AGP Executive Report

DEA Rescheduling Fallout: Transportation and safety groups warn that federal marijuana rescheduling could disrupt drug testing for truck drivers and pilots, urging agencies to preserve testing for safety-sensitive workers. Regulatory Updates (Illinois): Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission is holding a July 30 hearing on emergency rules that raise retail license caps and daily purchase limits under the new cannabis modernization law. Intoxicating Hemp Crackdown (Illinois): Alton police say a new state law bars sales of intoxicating hemp products (like Delta-8 and THC-P) to anyone under 21, with enforcement and future packaging/marketing limits. Ballot Access (Idaho): An Idaho medical marijuana campaign says it has submitted county-verified signatures for final state review ahead of the November ballot. Local Market Push (Manitoba): Steinbach and Winkler voters may get an October plebiscite on ending the ban on cannabis retail stores. Reform Options (Cayman Islands): The Law Reform Commission is seeking public input on a harm-minimisation framework for cannabis decriminalization, weighing limits that avoid retail access and marketing. Business Promotion (Illinois): nuEra Cannabis launches July 4 and 710 deals, including a limited Batch Frozen Firecracker vape. Enforcement (India): Telangana police destroyed seized narcotics worth Rs 11.77 crore as part of a nationwide drive.

Illinois Cannabis Overhaul: Gov. JB Pritzker signed sweeping new rules expanding medical cannabis qualifying conditions and tightening intoxicating hemp, including childproof packaging and limits on marketing aimed at kids. Hemp Crackdown in Alabama: Opelika authorities arrested two business owners after searches turned up illegal hemp flowers at multiple vape/CBD shops, with felony charges filed. Regulated Cannabis Licensing in Pakistan: Pakistan’s Cannabis Control and Regulatory Authority Licensing Rules 2026 were approved, setting a framework for licensed cultivation, production, and commercial use for medicinal and industrial purposes. SEC Fallout for Cannabis Execs: A federal court ordered a cannabis business and executives to pay nearly $43M in an SEC fraud case tied to allegedly inflated financials. Industry Labor Pressure: Ascend Wellness employees in Illinois continued a strike over unfair labor practices, demanding better wages and benefits. CBD Product Partnerships: UK sports brand JJ Double Gold partnered with HempWell to launch CBD oils, supplements, topicals, and wellness products, with more nutraceutical gummies planned for Autumn 2026.

Cannabis Rescheduling Impact: The U.S. moves cannabis into a new federal schedule framework, with industry leaders saying it could unlock clearer rules and more medical-focused innovation. THC Beverages Expansion: Lifted Made’s Highlandia hemp-THC drinks hit top-five sales in Wisconsin and the company is now pushing into other Midwest states. Retail & Tech: Pick n Pay rolls out an AI grocery assistant (Penny) as South Africa’s on-demand delivery race heats up against rivals. Local Cannabis Governance: New York City’s Community Board 6 approved major housing and a one-way street change, but rejected a cannabis dispensary renewal bid. Host Community Deals: Colrain, Massachusetts signed a new host agreement with MA Craft Cultivators as the firm expands from cultivation into manufacturing. Workplace Safety Testing: Cannabix says its breath test can detect methamphetamine and amphetamine, pointing to broader drug-screening potential beyond THC. Enforcement & Supply Chains: Police in India say they busted a postal/courier cannabis network shipping “medicines” to customers across 21 states. Business Growth: Vireo Growth agreed to acquire a Pennsylvania retail-permit holder to enter up to six medical dispensaries in the state. Public Safety/Health: A Jacksonville family alleges a fashion-show dessert contained marijuana, leading to an ER visit. Regulatory Watch: Virginia’s assault firearms ban remains tied up in court, underscoring how quickly policy shifts can collide with litigation.

Enforcement Crackdown: New Mexico is rolling out a dedicated cannabis enforcement bureau to target illegal operators across the state, after industry complaints that the black market hasn’t been hit hard enough. Local Regulation Push: Bristol, Tennessee and Bristol, Virginia are moving to restrict where THC, vape, tobacco, hemp-derived products and other “recreational substance” retailers can operate, with zoning and distance rules on the table. Hemp Product Crackdown: Opelika, Alabama arrested two business owners after a joint investigation into alleged unlawful vape and CBD operations, seizing illegal hemp flowers and filing multiple charges. State Policy Shift: Virginia finalized the timeline for its regulated retail cannabis market, with hemp-derived product rules moving under the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority in August 2026 and a crackdown aimed at closing the “25:1 loophole” shortly after. THCA Ban: Tennessee’s THCA restrictions take effect July 1, tightening what hemp-derived products can be sold and drawing backlash from businesses and consumers. Industry Spotlight: Missouri dispensaries are evolving into “third places” with events and community programming, signaling a shift beyond pure sales.

