade oil extraction and expand exports. Product & Research: Avecho shares jumped after its phase III synthetic cannabinoid insomnia trial passed an interim analysis and is set to continue as planned. Legal/Policy: Marijuana rescheduling hearings are under fire for limited public access, with Marijuana Moment pushing for livestreaming transparency. Animal Safety: Emergency calls about dogs eating cannabis products are rising, with vets warning stronger products are driving more urgent cases. Enforcement & Seizures: NSW police and the ABF seized $1.13M in drugs, including methylamphetamine and cannabis, plus a clandestine lab and cash. Corporate Moves: Glass House Brands issued notice of warrant acceleration, signaling potential changes for its share purchase warrants.

Regulatory & Market Access: Virginia lawmakers agreed to a regulated adult-use retail cannabis market, with sales set to begin July 1, 2027—aimed at consumer safeguards and squeezing out the illicit market. State-by-State Compliance: A new Tennessee law starting July 1 bans THC products above 0.3%, while low-concentration edibles and drinks remain legal but online shipping is restricted. Federal Rescheduling Fight: NORML says the DEA stacked a June 29 marijuana rescheduling hearing by excluding supporters of the change, raising stakes for cannabis businesses nationwide. Medical Cannabis Oversight: Alabama’s Medical Cannabis Commission is moving to replace outside counsel amid criticism over licensing delays and alleged process failures. Enforcement & Supply Chain: Police in Northern Ireland found a PSNI officer wrongfully seized legally prescribed cannabis and mishandled it, triggering performance procedures and new training guidance. Product & Brand Moves: Ahh Moments launched Ahhlixr 20mg full-spectrum THC wellness shots in Massachusetts dispensaries, while Houseplant (Seth Rogen) expanded its Gloopy lifestyle line with new vases, planters, rugs, and ashtrays. Crackdowns Abroad: Spain reported a Tenerife airport bust where a passenger expelled 79 cannabis-resin capsules (880g) after a positive medical test. Industry Reality Check: A guide highlights how “hemp-derived THC” legality varies wildly by state, making online shopping a compliance minefield.

Regulatory Push: Nebraska’s Medical Cannabis Commission cleared the first state-licensed cultivator to plant marijuana, while another operator fights a zoning reversal that blocked use of an agricultural exemption. Retail Expansion: Florida’s FINO Cannabis opened its first dispensary in Clermont with an education-first, terpene-guided patient experience, and New York’s Cannabis Depot opened a second Watertown-area location. Market Framework: Virginia lawmakers approved a two-year budget that includes a regulated adult-use cannabis retail framework starting July 1, 2027, plus a new electricity tax on data centers. Enforcement Spotlight: Ghana’s NACOC says it dismantled a Volta Region cannabis production hub, arresting three and recovering hashish oil; Australia’s Coffs/Clarence police charged two after a warrant turned up cannabis plants and multiple drugs. Business & Investment: PleoPharma shared Phase 3 progress for PP-01 at BIO International, and Missouri set July 13–27 for the next microbusiness license application round. Hemp & CBD Trade: Pakistan’s hemp textile push gained momentum as regulators move toward a cannabis/industrial hemp framework.

Law Enforcement Crackdown: Canada’s Surrey Police Service says “Project Phantom” led to a May raid and, after four months, charges against a 24-year-old and deportations of two others; police seized about 1,529g cannabis plus opium, fentanyl, cocaine, meth and heroin. Local Politics & Ethics: Connecticut’s cannabis legalization-era state rep is drawing scrutiny after a widely shared post questioned whether he should have recused himself while working for a cultivator. CBD/Hemp Industry Events: Japan’s International Hemp Expo (JIHE 2026) returns in Tokyo in November, pitching “cannabis-free” hemp roots across CBD, wellness and sustainability. Regulatory/Market Access: Minnesota’s cannabis testing lab Legend Technical Services is shutting its program after its license was frozen, warning of product delays. Adult-Use Retail Update: Virginia lawmakers announced a compromise adult-use retail framework, including a 350-license cap and a Feb. 1, 2027 application start. Supply Chain & Finance: InterCure secured NIS 22m private placement (up to NIS 54m) tied to Germany demand and U.S. rescheduling opportunities. Product & Tech: DaySavers launched the Perfect Pack 2 portable joint-filling machine for DIY pre-rolls. Enforcement Abroad: Hong Kong Customs seized about 12kg cannabis buds at the airport and arrested a passenger.

