AGP Executive Report

Federal Policy & Courts: Drug testing firms and a cannabis biopharma group asked a federal appeals court to pause the Trump administration’s marijuana rescheduling push, arguing the move is an overreach. Travel & Compliance: Michigan medical cannabis patients are getting mixed signals on flying after TSA guidance shifted post-reclassification, while Delta says it still follows federal law. State Cannabis Law: North Carolina lawmakers are advancing a bill to set age 21 for THC and hemp product purchases/sales, while Pennsylvania lawmakers rejected a bill that would have regulated marijuana and restricted hemp THC products (though it may return). Industry & Markets: Aurora Cannabis reported record FY2026 medical cannabis revenue and EBITDA, citing growth in Europe and an accretive EU-GMP acquisition. Corporate Moves: Edibles.com promoted Thomas Winstanley to President as it pushes further into hemp-derived THC and wellness. Hemp Regulation: A new Nebraska Senate race pitch includes a coalition backing “Legalize Marijuana NOW,” with petition signatures submitted for Dan Osborn’s ballot bid. Local Governance: St. Mary’s County, Maryland, scheduled a public hearing for a Community Reinvestment and Repair Fund to route cannabis tax revenue into equity-focused programs.

Hemp & CBD Policy: The Trump administration says it’s ready to work with Congress to update how “final hemp-derived cannabinoid products” are defined, aiming to preserve access to full-spectrum CBD while avoiding a return to stricter federal limits. Rescheduling Impact: A new federal downgrade for medical cannabis (Schedule I to Schedule III) is expected to open the door to some federal tax benefits and new research, though recreational cannabis remains federally restricted. State Regulation Watch: Pennsylvania lawmakers rejected a bill that would have regulated marijuana and restricted hemp THC products, while Texas’ smokable-hemp rule is back in effect but enforcement is unclear. Local Cannabis Access: California’s Amador County dispensary push moves forward with a community listening session, and Hamilton, Ohio is holding a public hearing that could end its long dispensary ban via zoning changes. Municipal Enforcement & Public Health: Manitou Springs’ budget survey shows residents oppose cuts to public safety as recreational marijuana competition squeezes local revenue. Other Drug Policy: Massachusetts towns consider kratom sale bans amid concerns about more potent adulterated products.

Federal Cannabis Access: A House Appropriations vote blocks federal workers’ compensation from covering medical marijuana, even after any Controlled Substances Act rescheduling. Veterans & Policy: A VA FOIA-backed op-ed argues internal rules now give clearer “bright line” limits for how clinicians can discuss cannabis with veterans. State Cannabis Law Shifts: Multiple states are moving to raise adult possession limits, expanding what consumers can carry without criminal exposure. Hemp Enforcement Watch: Texas smokable-hemp rules are back in effect after an appeals court denied an emergency injunction, but enforcement timing remains unclear. Local Governance: Hamilton, Ohio is considering lifting its long-standing ban on dispensaries, while adding stricter distance and zoning limits. Industry/Markets: Trulieve becomes the first U.S. cannabis company approved to list on the NYSE. Public Safety: Police in Akwa Ibom, Nigeria say they seized 764 kg of “skunk” and arrested suspects; separate reports highlight ongoing drug enforcement and cannabis-related arrests. Fraud Alerts: A UK council warns residents about doorstep “weed removal” scams targeting upfront payments.

Regulation Push: Illinois lawmakers sent a bill to Gov. JB Pritzker that would overhaul cannabis and hemp rules, ease burdens on small shops, and raise consumer possession limits, while also expanding where medical marijuana can be purchased. Local Enforcement: Chicago aldermen advanced tougher penalties for marijuana sales and public smoking near schools and parks, aiming to shut down open-air cannabis markets. Vape/CBD Clampdowns: Warner Robins, Georgia extended a 120-day moratorium on new liquor, vape, CBD, and tobacco-focused businesses, citing youth concerns. Virginia Market Uncertainty: Gov. Abigail Spanberger vetoed a plan to create a legal retail cannabis market, but lawmakers are now exploring budget language to revive regulated sales. State Budget Crossroads: Pennsylvania lawmakers weigh revenue options on adult-use cannabis and skill games as the budget deadline nears, with cannabis facing Senate GOP resistance. Product Safety/Herbicide: Texas AG Ken Paxton opened an investigation into glyphosate residue in food, targeting Bayer and PepsiCo over alleged consumer-protection issues. Industry Update: TerrAscend shareholders approved director re-elections and auditor ratification ahead of the next fiscal year. Access & Courts: A Kentucky medical cannabis clinic operator profile highlights how state rules expanded patient access after legalization. International Drug Outlook: The EU drug report warns of more potent substances, shifting trafficking routes, and continued opioid overdose deaths.