Virginia Employment Compliance: Virginia’s “Clean Slate” law takes effect July 1, expanding automatic sealing for certain marijuana possession and other nonconvictions, while adding new employer notice and compliance duties for criminal background checks. Medical Cannabis Access (Georgia): Georgia’s new medical program rules begin July 1, lifting the 5% THC cap and allowing more products, including vapes and vaporization leaf, with doctor authorization. Rescheduling Fight in Court: Two medical marijuana operators seek to intervene in federal litigation over Trump-era cannabis rescheduling, arguing opponents’ challenges could trigger direct economic harm. Product Safety + Consumer Education: Emergency departments report rising marijuana-linked illness tied to cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS), highlighting a severe, underrecognized condition from long-term use. Local Market Moves (Minnesota): Maple Plain approved a cannabis dispensary for medical and recreational sales, and Winona issued additional dispensary licenses as more shops prepare to open. Hemp/THCA Crackdowns (Tennessee + South Carolina): Tennessee’s THCA product ban starts July 1, while South Carolina lawmakers failed to pass compromise bills that would have tightened THC rules and DUI enforcement. Enforcement + Legal Pressure (Rhode Island): A North Providence man arrested in a large illegal cannabis grow case is challenging dozens of search warrants, alleging false statements in affidavit filings.

Immigration & Public Safety: South Africa’s anti-undocumented migrant protests hit a June 30 deadline across the Western Cape and beyond, with heavy police and SANDF support and reports of mostly peaceful marches—though some areas saw tension, business closures, and isolated incidents. Cannabis Policy & Regulation: A South African policy critique argues the country’s adult private cannabis rights lack the “practical systems” to make the market lawful and taxable, driving costly enforcement and expanding the informal trade. Legal/Business: A cannabis cultivator is fighting to keep defamation claims alive in federal court, arguing social posts caused major losses. Hemp & Retail Crackdowns: Tennessee’s new hemp rules take effect July 1, pushing some businesses to close or relocate as online sales and higher-cannabinoid products face bans; in Kansas, kratom and 7-O sales get early enforcement focus as the ban starts. Local Governance: Gatesville, Texas, approved tighter vape/CBD shop rules, adding proximity limits and background checks that owners say could shrink the local market. Enforcement/Compliance: California announced $227M in grants to curb illicit cannabis operations and fund youth prevention and public health.

DEA Rescheduling Hearing: The federal government kicked off its marijuana rescheduling case, arguing cannabis has accepted medical value, lower abuse potential, and less overdose risk than opioids and alcohol—while Michigan’s medical market keeps shrinking as adult-use dominates. State Retail Rollout: Virginia’s budget clears the way for recreational marijuana sales in stores starting July 1, 2027, with higher possession limits, THC caps, and up to 350 retail licenses. Market & Finance: Glass House Brands begins trading on the NYSE after uplisting tied to the medical cannabis Schedule III shift; meanwhile, a Missouri lawsuit targets a cannabis “cashless ATM” scheme that allegedly misleads customers with hidden fees. Industry Operations: A Wisconsin hemp rally highlights looming federal THC limits that could force many hemp businesses to shut down in November. Policy Pressure: Hemp sellers head to court to fight new rules, as operators brace for shifting state and federal enforcement. Safety & Compliance: Coast Guard interdictions seized $63M+ in cocaine and marijuana in the Eastern Pacific, underscoring ongoing supply-chain pressure.

DEA Rescheduling Hearing: The U.S. DEA kicked off its historic process to move cannabis to Schedule III, running June 29–July 15, with reform groups warning they’re being shut out of testimony. Regulatory Pressure on Hemp/CBD: Hawaii says enforcement of new hemp and CBD rules starts Wednesday, with many retailers facing shutdowns unless products meet the state’s limits; in California, hemp sellers are heading to court to fight new rules. Courtroom & Licensing Battles: Rhode Island is trying to restart its retail cannabis licensing after a judge halted the first round, following changes that removed residency requirements. Industry Moves: Tilray agreed to buy HelloMD to expand direct-to-patient medical cannabis access in Canada. Enforcement on the Ground: Police in Auckland seized a “truckload” of cannabis from suburban grow houses; California also reported an illegal delivery operation (“September Select”) investigated with arrests. Business & Policy Spillover: Virginia’s budget amendments cleared a long impasse and include marijuana sales legalization steps.

