AGP Executive Report

CBD Label Literacy: CBDrmd.com rolled out a 2026 CBD Label Literacy and Lab Report Education Hub to help shoppers compare CBD gummies and oils by THC disclosures, third-party testing, ingredients, and refund/subscription terms. Medical Cannabis Rules: Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen approved permanent medical marijuana regulations, including a 5-ounce/30-day patient possession limit and a cap of 12 dispensaries statewide. Local Zoning Fight: Delaware lawmakers overrode Gov. Matt Meyer’s veto of SB 75, aiming to stop counties from imposing overly restrictive rules on legal marijuana shops. THC Beverage Expansion: Lifted Made’s Highlandia hemp-derived THC drinks hit the top five in Wisconsin distribution and plans Midwest expansion. Product + Safety: Cannabix Technologies says its breath test detected methamphetamine and amphetamine in human samples, pointing to broader workplace safety use beyond THC. Research Watch: A new study suggests the “entourage effect” depends on specific terpenes and cannabinoid receptors, making synergy more nuanced than once thought. Enforcement + Illicit Supply: Hyderabad police dismantled an interstate cannabis syndicate using postal “medicines” declarations, seizing hydroponic cannabis and MDMA.

Virginia Retail Rollout: Virginia finalized the timeline for a regulated adult-use cannabis retail market, with regulators taking retail license applications in Feb. 2026 and sales starting July 1, 2027, plus higher possession limits and a push to undercut the black market. Georgia Medical Expansion: Georgia’s “Putting Georgia Patients First Act” is now in effect, expanding qualifying conditions and allowing dispensaries to sell flower and vape while removing the prior 5% THC cap. Nebraska Medical Rules Locked In: Nebraska’s governor approved permanent medical marijuana regulations after the AG signed off, setting the rules for the state’s medical program to take full effect. Hemp-THC Crackdown Push: California lawmakers are again targeting the “intoxicating hemp” loophole, warning that candy-like THC products can reach kids and may be inconsistently labeled or tested. Enforcement & Safety: New Mexico is deploying certified cannabis enforcement agents to target illegal operators, while Nigeria’s customs and NDLEA reported major cannabis and counterfeit-drug seizures at Apapa port. Consumer/Community Angle: Missouri dispensaries are leaning into “third place” community models beyond sales, and pet-safety reminders ahead of July 4 include keeping cannabis products out of reach.

Georgia Medical Cannabis Expansion: Georgia’s SB 220 takes effect July 1, removing the old 5% THC potency cap, adding lupus and intractable pain, and allowing home vaping for patients 21+—a major shift for dispensaries and patient access. Illinois Hemp Crackdown: Illinois AG-linked guidance highlights a new law banning sales of intoxicating hemp products (like Delta-8 and THC-P) to anyone under 21, with tighter rules and child-resistant packaging kicking in later. Nebraska Medical Cannabis Rules: Nebraska AG Mike Hilgers approved the Medical Cannabis Commission’s regulations but warned court fights could still overturn the program’s legal footing. Public Health & Safety: Emergency departments report a rise in marijuana-related illness tied to cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS), while new research links state cannabis legalization to fewer campus drug arrests and disciplinary incidents. Enforcement & Border News: Nigeria Customs and NDLEA seized illicit drugs and expired/forged pharmaceuticals worth about ₦53.39bn at Apapa, including cannabis sativa and counterfeit NAFDAC-labeled products. Hemp Retail Compliance: Wisconsin is disposing 15 barrels of illegal vapes under new law, as fines and further legal action loom.

Medical Access Expands (Georgia): Georgia’s Patient First Act kicks in July 1, adding conditions like HIV, lupus and IBS, removing the 5% THC cap, and allowing vaporization products for cardholders. Regulatory Greenlight (Nebraska): Nebraska AG Mike Hilgers signed off on the Medical Cannabis Commission’s rules as constitutional, sending them to Gov. Jim Pillen for final action before temporary regs expire. Enforcement & Public Safety (California): Gov. Newsom announced $227M in grants to crack down on illicit cannabis operations while funding youth prevention and public health. Compliance Watch (Michigan): Michigan’s cannabis regulator reports ongoing enforcement, with METRC tracking failures topping the list of common violations. Legal Clarification (Germany): German courts narrowed the gray area around cannabis cuttings, affecting when clones can be sold commercially. Industry Moves (Avicanna/Cronos): Avicanna promoted Nick Hilborn to CFO, while Cronos appointed ATB Cormark as broker for share repurchases. Rescheduling Fallout (DOJ/DEA): A DOJ order moves marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III and directs DEA rulemaking, raising new employer compliance questions. Illicit Trade Hit (Thailand): Thai authorities seized 287kg of cannabis hidden in parcels headed for illegal export to the UK and Germany.

