AGP Executive Report

Policy & Regulation: North Carolina lawmakers advanced a bill to set a minimum age limit for hemp and kratom products, aiming to curb youth access to hemp-derived consumables. State Enforcement: Nevada County and California Fish and Wildlife teamed up to eradicate 14,619 illegal cannabis plants, seizing processed cannabis and arresting two people. Local Taxation: Los Angeles voters approved Measure CB, with about 72% support, moving unlicensed weed shops into the same tax bracket as licensed dispensaries. Medical Cannabis Driving: NSW GPs say proposed “three-strikes” rules for medicinal cannabis drivers could still create major inconvenience, including a 24-hour driving ban after positive roadside tests. Market/Finance: A cannabis ETF payout discussion highlights that some income funds may depend heavily on a single landlord-tenant situation, raising sustainability questions. Criminal Justice: Police actions across multiple regions included a 419 kg cannabis seizure near the Nepal border in Bihar and arrests tied to cannabis and synthetic cannabinoids distribution. Industry/Community: Astoria Bud Boutique in Queens announced an NBA Finals watch party and ticket giveaway, underscoring how licensed dispensaries keep blending cannabis retail with mainstream events.

Market & Finance: Amplify Seymour Cannabis ETF (CNBS) is basically a single-tenant income bet, with distributions tied heavily to Innovative Industrial Properties’ dividend stability rather than broad cannabis operator payouts. Corporate Moves: Verano Holdings says it’s readying for a major NYSE uplisting after a 1-for-5 reverse split, pointing to rescheduling tailwinds and reporting in-line Q1 results. Enforcement (US): Nevada County Sheriff’s Office and California Fish & Wildlife teamed up to eradicate 14,619 illegal cannabis plants and seize processed product, plus firearms, in multiple search-warrant operations. Enforcement (Global): Police in Scotland jailed multiple men tied to trafficking “significant” quantities of cannabis and other drugs; in India, Gujarat police seized 2.466 kg of hybrid cannabis worth Rs 86.31 lakh; and in Cyprus, officers arrested a motorcyclist after finding cannabis and cocaine under the seat. Policy & Regulation: Virginia lawmakers and Gov. Abigail Spanberger are reportedly nearing a tentative deal to build a regulated adult-use marijuana marketplace, after a veto-heavy stretch. Public Safety & Health: A new warning piece highlights how high-potency cannabis vaping can trigger harsh withdrawal experiences, while another report notes teens’ cannabis use may interfere with the brain’s reward system. Business/Community: A proposed cannabis drive-thru and other retail access ideas keep moving through local channels, even as regulators tighten age and product rules.

Cannabis Science & Public Health: A new study links teen cannabis use to changes in the brain’s motivation and reward system, with stronger effects tied to higher-potency products. Psychosis Risk: A separate expert discussion warns that cannabis can raise psychosis risk for people with genetic or neurobiological vulnerability, especially in adolescence and young adulthood. Hemp Regulation Push: Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker signed SB 3222, immediately banning sales of intoxicating hemp products to anyone under 21 and adding child-proof packaging and marketing limits, while also doubling adult possession limits and expanding medical access. Medical Marijuana Access (Kentucky): Gov. Andy Beshear ends Kentucky’s out-of-state medical marijuana purchase option starting July 1, requiring in-state purchases for cardholders. Industry Finance: Avicanna closed a $600k non-brokered private placement to fund working capital and R&D, while NewLake Capital Partners declared a $0.43 Q2 dividend supported by its cannabis real-estate portfolio. Legal & Compliance: Ontario regulator action pressures SNDL to divest de facto control of retail stores or face license risk; Oklahoma operators brace for evolving banking and reporting scrutiny as federal rescheduling changes the rules. Safety Alerts: In Garden River First Nation, suspected cannabis from a bong led to one death and another hospitalization, with police urging immediate 911 calls and warning the substance may not be what users expected. Business/Brand Disputes: Lil Baby’s hemp company countersues over claims of elevated THC and contamination, while Bay Smokes disputes the allegations and points to its own lab certificate. Retail/Trademark: A Toronto shop selling World Cup-trophy-style bongs says FIFA demanded it stop selling and turn over sales info.