DEA Rescheduling Watch: The DEA is holding a formal hearing on Trump’s move to shift marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III, a change that wouldn’t legalize cannabis federally but could reshape how states enforce their own rules. Labor & Supply Chain: Ascend Wellness cultivation workers in Illinois went on strike over unfair labor practices, raising the risk of disruptions to the adult-use cannabis supply chain. Corporate Moves: TerrAscend filed a preliminary proxy statement for a shareholder vote tied to a potential uplisting to a major U.S. exchange, signaling continued push toward U.S. market access. Hemp Product Scrutiny: South Carolina’s House rejected a Senate compromise on regulating intoxicating hemp THC beverages, leaving the state exposed to upcoming federal hemp rules. Tech & Operations: A cannabis tech-stack piece argues operators should stop wasting money on disconnected software and focus on tools that drive ROI and compliance. Cultivation Innovation: Aeriz is spotlighting aeroponic, soil-free cultivation in Phoenix as a water-saving model. Local Policy: Osseo, Minnesota residents raised concerns about financing a municipal cannabis dispensary via tax abatement bonds, while Fillmore County, Minnesota approved amendments tightening cannabis business rules and setbacks.

DEA Rescheduling Hearing: A long-awaited U.S. DEA hearing on proposed marijuana rescheduling (Schedule I to Schedule III) kicks off Monday, with supporters arguing it better matches medical practice and opponents warning it could expand the commercial market. CBD Legal Pressure: A federal appeals court upheld the DEA’s position that CBD is a Schedule 1 controlled substance, meaning hemp-derived CBD sales must follow state rules or risk federal conflict. Hemp Industry Setback: The same DEA-linked fight has hemp producers vowing to appeal, keeping uncertainty high for retailers and brands. Nigeria Drug Enforcement: NDLEA seized 4,959kg of Canadian “loud” cannabis worth ₦12.4bn at Lagos’s Apapa Port and arrested a China-bound businesswoman with 7.5kg cocaine. Local Drug Harm Push: In Whangārei, a woman is campaigning to stop meth pipes being sold openly in shops, citing legal confusion and youth exposure. Cannabis Business Moves: New York’s first approved cannabis growers showcase drew local farmers, while one town voted against allowing similar events. Industry Capital Signals: Curaleaf CEO Boris Jordan says institutional equity investors are finally willing to talk with cannabis operators, hinting at a potential shift in funding conversations. Wellness Branding: Jamaica’s JACANA launched a Caribbean Wellness Platform, pitching botanical products plus nature-based experiences for the booming wellness-tourism market.

Federal Hemp Setback: A 9th Circuit panel upheld the DEA’s position that CBD is Schedule 1, meaning hemp CBD can be sold only where state law allows it, and states that permit CBD could be violating federal law. Cannabis Capital Markets: Curaleaf CEO Boris Jordan says institutional investors are finally willing to talk with cannabis companies, even if equity investment still lags behind debt underwriting. State Licensing Watch: Missouri’s marijuana microbusiness license application window opens July 13–27, with a lottery set for Sept. 9. Virginia Retail Timeline: Virginia Beach business leaders back a compromise that would start recreational sales July 1, 2027, with up to 350 retail licenses. Enforcement Roundup (Nigeria): NDLEA reports major interdictions, including 4,959 kg of “Canadian Loud” cannabis worth about ₦12.397bn and a cocaine bust at Lagos airport. Industry Growth Story: Glass House Brands’ big greenhouse push aims to scale cultivation and sales as it prepares for NYSE trading.

Hemp Policy Shock: The White House is asking Congress to delay or revise a broad federal hemp-derived cannabinoid crackdown, signaling “fair treatment of hemp products” instead of a sweeping ban—aimed at giving Michigan and Ohio businesses breathing room. State Enforcement Watch: Kansas’ kratom ban (including 7-OH) starts July 1, with Douglas County officials preparing for both enforcement and withdrawal-related health impacts. Marijuana Supply Chain & Security: The U.S. Coast Guard recovered a 50-pound marijuana bale from Gulf waters after a boater report, urging the public not to touch suspected narcotics. Regulatory & Market Signals: South Carolina lawmakers failed to agree on THC limits, keeping hemp THC products legal for now. Industry Finance: Trulieve CEO David Seymour’s stock sale story continues to draw attention as cannabis executives manage investor optics. Global Drug Trends: UNODC reports global drug use rose to 331M people in 2024, with cannabis up ~40% over a decade and synthetic opioids spreading fast.

