AGP Executive Report

Drug Enforcement: Portugal’s GNR seized about four tonnes of hashish off the Algarve and flagged new rules for high-speed vessels as traffickers adapt. Cannabis Courts: Minnesota’s Court of Appeals says Albert Lea wrongly denied a cannabis license, ruling the city can’t reject applicants based on unrelated concerns. Local Policy: Alabama’s Tuscaloosa council has allowed two stores to sell THC seltzers again under tighter ABC requirements. Legal/Regulatory: Virginia signed marijuana resentencing into law, creating a path for people still serving sentences for conduct no longer illegal. Public Health Fight: The EPA is rolling back some “forever chemicals” limits in drinking water, triggering backlash from parts of Trump’s coalition. Enforcement/Crime: Nigeria’s NDLEA destroyed two cannabis farms in Edo and arrested suspects; separate raids also net drugs and weapons. Business & Compliance: Michigan’s new online tax system sent incorrect notices to about 27,000 taxpayers, including some who were told to repay already-paid taxes.

Federal Drug Policy Shift: DOJ rescheduled FDA-approved marijuana products and state-licensed medical marijuana to Schedule III, with an expedited hearing starting June 29 to consider broader marijuana rescheduling—still under strict federal controls. Minnesota Cannabis Overhaul: The Minnesota House passed an omnibus bill (HF4203) that “right-sizes” medical licensing by ending the combo medical/adult-use license, cutting the indoor canopy cap, creating a microbusiness license, and laying groundwork for a potential psilocybin program. Litigation Watch: A major 320-page class action, Murray v. Cresco, targets big multistate cannabis operators across 12 states, drawing “Big Tobacco” style marketing-risk concerns for insurers. Safety & Enforcement: A Bangkok train driver charged after a deadly crash tested positive for methamphetamine and marijuana; in Liberia, NDLEA-style enforcement headlines continue with large opioid and skunk seizures. Industry Ops: New Jersey expanded labor rights for regulated cannabis workers, pushing employers to update organizing and bargaining compliance.

Medicare CBD Shockwave: CMS has started a pilot to reimburse hemp-derived products (up to $500/year), but a new federal hemp ban passed in November could flip the rules in November and criminalize most CBD products—putting the program’s future in doubt. Public Transport Funding: Wellington’s $145m bus and rail projects were rejected from New Zealand’s national land transport plan, including bus-only harbour quays and Waterloo station upgrades—another reminder that CBD-area improvements can stall at the funding gate. Metro Tunnel Probe: Victoria Police launched Taskforce Hawk into alleged Metro Tunnel invoicing fraud, including a $6m “damaged machinery” claim—fueling scrutiny of Big Build oversight. Drug Enforcement: Nigeria’s NDLEA seized cocaine and opioids in export cartons and also found military-grade ammo hidden in garri, while Delta raids destroyed large cannabis stockpiles. Policy Push: Indiana Republicans signal more openness to medical marijuana as federal rescheduling reshapes state options.

Regulatory Shock: CMS is piloting Medicare/Medicaid reimbursement for hemp-derived products (including CBD) up to $500/year, but a looming federal “hemp ban” tied to the spending bill could criminalize many products by Nov. 12, putting the program in jeopardy. Legal & Policy Pressure: Ohio’s THC crackdown fallout is still rippling—businesses warn the state changed rules after they invested in intoxicating hemp products. Enforcement Escalation: Nigeria’s NDLEA says it intercepted cocaine and opioids hidden in carton walls bound for the UK and Australia, while also destroying 65,000kg of skunk in Delta. US Courts Watch: The Supreme Court paused a far-right 5th Circuit move affecting mail/telemedicine access to mifepristone—another sign of how quickly legal outcomes can shift. State-Level Momentum: Indiana Republicans are increasingly open to medical marijuana, with a senator signaling a 2027 legalization proposal.