Rescheduling & Policy Shock: A Trump rescheduling move is being framed as a potential on-ramp to interstate cannabis commerce, with the Marijuana Policy Project saying federally legal status could hinge on how medical cannabis is handled under new federal rules. Courtroom Fight for Hemp THC: Ohio’s restrictions on hemp-derived THC are headed to court as Michigan businesses watch the outcome for what could come next in Lansing and Washington. Regulatory Tension in Vapes: Missouri regulators recalled hundreds of THC vape pens, while the manufacturer blamed “evolving” testing requirements—state officials say the products weren’t tested in finished form as required. Quality & Safety Alerts: France’s drug monitoring agency reports rising adulteration, including cannabis products with unpredictable compositions; in Canada, a dispensary in Garden River First Nation closed after overdoses tied to cannabis sold there. Market & Product Moves: Village Farms launched Pure Sunfarms Pink Kush cured resin 510 vapes in Canada, pushing a flower-forward vape format. Medical Access Expansion: Ukraine’s medical cannabis program is now operational, with first dispensations reported for veterans and an MS patient. Industry/Community: A Massachusetts tribe-linked delivery operator won expanded delivery permissions after CCC action, highlighting social equity progress. Enforcement Headlines: Customs in India arrested Harsha Sunny for allegedly smuggling hydroponic cannabis worth Rs 11.82 crore; Quebec’s Golden Star dispensary owner pleaded not guilty to contempt over a shoreline safeguard order. Business Ops: Springfield, Illinois is considering extending cannabis drive-thru hours to 1:30 a.m., aligning with liquor rules.

Hemp & CBD Policy: Pennsylvania’s Senate rejected a bill that would have regulated “intoxicating hemp” products and shifted oversight of medical marijuana to a new board, keeping “gas station weed” largely unregulated. Hemp Age Limits: North Carolina lawmakers advanced a bill to restrict intoxicating hemp products and kratom with a proposed minimum age of 21 for purchase/possession. Medical Cannabis Expansion: Georgia’s Senate Bill 220 expands medical cannabis options starting July 1, adding access to flower and vape products for faster relief. Animal CBD R&D: Trait Biosciences reported early, owner-reported results from a 14-day in-home topical CBD82S™ evaluation in companion animals, targeting mobility/joint discomfort. Hemp Beverage Push: Hometown Hero will exhibit hemp-derived THC beverages at the Hemp Beverage Expo in Austin, highlighting 5 mg and 25 mg THC sparkling drinks. Brand/Launches: Dialed In rolled out World Cup-inspired “Golazo” rosin gummies in Missouri and Massachusetts. Industry Finance: Village Farms’ CEO addressed investor questions after a $15M raise tied to its CMS CBD pilot, while Trulieve’s NYSE debut drew early trading attention. Public Health & Youth Use: A study in Addiction found teen cannabis initiation risk rises most when teens both have using friends and believe cannabis is easy to obtain.

Aviation & Compliance: Michigan travelers are getting mixed signals on flying with medical marijuana after TSA guidance shifted post-rescheduling, while Delta says it still follows federal law. Hemp & Policy: A new push in North Carolina would set age 21 limits on hemp-derived products, adding to a wider wave of state-level THC/THC-beverage restrictions. Industry Finance: FundCanna will embed its ReadyPaid BNPL into Apex Trading’s cannabis marketplace, aiming to speed seller payments and ease buyer credit gaps. Corporate Moves: Aurora Cannabis reported record FY2026 results and said it completed an EU-GMP capacity acquisition; Verano also completed a 1-for-5 reverse split as it eyes U.S. listing. Product & Retail: Cronos says Spinach vapes are Canada’s top-selling brand by market share. Enforcement: Ireland Revenue seized €425k+ in illegal psychoactive vapes since 2020, while police in multiple regions reported major drug and cash busts. Hemp in the Spotlight: Zac Efron’s “hemp house” project in Australia is drawing attention to hemp building materials.