Hemp Policy Shock: The White House is urging Congress to delay or revise a sweeping federal hemp-derived cannabinoid crackdown, offering Michigan and Ohio businesses a potential reprieve while pushing for stronger regulation instead of a broad prohibition. DEA Rescheduling Fallout: Ahead of a major DEA marijuana rescheduling hearing, advocates plan a press conference from people harmed by prohibition who say they were denied a real seat at the table. Local Cannabis Governance: Circleville, Ohio’s judicial committee heard a first reading for a marijuana dispensary ordinance, with zoning and security requirements front and center. Enforcement & Public Safety: South Bristol authorities seized illegal tobacco, THC vapes, and cannabis in a multi-agency operation targeting street-level drug dealing. Global Drug Trends: UNODC reports 331 million people used drugs in 2024, with cannabis still the most widely used and synthetic substances reshaping markets. Industry Watch: Turkey is preparing a high-security medical cannabis production facility in İzmir, signaling more pharma-linked cannabis infrastructure.

DEA Rescheduling Push: The agency is set to kick off three weeks of hearings on moving marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III, with testimony focused on marijuana’s medical utility. Federal Banking & Farm Bill Momentum: Congress is again reviving cannabis banking legislation as lawmakers also move draft text for the 2026 Farm Bill—signals that policy access and financial infrastructure could keep improving. Hemp Crackdown Fallout: Wisconsin hemp/cannabis cafes are warning a new federal THC limit starting in November could shut down THC/CBD shops, while North Carolina operators brace for the same kind of “loophole closure” impact. Local Cannabis Politics: Osseo, Minnesota paused a city-owned $4M cannabis store plan after residents questioned costs and whether public ownership blurs lines; in Connecticut, social equity groups are preparing to distribute tens of millions in cannabis proceeds to neighborhoods hit by the War on Drugs. Industry Watch: Trulieve says CEO Kim Rivers plans to terminate an automatic share-sale plan, with the next trading window on Aug. 11.

Local Cannabis Policy: Concrete, Washington approved marijuana code amendments that let cannabis retailers operate in town and cut the buffer zone to 500 feet from the library (schools/playgrounds stay at 1,000 feet), a move tied to a proposed site near the Upper Skagit Library. Medical Cannabis Access: Tilray Medical’s Lyphe Clinic will bring its “Lyphe for Veterans” program to the UK’s Armed Forces Weekend in Aldershot, expanding regulated patient access. Regulation & Consumer Safety: Washington State launched a World Cup tourist education page on cannabis rules, labeling, possession limits, and safety—plus a reminder that traveling with cannabis across lines is still prohibited. Industry Watch: A new review in The Lancet Psychiatry finds decriminalizing personal cannabis use and tightly controlling legalization don’t increase use, while commercialized legalization in the US/Canada correlates with higher sales, consumption, and addiction. Enforcement & Crackdowns: San Diego County deputies seized 461 pounds of flavored nicotine/vape products and also found alleged marijuana and psilocybin items during an Alpine smoke shop investigation. Business/Markets: MarketsandMarkets projects the LIMS market will reach $5.19B by 2030, driven by regulatory compliance needs—relevant to lab operators serving the broader cannabis supply chain.

Hemp Regulation Clash (US, South Carolina): Lawmakers adjourned without a deal on statewide rules for intoxicating hemp THC drinks and gummies, leaving current sales practices in place as federal changes loom; the Senate backed a compromise (age limits, behind-the-counter/venue restrictions, lab testing), but the House rejected it, arguing it could either protect kids or cripple small hemp businesses. Hemp Retail Shock (US, Tennessee): West Knoxville’s Hemp House will close by July 2 as new Tennessee hemp rules take effect, including limits on price negotiations and a ban on THC-A products that were ~30% of sales. Cannabis Safety for Tourists (US, Washington): Health officials warned World Cup visitors that Washington legal edibles can be far stronger than what tourists expect, with dosing guidance aimed at preventing overconsumption. Labor Tension (US, Illinois): Ascend Wellness workers at a Barry, IL facility went on strike, citing unfair labor practices—described as the first strike at a cannabis grow house. Research & Funding: eXoZymes won a NIH Phase IIB SBIR grant (~$2.03M) to develop rare cannabinoid analogs for drug discovery.