Hemp & CBD Policy: Ghana’s industrial hemp rollout is stuck: no licenses issued four months after launch, while high US-dollar fees (up to $45,000/ha plus extra charges) face a constitutional court challenge—raising fears of stalled investment. Campus Enforcement: Ghana’s NACOC arrested five Central University students over cannabis-infused sweets, but the chamber says stigma shouldn’t spill onto the wider industry while licensing rules remain unfinished. Clinical CBD Watch: Avecho’s phase III insomnia trial for synthetic CBD is nearing results (about 520 patients; 75mg/150mg vs placebo), with the company positioning it for an OTC pharmacy path. Industry Growth (Hempcrete): Taranaki’s hemp fibre plan flags hempcrete as the most immediate market opportunity, aiming to connect local growing, processing, and construction demand. Tech & Cannabis Manufacturing: Vape-Jet moved its cannabis automation HQ, engineering, and manufacturing to Pittsburgh’s Strip District, targeting precision dosing equipment for legal retail. Legal/Market Signals: Tilray stock is back in focus as investors weigh its shift toward broader lifestyle and consumer packaged goods alongside cannabis and hemp foods. Regulatory/Legal Risk: Wisconsin remains a no-marijuana state even if products are bought elsewhere; CBD is legal, but psychoactive hemp variants like Delta-8 raise concerns. Crime & Seizures: Police actions across multiple regions continue to feature cannabis—ranging from school-area vape THC findings to large seizures and arrests tied to trafficking networks.

School Safety & Product Testing: Baguio officials say 20 barangays lost “drug-cleared” status after active pushers were found, and PDEA confirmed THC-positive vape devices were confiscated from schools. Regulatory & Federal Policy: The DEA is inviting only opponents of marijuana rescheduling to a June 29 hearing, drawing backlash from legalization groups and state-licensed businesses. Legislation Watch (US): North Carolina Senate Democrats’ bill to put cannabis legalization amendments on the ballot faces low odds in the GOP-led Senate. Enforcement & Seizures: Police in Westminster (Guyana) found 118g of suspected cannabis; Kenya raids net cannabis sativa/bhang worth millions; Nigeria’s NDLEA arrested two elderly men accused of supplying drugs to teenage students. Industry & Markets: A New York apple farm expanded into legal cannabis, producing weed for extraction and vapes, while Virginia budget talks include major energy-tax terms for data centers tied to broader state policy. Compliance & Consumer Risk: A UK case saw a court hear about CBD oil theft tied to “high risk” products, and Washington health officials warned World Cup visitors to start low with cannabis due to strength variation.

Regulated Cannabis Push (India): Himachal Pradesh approved amendments to its NDPS Rules to regulate cannabis cultivation for medical and scientific use, aiming for a “Green to Gold” revenue boost of up to ₹2,000 crore annually and new jobs in textiles, ayurvedic products, and hemp-based materials. Vape Crackdown (Malaysia): Malaysia’s health minister cited 402 vape seizure cases involving synthetic drugs, strengthening the case for a national vape ban, especially over risks to minors. Cultivation Innovation (US): Arizona’s Aeriz is expanding aeroponic, soil-free cannabis growing that it says uses 95% less water, positioning water savings as a competitive edge. Policy & Markets (US/Canada): A new review argues decriminalization or tightly controlled access doesn’t increase overall use, but fully commercial legal markets can raise potency, addiction, and psychosis-related hospital admissions. Research (Pain Relief): University of Arizona researchers highlight cannabis terpenes that may ease chronic pain like fibromyalgia and post-surgical pain without THC-style intoxication. Enforcement Snapshot (Global): Police in West Sussex seized 500+ cannabis plants; Cyprus reported a major cannabis resin and kief haul; and Nigeria’s Anambra police arrested suspects with cannabis sativa during patrols.

Vape Crackdown: Malaysia’s health minister says vape seizures show liquids mixed with dangerous synthetics (including THC and cannabinoids), building the case for a national vape ban. Medical Research: University of Arizona researchers report cannabis-derived terpenes may ease chronic pain like fibromyalgia and post-surgical pain without THC’s high. Safety on the Illicit Market: Arizona State University finds low likelihood of fentanyl being added to seized illegal cannabis flower (none detected in 118 samples). Patient Outcomes: A UK registry study links cannabis-based medicinal products to meaningful pain reductions and fewer opioid use in Ehlers-Danlos/hypermobility patients. Industry Pressure: Nebraska hemp retailers push back against a proposed “zero THC” rule for food products, arguing it goes beyond federal limits and could wipe shelves. Enforcement & Supply Chain: Police in West Sussex seized 500+ cannabis plants; Cyprus police seized 6.37kg cannabis resin plus 1kg kief. Market & Policy: A Lancet review suggests the key question is how cannabis is regulated—profit-linked legalization correlates with higher use and addiction, not just “whether” to legalize. Retail Ops: Minnesota cannabis testing site shutdown is causing product delays for retailers.