Enforcement Crackdown: A Pelham Gardens smoke shop was resealed after deputies seized 800+ pounds of illegal cannabis plus THC and flavored vape products, with potential penalties up to $25,000. Hemp Product Politics: A federal agriculture bill moving through Congress could reshape retail rules for hemp-derived cannabinoid products, as the Trump administration signals openness to updating how “final hemp-derived cannabinoid products” are defined. Federal Medical Shift: The DOJ’s medical marijuana rescheduling to Schedule III is expected to bring tax relief and help research, but the federal-state split still leaves operators navigating uncertainty. State Regulation Fight: Pennsylvania’s Senate failed to advance SB 49, keeping current limits on regulating intoxicating hemp products and leaving calls for tighter safeguards unanswered. Local Retail Push: Hamilton, Ohio held a public hearing on zoning that could end its long dispensary ban, while Amador County’s first dispensary proposal moves forward with community listening. Business & Markets: Glass House Brands filed a shelf prospectus and an at-the-market equity program up to $100M; Trulieve is set to become the first cannabis company listed on the NYSE. Public Safety Alerts: Garden River First Nation issued an alert after two suspected overdoses tied to cannabis from a bong, one fatal.

NYSE Milestone: Trulieve is set to start trading on the NYSE under ticker TRLV, positioning it as the first U.S. cannabis company listed on a major exchange after medical marijuana was reclassified to Schedule III. Regulatory Watch: A key U.S. administrative hearing on rescheduling recreational marijuana could reshape federal taxes and market sentiment, with traders already reacting to the potential outcome. Medical Cannabis Access: New VA documents outline how veterans and VA doctors are supposed to handle cannabis conversations, aiming to reduce uncertainty in clinical settings. Consumer Rules: Illinois lawmakers passed a bill to double adult possession limits and expand expungement eligibility for smaller possession convictions. Product & Retail Expansion: High Tide opened a new Canna Cabana in Welland and flagged another location in Calgary, keeping store growth moving. Research: A study reports medical marijuana extracts can meaningfully help about half of cancer patients with sleep and anxiety, with preferences varying by extract type. Enforcement & Safety: Police charged 50 people in an Aberdeen crackdown on illegal e-bikes and scooters, recovering cannabis and other drugs during the operation.

NYSE Milestone: Trulieve says its shares are approved for listing on the New York Stock Exchange, starting June 10 under ticker “TRLV,” a big legitimacy moment for U.S. medical cannabis. Regulatory Push: Illinois lawmakers advanced a major cannabis/hemp overhaul that would raise possession limits and expand where medical marijuana can be bought, aiming to cut burdens on small shops. Statehouse Watch: Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger reports “productive” talks on a new bill to legalize and regulate recreational retail sales after a prior veto. Hemp Safety Warning: A new report argues Congress’s hemp loophole is fueling unregulated, intoxicating THC products in convenience stores, with child exposures driving poison-control calls. EU Drug Risk: The EU Drugs Agency warns of more potent substances and shifting trafficking routes, plus concerns that gangs could use vapes to move synthetic opioids. Enforcement & Seizures: Malaysia customs seized about RM3m in cocaine and cannabis via courier shipments, while Albania police destroyed 7,446 cannabis plants and suspended officers over enforcement failures. Product/Market Notes: Texas hemp rules face another court setback as appeals pause enforcement of smokable hemp regulations. Local Business Impact: Adelaide councillors voted against extra funding aimed at boosting CBD night activity and reducing vacant cannabis-related shops.