Ohio THC Crackdown: Ohio’s sudden move to restrict intoxicating hemp-derived THC products is hitting breweries and other operators with layoffs, pulled inventory, and possible closures after businesses say they invested based on earlier rules. Federal Hemp-as-Food Push: A nonprofit paid private labs to test whole hemp biomass for nutrition data, spotlighting how USDA’s food database still lacks whole-plant entries. Virginia/Medical Cannabis: Georgia signed a bill expanding medical cannabis access, including allowing vaporized products and removing a THC potency cap. Local Politics & Enforcement: Sen. Louise Lucas says she still doesn’t know why the feds raided her businesses, while Missouri’s 2026 session wrapped with GOP wins and fewer Capitol meltdowns than recent years. International Rules: Thailand tightened cannabis handling to licensed medical facilities and registered herbal shops, keeping medical flower allowed under stricter controls. Community Impact: North Carolina reported record-low infant deaths, but child deaths (ages 1–17) didn’t improve.

Medical Cannabis Expansion (Georgia): Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp signed SB 220, expanding medical cannabis access by allowing vaporized products for patients 21+ and removing the old THC potency cap, while adding qualifying conditions like lupus and giving the state commission broader licensing and enforcement powers. Regulatory Crackdown (Thailand): Thailand tightened cannabis sales rules, pushing shops to transition toward medical-clinic style operations where doctors or authorized practitioners prescribe products, with stronger inspections and reporting tools. CBD for Medicare (U.S.): Medicare patients are set to receive free CBD through a new federal experiment aimed at testing whether cannabinoid use improves quality of life and reduces healthcare costs. Enforcement & Seizures (India): India announced its first-ever Captagon seizure under “Operation RAGEPILL,” worth ₹182 crore, with a foreign national arrested. Local Tensions (Nigeria): Activist Omoyele Sowore slammed Nigeria Customs after cannabis reportedly worth ₦16billion was seized and destroyed, calling the policy “visionless.”

Medicare CBD Rollout: The Trump administration is moving CBD into mainstream healthcare, letting some Medicare patients get free CBD as an experiment to see if it improves quality of life and cuts costs. Regulatory Tightening (Thailand): Thailand’s health ministry is tightening cannabis sales so shops are gradually upgraded to operate like medical clinics, with doctors or authorized practitioners prescribing products and stronger inspections plus a public reporting system. Criminal Justice (Virginia): Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger signed a resentencing path for certain pre-2021 marijuana convictions, aiming to reduce sentences for people still incarcerated or under supervision. Enforcement (Nigeria): Kano police say they arrested a suspect and seized 879 parcels of suspected cannabis after finding dried leaves at a residence. Local Licensing (Wisconsin): A West Allis bar tied to a federal drug case had liquor and entertainment licenses revoked after city findings of drug trafficking and repeated violations. Medical Access (Georgia): Georgia expanded medical cannabis under a new law, removing a low-THC oil cap and widening allowable products and conditions.

Policy Shake-Up: Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger signed 25 bills, with the biggest CBD-adjacent move a marijuana resentencing law creating automatic hearings for 1,000+ people still serving sentences for conduct that’s no longer chargeable. Regulatory Reality Check: Colorado regulators privately admitted illegal hemp sales are far larger than they’ve said publicly, with hemp-derived vapes showing signs of contamination—an issue industry says is now “existential.” Medical Access Expands: Georgia’s “Putting Georgia’s Patients First Act” takes effect July 1, expanding qualifying conditions and shifting medical cannabis rules to milligram dosing (low THC oil now counts as medical cannabis). Industry Under Pressure: Michigan’s April sales rose to about $276M, but analysts warn the market is still getting squeezed by falling prices and shrinking margins. Local Enforcement & Courts: A Jersey City appellate ruling says two officers fired for using legal cannabis should not have been dismissed. Market Volatility: Texas smokeable hemp products keep getting yanked on and off shelves amid court battles, fueling “Texas whiplash.”