CBD Product Transparency: CBDWatchlist.com launched a 2026 CBD Gummies and CBD Oil Transparency Review Initiative, pushing consumers to compare lab testing, labeling, ingredient lists, and refund/shipping terms before buying. Federal Rescheduling Watch: At the DEA’s marijuana rescheduling hearing, the federal government argued cannabis has accepted medical use, lower abuse potential, and less overdose risk than opioids and alcohol—while Michigan’s medical market continues to shrink as adult-use dominates. Virginia Retail Rollout: Virginia’s budget approved regulated recreational cannabis retail starting July 1, 2027, with up to 350 licenses, higher possession limits, and THC caps per serving and package. Industry Moves: Glass House Brands begins trading on the NYSE after medical cannabis reclassification to Schedule III, and TerrAscend signed an option to buy a fifth New Jersey dispensary. Hemp Policy Pressure: Wisconsin hemp supporters rallied against incoming federal limits on hemp products, warning many businesses could close in November. Public Safety Angle: Fresno police announced heavier DUI enforcement for the Fourth of July, stressing impairment can come from cannabis products too.

DEA Rescheduling Hearing: The DEA kicked off its hearing on moving cannabis to Schedule III, with officials arguing the focus is regulation and pointing to marijuana’s medical benefits and relative safety versus alcohol and opioids, while reform advocates complain they’re shut out of testimony. Virginia Retail Rollout: Virginia approved a path for recreational marijuana sales, clearing the way for up to 350 licensed shops starting July 1, 2027, alongside higher possession limits and a separate medical program. Hawaii Enforcement Pressure: Hawaii hemp and CBD retailers face enforcement starting Wednesday, with state health officials warning many products on shelves may be illegal under new rules and some owners rushing to court. Hemp Sellers in Court: Hemp retailers head to court to fight new rules as regulators tighten what’s allowed. Youth Substance Use Alarm: Guyana’s health minister says screening found high rates of alcohol, vaping, and some cannabis use among secondary students, calling for stronger prevention. CBD/Health Research: A cord-blood stem cell trial is recruiting to test feasibility and safety for protecting preterm babies’ brains after injury. Business Moves: Tilray plans to acquire HelloMD to expand direct-to-patient medical cannabis access in Canada. Safety & Compliance: A police case in Queensland charged a man after a vehicle search allegedly found cannabis, MDMA, cash, and a knife.

CBD-ALCOHOL SAFETY: A Journal of Cannabis Research study reports CBD (50–100 mg) is generally well-tolerated when taken with alcohol, but highlights possible added sedation and liver-related concerns when combining the two. YOUTH SUBSTANCE USE: Guyana screened 6,000+ secondary students; 43% reported alcohol use, 32% vaping, and 5% cannabis—prompting calls for stronger school prevention and coordinated health/education action. HEMP PRODUCT SCRUTINY (NC): North Carolina’s hemp market is under fire after an investigation found mismatches between labels and lab results, plus contamination concerns and some products exceeding allowed delta-9 THC limits. FEDERAL POLICY WATCH (US): The DEA is holding a hearing on Trump’s marijuana rescheduling push (Schedule I to III), with potential knock-on effects for state rules on marijuana-derived products. INDUSTRY/TECH: Cannabix says its BreathLogix alcohol screening devices have made their first West Africa deployment for mining safety use. ENFORCEMENT (NIGERIA): NDLEA destroyed 12.2 tonnes of drugs in Kano and separately intercepted hundreds of thousands of tramadol pills in Lagos, underscoring ongoing pressure on trafficking networks.

DEA Rescheduling Hearing: The U.S. DEA will kick off a major Monday hearing on moving marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III, with supporters arguing it better matches medical practice and opponents warning it could fuel more commercial growth. Doctor Access Pressure: New Zealand medical researchers warn doctors could face legal risk and patient backlash as regulators push faster cannabis-based medicine access without enough trial, safety, and efficacy data. Sleep & Dependence Debate: A National Sleep Foundation-funded survey finds nearly 10% of U.S. adults use cannabis to sleep, but users report poorer sleep quality and the research can’t tell if cannabis causes the problem or people use it because sleep is already bad. Local Retail Vote: Vermont’s Royalton considers putting retail cannabis to a voter ballot, after neighboring towns opted in under Act 164. Cannabis in the Wild: A report on DR Congo’s FDLR alleges the militia’s funding includes a cannabis trade, with MONUSCO personnel described as major customers. Wisconsin Legalization Push: A fresh opinion piece argues Wisconsin’s prohibition stance is out of step with public support and neighboring states’ tax revenue. CBD Mental Health Claim: A reader letter asks whether CBD could help with serious adolescent mental health care, citing schizophrenia-related claims.