Cannabis Rescheduling: Federal officials are reconsidering marijuana’s Schedule I status, a potential shift that could reshape research rules and patient access. Medical Cannabis in Europe: Germany approved Exilby, a cannabis-derived botanical drug for chronic pain, signaling a bigger medical push beyond opioids. THC and Driving Rules: Australia is moving to allow medical marijuana users to drive with a small THC limit, aiming to balance road safety with enforcement clarity. Local Regulation Crackdowns: Pittsburgh approved a 1,000-foot school buffer and overnight limits for new vape shops, while Yellow Springs passed a temporary moratorium on new “smoke shops” tied to nicotine and certain hemp-derived cannabinoid products. Industry & Markets: Village Farms began cultivation at its Groningen Phase II facility after final regulatory approvals, and Wholeleaf is in talks to raise Rs 7.5 crore to expand pain therapeutics. Public Safety & Enforcement: A Stockton report tied taxi licence revocations to arrests including drugs and THC positives, and authorities in Bukidnon uprooted about 800 marijuana plants in an anti-illegal drugs operation. Business Politics: Missouri Realtors donated $2M to fight Amendment 4, a ballot-initiative rule change that could affect how future cannabis-related measures get approved.

California Cannabis Retail Expansion: A bill in California would let licensed marijuana retailers add drive-thru windows, aiming to improve access for patients and customers with mobility limits while requiring local approval. State Tax Pressure: Michigan’s 24% wholesale cannabis tax is underperforming badly, with early 2026 collections far below projections and industry warning of major revenue shortfalls and job losses. Federal Policy Push: The DOJ announced a new denaturalization surge targeting drug dealers and other serious offenders, signaling continued hardline enforcement that can ripple through immigration and related compliance. Courts & Public Safety: New Mexico’s Supreme Court refused to block a policy placing drug-exposed newborns into protective custody, keeping the state’s approach in place. Local Governance & Budgets: Vallejo is weighing budget-balancing scenarios that include staff cuts, while Menlo Park is considering ending its holiday tree-lighting event to close a structural deficit. Enforcement Abroad: Philippines authorities uprooted about 800 marijuana plants in a remote operation, showing ongoing global pressure on illicit cultivation.

Regulatory Scrutiny: Texas AG Ken Paxton opened a glyphosate probe, issuing Civil Investigative Demands to Bayer and PepsiCo over alleged consumer-protection violations tied to Roundup residue in food. Animal Wellness & Compliance: KND Labs president Nicholas Wilson was elected to the National Animal Supplement Council board as the company expands beyond hemp-derived inputs into broader pet and wellness contract manufacturing. Cannabis Product Policy: A new federal rule aimed at intoxicating hemp drinks could hit THC beverage makers hard this November, with industry groups warning it may effectively outlaw many products on shelves. Public Safety & Health Debate: A report highlights how high-potency cannabis is fueling state-level arguments over psychosis and addiction risks. Water & Pesticides: NI Water urged careful pesticide use this summer after concerns that weed-control chemicals can wash into rivers and raise drinking-water treatment costs. Enforcement & Illicit Markets: Police in Kano arrested 345 suspects in a crackdown targeting drug distribution, including cannabis. Local Access Changes: Cape Town will open an appointment-only Home Affairs office in the CBD Civic Centre to reduce queues. Industry Watch: Dutch cannabis growers face backlash after a Canadian cannabis firm backed by Altria moved to buy a major licensed Dutch grower.

Hemp/CBD Policy Watch: Washington’s legal marijuana market is bracing for federal rescheduling uncertainty and ongoing oversupply, while regulators try to protect small-business rules and crack down on a still-thriving illicit market. US Supreme Court: The court is set to rule on major “culture wars” cases, including a federal ban on gun ownership for illegal drug users (with marijuana use at the center), plus transgender athletes and other firearms-related disputes. Local Enforcement & Safety: NSW farmers report feral pigs tearing up paddocks amid dry conditions, adding pressure to weed invasion and livestock feed. Agriculture Tech (Hemp-adjacent): Dorset trials “Raggy,” an electric robot designed to mechanically remove ragwort to protect horses and livestock without heavy chemical use. UK Organized Crime: A declassified UK report warns Chinese triads are being directed by Beijing to spy and could use brothels to blackmail MPs, with illicit cannabis and tobacco flagged as part of their operations. Politics & Public Debate: Australia’s “Ditch the Witch” billboard controversy over sexism continues to draw condemnation from top leaders.