Youth Nicotine + Cannabis Co-Use: A new report warns nicotine exposure among teens is shifting from cigarettes to vapes and pouches, with cannabis/THC vaping increasingly paired with nicotine. Public Health + Vaping Misuse: Malaysia’s poison centre says vapes are being used to consume drugs like synthetic cannabis and fentanyl, complicating detection and treatment. Medical Cannabis Progress: Germany approved Exilby, a marijuana-derived oral tincture for chronic pain, aiming to reduce reliance on opioids. Regulatory/Access Watch: US TSA updated guidance to allow medical marijuana in both carry-on and checked bags, though state and airline rules still vary. Industry + Capital Markets: Trulieve is set to become the first US cannabis company listed on the NYSE after medical marijuana was reclassified to Schedule III. Enforcement + Supply Chains: Police actions across the UK, Canada, and elsewhere continue to target cannabis grows and alleged online sales to youth, while EU agencies warn drug markets are evolving fast and vapes may carry harmful substances. Business Moves: NUGL began a Jamaica functional beverage market evaluation with Cannibble via Kaya Pizza and Square Grouper Bars.

Hemp Legal Fight: A Texas appeals court lifted a stay, letting the state enforce its challenged “Total THC” hemp rules while litigation continues, including child-resistant packaging, testing, a 0.3% THC limit, and higher retailer licensing fees. Retail Access Push: California lawmakers advanced a bill to let licensed cannabis dispensaries add drive-thru windows, pending local approval, aiming to compete with the illicit market. Tax Pressure: Michigan’s new 25% wholesale cannabis tax brought in just $34M in Q1 2026 versus $86M forecast, with industry critics blaming the rate for pushing sales back underground. Labor Tension: Teamsters authorized a strike at Ascend Wellness in Illinois over a first contract, citing wage, health care, and workplace protection demands plus unfair labor practice claims. Enforcement Roundup: Ireland reported €306k+ in contraband seizures including 4.5 kg herbal cannabis; California’s Nevada County eradicated 14,619 illegal plants; and Delhi customs seized 15.38 kg hydroponic cannabis hidden in water heaters. Hemp-to-Fashion: Choose Your Change announced a Sept. 19-20 Brooklyn hemp farm-to-fabric textile showcase tied to New York Textile Month.

Board & Compliance: KND Labs president Nicholas Wilson was elected to the National Animal Supplement Council board as the Colorado manufacturer expands from hemp-derived work into broader animal and human wellness manufacturing. Medical Market Expansion: Alabama’s first medical cannabis dispensary, Callie’s Apothecary in Montgomery, opened this week, letting patients legally buy products as more storefronts are planned along the Gulf Coast. Local Enforcement & Community Repair: Somerset County prosecutors and the sheriff are seeking proposals for $40,000 in community nonprofit funding tied to recent illegal cannabis grow case convictions. Travel Rules: TSA updated medical marijuana travel guidance, offering clearer permission for compliant products in carry-on and checked baggage, while still warning that discovery of illegal substances can trigger law enforcement. Tech for Cannabis Processing: EnWave signed a tech evaluation deal for its Radiant Energy Vacuum dehydration system with Swiss Cannabis Selection AG, aiming to speed drying while preserving product quality. Tax Pressure: Michigan’s new 25% wholesale cannabis tax is underperforming, bringing in far less than projected in early 2026. Industry & Product News: Canopy Growth’s Claybourne Frosted Flyers won Best Infused Pre-Roll at the 2026 Grow Up Awards, with new variety pack formats rolling out in Canada.

Medicare CBD Access: The FDA says it won’t interfere with CMS coverage for certain hemp-derived CBD products, with limits of 0.3% delta-9 THC and 3mg total THC per serving (oral forms only), while inhalable products are excluded. Travel Rules: TSA updated its “What Can I Bring?” guidance for medical marijuana, reiterating patients may travel with state-licensed medication for use after arrival. Regulatory Pressure on Markets: Washington’s cannabis regulators warn federal rescheduling uncertainty and state oversupply are squeezing the legal market, even as they keep targeting illicit sales. Industry/Investing: Tilray is trying to pivot from cannabis into broader consumer brands after buying craft brewer Brewdog, a move critics say may be risky given Brewdog’s recent performance. Enforcement Snapshot: Sri Lanka’s STF seized 227kg of Kerala cannabis; Indonesia arrested two Russians after a chase tied to about 7.8kg of hashish. Health & Safety: A COPD Q&A notes marijuana and tobacco smoking can fit COPD risk, but diagnosis needs lab lung function testing.