Cannabis Capital Markets: Curaleaf CEO Boris Jordan says institutional equity investors are finally willing to talk with the cannabis industry, a sign of shifting Wall Street attitudes as federal rescheduling and consolidation remain hot topics. Medical Cannabis & Access: Glass House Brands is positioning itself to become a major U.S. greenhouse player, projecting 1 million pounds of cannabis by end-2026 and aiming for higher sales as it prepares to uplist to the NYSE. Youth Substance Policy: Canada’s “Anchoring Change” framework urges schools to start substance-use prevention in kindergarten and keep it supportive rather than punitive, while a major study links teen cannabis use to higher later risks of psychotic disorders, bipolar disorder, depression, and anxiety. Public Health & Safety: A neurologist warns that using cannabis for sleep can become a dependency cycle, and separate reporting highlights rising concern about substance-induced psychosis among young people. Enforcement & Regulation: New Mexico launches a cannabis enforcement push against the black market, and Wisconsin officials discuss limiting youth access to high-THC hemp products like Delta 8/10. CBD in Practice: A reader argues CBD could help mental health treatment, reflecting ongoing public interest in cannabidiol as an alternative support option.

Adolescent Mental Health: A massive JAMA Health Forum study links teen cannabis use to about double the risk of later psychotic and bipolar disorders, with diagnoses often showing up 1.7–2.3 years after use. Youth Access to THC: Dane County officials are pushing policies to limit minors’ access to legal THC products, warning that hemp-derived Delta 8/Delta 10 can be sold in ways that look like candy. Public Health & Policy: UN chief Antonio Guterres urged tech-backed action against drug cyber-trafficking as the UNODC World Drug Report flags record global drug use and a surge in new synthetic substances. Legalization Tensions (Virginia): Virginia’s budget amendments would legalize recreational sales but also massively raise public-use penalties, with advocates calling it a “poverty penalty” and alleging biased enforcement. Medical/Industry Watch: Trulieve CEO Kim Rivers sold about $1.2M in stock as shares jumped, while Turkey moves ahead with a high-security medical cannabis production facility in İzmir. Pets & Safety: Vets warn dog cannabis poisonings are rising ahead of July 4, with owners urged to keep CBD/THC products out of reach.

Synthetic Drug Alarm: Malaysia’s AADK says youths (15–39) make up 84% of synthetic drug addicts, with ATS like meth and ecstasy driving most cases. Cannabis & Identity Research: A Journal of Cannabis Research study finds cannabis use patterns vary by gender identity, with transgender women and gender-diverse people reporting different “addiction” and personal-effect rates than cisgender groups. Pro-Repeal Campaign: Boston cannabis leaders launch a grassroots push to stop a ballot measure that would repeal legalized recreational marijuana, framing it as a fight against “stuffy dudes.” Public Health & Harm Reduction: The UN chief urges tech-backed action against drug cyber-trafficking as the World Drug Report 2026 flags record global use and a fast-changing synthetic market. Legalization Policy Tension (Virginia): Virginia’s governor proposes budget amendments but keeps marijuana legalization provisions, while advocates warn a steep public-use penalty could hit people unevenly. Road Safety Debate (NSW): Australia’s NSW faces renewed calls to scrap “three strikes” medicinal cannabis driving rules after a study found many users take higher doses or drive soon after use. Enforcement on the Ground (UK): South Bristol raids seized illegal tobacco, THC vapes, and cannabis, targeting products linked to wider criminality and youth risk. Animal Safety: US vets report a surge in dogs poisoned by marijuana, warning owners to keep products out of reach. Treatment Over Punishment (Nepal): Nepal shifts drug policy toward treating addiction as a health issue while promising tougher action against traffickers.

Federal Cannabis Rescheduling: The Trump administration moved to reclassify state-authorized medical cannabis and recognize state-licensed providers, a major step toward modernizing federal drug policy. DEA Hearing Focus: The DEA is set to present testimony on marijuana’s medical benefits as it weighs moving marijuana to Schedule III. Hemp Retail Crackdown: New federal rules closing the “intoxicating hemp” loophole are pushing North Carolina and Wisconsin shops to brace for shutdowns and a possible shift to a black market. Road Safety Backlash: NSW’s medicinal-cannabis driving changes face pushback after a study found many users take higher doses or mix with illicit cannabis. Public Health Shift in Drug Policy: Nepal announced a policy pivot to treat addiction as a health issue, while China expands community rehab to prevent relapse. Enforcement Spotlight: Nepal police arrested 41 suspects in coordinated raids; in Mississippi, an 18-year-old was charged after “cob” synthetic cannabinoid vape juice and marijuana plants were found. Local CBD/Hemp Rules: Elizabeth City scheduled hearings on zoning for CBD/hemp stores and drug rehab facilities, aiming to protect children and prevent fraud. Industry & Community: Stillwater Hemp promoted CBD for pain and pets, while Indiana’s hemp businesses warn they could be squeezed by changing THC rules.