US Supreme Court Watch: The court is set to rule on major “culture wars” cases, including a challenge to a federal law barring illegal-drug users from owning guns and a Hawaii handgun rule, with transgender-athlete bans also on the docket. Cannabis Policy Push (Virginia): Virginia lawmakers are trying again to build a regulated adult-use marijuana market after Gov. Abigail Spanberger vetoed an earlier compromise, while hemp-derived CBD/THC products already circulate. Washington Cannabis Regulation: Washington’s Liquor and Cannabis Board says federal rescheduling and state oversupply are still clouding the market, even as it tightens rules to protect small operators. Local Cannabis Politics (New Mexico): An independent gubernatorial candidate sued over New Mexico’s heavy signature requirements for statewide ballot access. Enforcement & Public Safety (Colorado): Colorado launched a summer DUI blitz urging drivers to plan ahead if alcohol, cannabis, or other impairing substances are involved. UK Cannabis Allegations: A derelict garage in Littleborough is reportedly being used to grow cannabis, prompting calls for action.

Hemp & CBD Policy: The U.S. State Department reminded travelers heading to Mexico for World Cup events that all marijuana—including medical—remains illegal there, and warned about strict penalties; it also flagged vaping liquids and e-cigarettes as prohibited. Regulated Cannabis Market: Virginia lawmakers are trying again to build a legal recreational marijuana marketplace after Gov. Abigail Spanberger vetoed an adult-use bill, with Danville already seeing medical dispensary activity and hemp-derived cannabinoid products. Market Pressure: Washington’s cannabis regulators say federal rescheduling uncertainty, consolidation, and oversupply are squeezing the state’s integrated medical and adult-use markets. Enforcement & Illicit Trade: Hong Kong Customs seized about 3.4 kg of cocaine and 16 kg of cannabis buds at the airport, arresting two women. Local Cannabis Tax: Turlock, California is revisiting a cannabis tax proposal after a prior ballot attempt stalled. Agriculture Tech: Dorset farms are starting trials of an autonomous ragwort-weeding robot (“Raggy”) aimed at cutting labor and chemical use.

Local Cannabis Policy: Turlock City Council is set to revisit a possible cannabis business tax after a prior attempt stalled, with operators split on whether they’d support or fund the measure. City Regulation: Philadelphia City Council passed bills tightening smoke shop rules by defining kratom and hemp-based THC as “intoxicating substances,” requiring permits plus testing and age limits, and targeting unlicensed landlords. State/Legislative Push: Michigan lawmakers debated using opioid settlement dollars to fund clinical trials for psychedelic-assisted addiction treatment (ibogaine/related proposals), despite concerns over safety and its Schedule I status. Enforcement & Seizures: Hong Kong Customs seized about 3.4 kg cocaine and 16 kg cannabis buds at the airport, arresting two women; Delta State Police also reported major tramadol and hard-drug recoveries tied to arrests. Public Safety & Youth: Kansas lawmakers considered requiring schools to carry overdose reversal meds after rising teen overdoses, while a separate proposal in Columbus, Ga. weighs a 9 p.m. curfew for minors amid reports of marijuana and firearms at a parking garage. International Governance: Lebanon advanced a sweeping amnesty plan that would reduce sentences and potentially free some drug dealers, amid jail overcrowding and opposition protests.

State Cannabis Policy: Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger vetoed a bill that would have created a regulated adult-use marijuana retail market, extending the retail logjam for consumers and operators. Local Enforcement: Philadelphia City Council passed bills to tighten smoke shop rules, including permitting, testing, and age limits for kratom and hemp-based THC, plus penalties for landlords renting to unlicensed operators. Regulatory & Market Moves: Missouri AG Catherine Hanaway secured an agreement from American Shaman to immediately suspend in-state kratom and 7-OH sales, ending the litigation and setting up enforcement against misleading marketing. International Drug Fight: Canada’s CBSA signed a Letter of Intent with customs agencies in the Netherlands, Belgium, and France to share info and coordinate joint operations against international drug trafficking. Industry Growth/Deals: Vireo Growth completed its Bridgewell Agribusiness acquisition and lined up Nevada and Maryland dispensary-related transactions. Public Safety & Youth: Columbus, Ga. leaders proposed a 9 p.m. curfew for minors in uptown after an incident involving teens, alleged marijuana smells, and firearms found in cars. Travel & Compliance: The U.S. State Department warned World Cup travelers to “check bags and clothing” in Mexico, flagging prohibited items and potential penalties.