Federal Cannabis Rescheduling: Montana cannabis policy expert Jamie Pearson weighs what the U.S. moved from Schedule I to III means after 50 years—setting up a new compliance and market reality. Medical Access Push: Virginia’s governor signed marijuana resentencing relief, while Georgia expanded medical cannabis access by removing THC caps and allowing vaping. Veterans & Federal Policy: The U.S. House voted to let VA doctors help veterans get medical marijuana recommendations, a major access win for patients who’ve had to go outside the system. Local Flashpoints: Victoria’s cannabis club pleads for help as it faces eviction/seizure, and Adelaide’s North Adelaide Golf Course redevelopment saw eight arrests during a protest over tree felling. Regulation Beyond Cannabis: Illinois debates kratom rules as use surges, while Orange County halted toxic creek-channel spraying after community outcry—showing how “wellness” and public health policy are colliding in real time.

Federal Cannabis Politics: A key House Appropriations Committee vote moved to block marijuana rescheduling funding, even as the Trump administration pushes ahead—raising fresh uncertainty for patients and businesses. Regulatory Crackdown: Doncaster (UK) ordered a business closure after trading standards found illegal vapes, with packaging claiming THC. Global Drug Pressure: AFP reports India is still exporting millions of tapentadol tablets to West Africa, fueling a growing opioid crisis and showing up in “zombie drug” kush. Public Health & Oversight: Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom Human Services agreed to a $65,335 settlement over Medicaid overbilling and alleged neglect tied to unsafe handling of a high-need adult. Industry/Business Moves: Splash Beverage Group named a new interim CEO as it pivots toward regulated wellness and cannabinoid markets. Local Enforcement: Nigeria’s Ogun Customs says it seized N6.77bn worth of contraband in 41 days, including thousands of cannabis parcels.

Georgia Medical Cannabis Expansion: Gov. Brian Kemp signed SB 220, widening qualifying conditions (including lupus) and replacing the old “low THC oil” framework with a “medical cannabis” model that removes the 5% THC cap and allows up to 12,000mg THC in labeled products—plus it legalizes vaping for qualified patients, with THC potency limits now tied to possession rules. Public Safety & Enforcement: Texas Gov. Greg Abbott ordered DPS to expand the Texas Repeat Offender Task Force into Dallas-Fort Worth, San Antonio, and Austin, citing 728 repeat-offender arrests since launch and major fentanyl/meth seizures. Cross-Border Drug Pressure: Nigeria’s Ogun Customs intercepted N6.77bn in contraband in 41 days, including 10,000+ cannabis parcels and thousands of rice bags. Industrial Hemp Push: Kazakhstan approved industrial hemp cultivation with THC limits and licensed entities, aiming to scale cultivation to 32,000 hectares by 2028. Health & Community: Police in Ondo arrested 24 suspected cultists during initiation, and local mental-health services in Melbourne’s north-east expanded to meet rising demand.

Aquatic Weed Control: Lake Gaston’s 2026 hydrilla plan is set to kick off the week of May 18 with three monthly treatment rounds (May 19–21, June 16–18, July 14–16) targeting 326 acres, with shoreline applicators and dock water-use notices. Regulatory & Safety Tech: Cannabix says its Marijuana Breath Test hardware hit major UL and CSA electrical safety certifications for its Breath Collection Unit, a step aimed at wider workplace and enforcement adoption. Business & Finance: Intelligent Bio Solutions reported Q3 cartridge revenue up 59% year-over-year, leaning into its recurring “razor-and-blades” model. Politics & Policy: Ohio’s term-limited AG Dave Yost is stepping down early, with Gov. DeWine naming DPS director Andy Wilson as replacement. Local Governance: A Texas city approved a parking ordinance amendment for a new child care facility, while Nebraska’s primaries set up a U.S. Senate showdown after GOP and Dem nominations were finalized. Enforcement & Courts: A driver in Glendale was detained after a pedestrian crash, with police citing marijuana impairment; meanwhile, an Ondo State police raid netted 24 suspected Aiye cultists and seized substances suspected to be Indian hemp.