Virginia Cannabis Deal: Gov. Abigail Spanberger, Sen. Lashrecse Aird and Del. Paul Krizek struck a budget compromise to build a legal adult-use retail cannabis market, with sales targeted for July 1, 2027 and new testing, safety and kid-focused protections. DEA Rescheduling Process: A DEA judge set the framework for the upcoming marijuana rescheduling hearing, while the agency is limiting participation to opponents—NORML says that’s unfair to consumers and patients. Hemp Regulation Shock: Nebraska’s agriculture department proposed rules that could ban most edible hemp cannabinoid products, including THC-infused beverages, drawing heavy pushback from retailers. Retail Supply Crunch: Minnesota cannabis retailers face product delays after Legend Technical Services shut down, worsening an already painful testing backlog. Enforcement & Seizures: Nigeria Customs at Apapa intercepted expired pharmaceuticals and 1.8 tonnes of cannabis; Kenya’s DCI nabbed suspects after a high-speed chase recovered 154kg of cannabis; Bulgaria police arrested seven in a Ruse anti-drugs operation. Product/Science Debate: Haypp Group criticized a nicotine pouch animal study, arguing seizure findings were overstated and hard to interpret. Market Pressure: Michigan lawmakers are weighing limits on new cannabis licenses as oversupply strains prices despite strong consumer sales.

DEA/Rescheduling Watch: ATF says it’s reviewing a Supreme Court ruling that limits federal firearm bans for marijuana users and will issue updated guidance “soon,” after the decision partially undercut 922(g)(3). Federal Compliance Tools: The Cannabis Business Advisors launched a DEA Readiness Platform aimed at helping medical operators register ahead of the June 26 expedited review deadline for federal rescheduling hearings. Big Seizure, Big Impact: UK Border Force seized a record-breaking 12 tonnes of cannabis at Southampton Port, worth an estimated £139m, in containers shipped from Canada. Organized Crime Crackdown: Two men tied to Drogheda’s Boylan feud were jailed for running an “online drugs supermarket” via social media. Enforcement on the Ground: Oregon authorities found ~25,000 illicit cannabis plants hidden in a pear orchard under a hemp license front; Auckland police seized ~486 plants in an “Operation Green” targeting indoor grows. Youth & Packaging: A study finds adolescents respond to cannabis packaging elements that mimic candy/snack branding, suggesting design rules may need tighter focus. Local Policy: Superior, Minnesota expanded vending-machine restrictions to ban age-restricted products including cannabinoids and other impairing substances. Industry/Access: A new platform in Nigeria targets creators and consultants with an all-in-one hub to sell digital products and services—another sign of the broader monetization push around regulated and adjacent wellness markets.

Prison Health & Safety: UK prison watchdogs say pests are still a major problem, including spider bites at HMP Bullingdon where two inmates needed hospital care and one was warned he could lose a leg. Minnesota Retail Rules: La Canna opened in La Crescent as the state’s first marijuana dispensary, but legal experts warn shoppers that Minnesota THC rules don’t apply across the border in Wisconsin. Clinical Cannabis R&D: PleoPharma started dosing the first patient in a Phase 3 trial of PP-01 for cannabis withdrawal symptoms in cannabis use disorder. Market Shakeout: Oklahoma’s cannabis market is collapsing after oversupply drove wholesale prices down, leaving warehouses empty and pushing product into illicit channels. Hemp Policy Pressure (US): Nebraska’s proposed “zero THC” food ban drew heavy opposition at a public hearing, while Missouri’s new law will move intoxicating hemp THC drinks and edibles into licensed dispensaries only. Hemp-to-THC Drinks Fight: Restaurant and beverage operators are joining opposition to a looming federal ban on hemp-derived THC products. Corporate Moves: Vireo Growth closed an acquisition tied to Maryland dispensary interests. Testing Bottlenecks: Minnesota store owners say cannabis testing backlogs are delaying adult-use product availability. Black-Market Crackdown: Oregon police seized a large illegal marijuana grow hidden in pear orchards in Central Point. Legal Precedent: The US Supreme Court ruled that marijuana users can’t be stripped of Second Amendment rights for gun possession.