Regulatory Appointments: New York’s Office of Cannabis Management got a leadership shake-up as the state Senate confirmed John Kagia as executive director, positioning him to keep tightening the legal market while facing scrutiny over enforcement and licensing. Local Cannabis Governance: Wyoming’s City Council approved two recreational cannabis requests—adding greenhouses to an approved grow site (no retail) and OK’ing a retail shop “Happy Daze”—with an interim conditional permit tied to ongoing operation. Enforcement Crackdown: Baltimore City Sheriff’s Office launched a neighborhood initiative targeting illegal smoke shop sales, seizing 73 pounds of illegal cannabis products and nearly 18,000 untaxed tobacco items. Market & Capital: Village Farms announced a $15M registered direct equity investment, signaling continued institutional interest ahead of further regulatory progress. Policy Watch: Idaho lawmakers approved ballot language that would make marijuana legalization only a legislative power, while also setting English as the state’s official language.

Cannabis Policy & Regulation: Idaho lawmakers approved ballot language for two constitutional amendments, including one that would keep legalization of marijuana and other narcotics limited to the Idaho Legislature. Hemp/CBD Product Rules: Illinois is moving to regulate intoxicating hemp products while loosening parts of its cannabis framework, as states continue to redraw the line between hemp and marijuana. Local Enforcement & Crackdowns: Baltimore seized 73 pounds of illegal cannabis and 18,000 tobacco products in a targeted operation tied to concerns about child exploitation and weak oversight. Local Governance & Moratoriums: New Carlisle, Ohio approved a year-long moratorium on dispensaries and vape shops (plus data centers and solar farms) to buy time for a long-range plan. Driving & Public Safety: NSW is pushing reforms that would let medicinal cannabis users drive under a prescription “three strikes” approach, drawing sharp criticism from medical voices warning THC can impair driving.

Medical Cannabis Access: Louisiana’s governor let a bill take effect without his signature, allowing terminally ill patients to use medical marijuana in hospitals under strict storage and non-smoking rules. Driving Reform: NSW is moving to protect medicinal cannabis drivers with a prescription-based medical defence for limited THC levels, a change Unions NSW says will end fear of losing jobs and licences. Federal Tax Fight: GOP lawmakers warned Treasury that marijuana rescheduling could trigger tax relief for businesses, potentially undermining the 280E penalty that has blocked normal deductions. Local Dispensary Updates: East Grand Forks received an update on a new Red Iris dispensary, with another lottery-selected operator also preparing to open. Public Safety & Enforcement: Police in Fiji reported destroying nearly 47,400 marijuana plants in a major cultivation crackdown, while Hong Kong Customs seized 31kg of assorted drugs in a Mong Kok operation. Community Safety: Durban CBD held an imbizo focused on rising crime and tensions tied to immigration and anti-illegal protest impacts on businesses. Policy/Politics: Missouri voters are being urged to vote NO on Amendments 4 and 5, with opponents arguing they weaken citizen-led constitutional changes and shift tax burdens.

NSW Drug-Driving Reform: New South Wales is moving to let medicinal cannabis patients keep driving if lab THC is under 50 ng/mL, with a registration step and a three-strike approach—while roadside saliva tests still trigger an initial 24-hour ban. Regulatory Crackdown (Europe): France is tightening enforcement on CBD foods and flowers under EU “novel food” rules, threatening the non-psychoactive cannabis snack market across Europe. Local Cannabis Business Pressure: California’s City Council approved a temporary moratorium on new cannabis businesses and expansions, citing odor, zoning, environmental review, and public safety concerns. State Oversight (New York): New York’s Senate confirmed OCM executive leadership, including John Kagia, as the state continues to refine its cannabis enforcement and licensing. Public Safety & Enforcement (Nigeria): NDLEA and related agencies reported major drug-crime operations and arrests, including efforts targeting trafficking networks and seized illicit drugs. Market Economics (US): Albuquerque’s guaranteed income pilot is funded via its recreational cannabis tax, highlighting how cannabis revenue is being used for social programs. Hemp/THC Policy (Wyoming): Wyoming’s attorney general filed an objection to automatic marijuana rescheduling under state law, arguing it should be handled by the legislature.