Nebraska Political Shake-Up: Cindy Burbank won the Democratic U.S. Senate primary, and her pledge to drop out if she can’t win could set up a clearer path for independent Dan Osborn against GOP Sen. Pete Ricketts—after a chaotic primary fueled by “spoiler/plant” allegations. Campaign Money: New Mexico gubernatorial candidate Duke Rodriguez (a cannabis executive) poured in another $999,999, underscoring how much cash is driving name recognition. CBD/Weed Policy Push: A U.S. House amendment advanced that would let VA doctors help veterans access state medical marijuana programs. Local Retail & Enforcement: Los Angeles moved to ban nitrous oxide sales at tobacco and cannabis retailers (with limited exemptions), while Nigeria ordered drug testing and suspensions for repeatedly positive tertiary students. Drug-Trade Pressure: Philippines police reported a major anti-drug week with hundreds of arrests and large seizures, as Mozambique also reported arrests tied to expanding trafficking networks.

Drug Enforcement Push: Philippines police say PRO-4A arrested 297 suspected drug “personalities” in 247 anti-drug ops across Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon (May 4–10), seizing 919.25g shabu, 92 ecstasy tablets and 4,090g marijuana, with drug operations up 79% week-over-week. Election Spotlight (Nebraska): Nebraska voters head to the polls Tuesday, with Democrats choosing between Cindy Burbank and Bill Forbes for the U.S. Senate nomination, while the GOP incumbent Pete Ricketts faces a crowded primary. Policy Fight (FCC Lifeline): Public interest groups warn the FCC’s proposed Lifeline reforms—more identity checks, full SSN collection and tracking—could shrink enrollment and widen the connectivity gap for low-income users. Cannabis Market Signals (B.C.): B.C. wholesale cannabis sales are slightly down, suggesting the novelty of legal weed is fading. Local Regulation (Baltimore): Baltimore City Council passed a “padlock” framework targeting repeat-offender smoke shops tied to illegal cannabis sales. Banking/Defense: TASI Bank says federal cannabis easing is still incomplete; Premier Graphene says it delivered its first Mexico military-related order.

Texas Hemp Court Fight: Texas’ smokeable hemp rules are back in legal limbo as the state appeals a ruling that briefly paused the ban—industry groups say they’ve already made their case, but enforcement is swinging again. Local Enforcement Push: Baltimore lawmakers voted to curb smoke shops with new distance limits near schools and parks, plus a “padlock” style tool for repeat offenders. Canada Medical Cannabis Clash: Victoria Cannabis Buyers Club says B.C. has filed civil forfeiture paperwork to seize its Quadra Street location after raids over licensing. Policy Signals Elsewhere: Thailand’s health ministry says there’s no “free cannabis” plan and is moving toward tighter controls; Indiana lawmakers are floating a medical marijuana legalization framework. Industry/Community Noise: A “Crime, Cars and Cannabis” town hall is planned in Michigan, while Saskatchewan’s boating safety messaging explicitly warns about cannabis use on the water.

Law & Order: Nigeria is moving to mandatory drug testing for secondary students nationwide, with repeat offenders facing suspension and rehab under new NDLEA-backed school guidelines. Enforcement: Ghana police say they seized 1,600 parcels of suspected Indian hemp and arrested three suspects after a tip-led operation that also included an alleged GH¢100,000 bribery attempt. Politics & Power: Virginia’s redistricting fight is flaring after the FBI searched state Sen. L. Louise Lucas’ office, with Democrats and Black Virginians calling it intimidation. Royal Court: Norway’s court will deliver its verdict on Crown Princess Mette-Marit’s son, Marius Borg Hoiby, on June 15. Industry Watch: Cronos reported record Q1 2026 results, citing growth in Canada and Israel and momentum in Europe. Policy Signals: Alberta’s privacy watchdog warns new law could allow a Crown entity to sell customer personal data, setting a “concerning precedent.”