Regulated Travel Guidance: TSA updated its medical marijuana “What Can I Bring?” rules, urging patients to separate travel from use and avoid using cannabis on the plane. Prison & Enforcement: Merced County clarified a May 26 case where a private investigator was arrested at a correctional facility for bringing concentrated cannabis and tobacco into the prison. Retail Market Push: Virginia lawmakers are trying again to build a legal recreational cannabis marketplace after Gov. Spanberger’s veto, while hemp-derived CBD/THC products already operate in the state. Industry Finance Watch: Innovative Industrial Properties (IIPR) is pitched as a niche cannabis REIT buy, citing regulatory barriers and “mission-critical” facility demand. Public Health & Research: A large survey of older adults found many use complementary health approaches including cannabis/psychedelics, while a separate study links sleep problems to brain aging markers. Local Cannabis Compliance: Santa Barbara County growers rushed odor-control tech after license threats, showing how enforcement pressure can reshape operations. Crime & Supply Chains: Spanish investigators suspect a third cannabis smuggling tunnel in Ceuta tied to an ongoing network. Retail Novelty: A Toronto shop is selling World Cup trophy bongs to capture tourism-driven cannabis demand.

Regulation & Markets: Virginia lawmakers are trying again to build a legal recreational cannabis marketplace after Gov. Spanberger vetoed an adult-use retail bill, keeping the Danville area in limbo while negotiations continue. Enforcement & Illicit Trade: Washington’s cannabis regulators warn federal rescheduling uncertainty and oversupply are squeezing the legal market, while illicit enforcement remains a major headache. Retail Innovation: A Toronto shop is selling World Cup trophy-themed bongs to ride tourism demand as Canada’s cannabis market stays fully legalized. Public Health & Consumer Safety: Denver investigators seized unregulated PolkaDot chocolate bars and gummies after tests found illegal psychoactive ingredients, highlighting how supplement-style loopholes can get risky products onto shelves. CBD in the Mix: Kuwait authorities say they arrested an Egyptian suspect after finding CBD-related material along with hashish and crystal meth hidden on chemically treated paper. Industry/Community: A Barrie “shroom shop” is defying a proposed zero-tolerance policy after police raids, keeping psilocybin and unlicensed cannabis retail openly operating. Big Picture: Kerala police report major arrests and seizures tied to an anti-drug operation, including cannabis and hashish oil.

CBD in the crosshairs of enforcement: Kuwait’s drug police arrested an Egyptian man after seizing hashish, crystal meth, and CBD-related material hidden in chemically treated A4 papers, plus scales used for packaging. Mail-order drug crackdown: UK police jailed three men behind a “highly sophisticated” Royal Mail drugs ring that shipped 1,724 parcels in months, including cannabis resin and THC edibles, alongside cocaine, MDMA, ketamine, LSD, and psilocybin mushrooms. Public health + unregulated products: Colorado investigators pulled PolkaDot-branded mushroom-infused chocolate and gummies after tests found illegal psychoactive ingredients, warning how supplement loopholes and false labels can get risky products onto shelves. CBD research signal: A mouse study reports inhaled CBD reduced brain inflammation markers tied to Alzheimer’s models, though it’s not human evidence. Hemp/CBD legal pressure: Ohio hemp sellers sued over a law that reclassified their products as marijuana, shifting sales to state-approved dispensaries. Retail regulation push: Philadelphia passed bills tightening smoke shop rules, including permits, testing, and age limits for kratom and hemp-based THC. Cannabis exposure incident: California’s Siskiyou County reported THC-positive cookies sickened a teacher and students; officials are following up with families.