Kansas Policy Crackdown: Kansas residents have days left to dispose of kratom and 7-OH products before July 1, when possession, sale, and purchase become illegal—plus HHC is added and THC is treated as illegal in prohibited product types. Virginia Retail Progress: Virginia’s cannabis story is finally moving from legal possession to a regulated retail market, with lawmakers pushing a deal that would authorize dispensary sales in the upcoming budget. Medical Access Expansion (Louisiana): Green Leaf Dispensary breaks ground July 1 on a new medical marijuana location in Laplace to expand patient access in the River Parishes. Georgia Program Overhaul: Georgia’s Senate Bill 220 takes effect July 1, removing the 5% THC cap, legalizing medical flower and vape, and expanding qualifying conditions. Public Health & Safety Education: Washington State launches a World Cup tourist education page warning about risks, labeling, possession limits, and travel restrictions for legal cannabis. Treatment Capacity (US): MaineHealth Franklin Hospital starts an outpatient Comprehensive Addiction Medicine Program in Farmington to expand care for substance use disorders. Global Drug Trends: UNODC reports global drug use rose to about 331 million in 2024, with cannabis still the most used drug and synthetic opioids spreading. Enforcement & Seizures (Nigeria): NDLEA says it seized 5.3 million kg of illicit drugs worth about N1.5 trillion in 18 months, underscoring ongoing supply-side pressure.

Medical Access & Safety: Canada Day still spikes emergency demand in Canada, with STARS data showing July 1 stays high-risk even when it falls midweek—so officials are urging safer planning and choices. CBD/Health Research: A new review finds CBD-focused acne care can cut acne by up to 40% over 12 weeks, adding to the growing case for cannabinoid skincare. Older Adults & Care Gaps: Rutgers Health reports many adults 65+ use cannabis but rarely bring it up with clinicians, raising concerns for medication interactions and symptom management. Regulation Watch: South Carolina’s House rejected a compromise on hemp-based THC drink/edible rules, leaving age limits and lab/testing requirements in limbo. DEA & Hemp Legal Fight: DEA is pushing back against hemp companies challenging its stance on synthetic cannabinoids like HHC, arguing stays aren’t warranted while lawsuits proceed. Market Monitoring: Ontario’s cannabis market is diversifying fast, and researchers warn current labeling/monitoring tools may not keep up with new product types and potency confusion. Industry & Jobs: Illinois cannabis grow-house workers at Ascend Wellness began a strike over alleged unfair labor practices and safety concerns. Public Health Infrastructure: New York launched a Center of Excellence for Cannabis Care and Health Equity to help providers talk with patients and improve outcomes.

Youth & Public Health: Washington’s 2025 Healthy Youth Survey flags rising youth gambling (15.3% of 12th graders, 12.7% of 10th, 11.7% of 8th), with prevention leaders urging stronger safeguards. Adolescent Cannabis Risk: Oregon’s Deschutes County warns early cannabis use is tied to higher mental-health risks and school impacts, noting today’s products are more potent. Industry Pressure: A new U.S. Cannabis Jobs Report says legal cannabis jobs and revenue both fell for the first time since adult-use expansion—employment down to about 412,500 and sales down to $29.1B amid price compression. Policy & Courts: A DEA judge set the schedule for the marijuana rescheduling hearing starting June 29, while New Hampshire lawmakers push to override a veto on medical cannabis greenhouse cultivation. Medical Market Moves: Ora Pharm buys Helius to build a larger end-to-end medicinal cannabis and hemp supply chain in New Zealand. Regulatory Oversight: Washington’s WSDA will gain authority to accredit cannabis labs starting July 1, aiming to curb lab shopping and THC inflation. Access vs Enforcement: Virginia advocates say a budget change would raise public-consumption penalties sharply and could worsen racially biased enforcement.

Hemp Compliance Crackdown: Hawaiʻi starts statewide enforcement July 1 for hemp retailer/distributor registration and product compliance, ending a grace period and warning online/out-of-state sellers to register and meet THC limits. Rescheduling Hearing Setup: A DEA judge set the schedule for next week’s marijuana rescheduling hearing, with presentations from government and multiple stakeholder groups. Medicinal Cannabis Driving Rules: NSW’s Road Transport Amendment would stop automatic penalties for eligible medicinal cannabis patients when THC is detected—if they’re registered, prescribed, and not impaired—while roadside testing and 24-hour bans still apply pending lab results. Policy Shift in Ireland: An Oireachtas committee recommends fully decriminalising possession of drugs for personal use by repealing Misuse of Drugs Act Section 3, pushing a health-led approach. Research & Product Development: eXoZymes won a $2.03M NIH SBIR grant to engineer rare cannabinoids and cannabinoid analogs for pharmaceutical evaluation. Industry Trust Theme: A CBD sector commentary argues the next phase depends on validation—quality standards and clinical proof—not just awareness.