AGP Executive Report

Hemp policy push: A GOP lawmaker is circulating draft federal legislation to keep hemp THC drinks legal, carving out products up to 5mg delta-9 THC per serving and setting a federal tax plus federal permitting and testing/labeling rules. Medical cannabis access: Kentucky clinic operator Daniel Barhorst describes how state-approved doctors and nurses help patients get medical cannabis cards, after Kentucky’s 2022 executive order and 2025 medical cannabis law expansion. CBD for sleep: A new University of Pittsburgh study links lower dopamine biology to teen risk-taking that includes experimenting with alcohol and cannabis, while a separate nursing-led review argues the strongest sleep benefits are tied to CBD and CBN (not primarily THC). Regulated delivery growth: Massachusetts reports steady expansion of adult-use cannabis delivery models since 2021, with social equity set-asides through 2029. Product safety/claims: A “topical CBD for soreness” verdict warns against overpromising, urging caution on expectations. Local cannabis governance: Lake Success residents gather petitions to oppose expanding where recreational cannabis businesses can locate near homes and school-bus routes. Hemp-adjacent enforcement: A Dothan, Alabama case describes a pregnant woman shot during a marijuana purchase dispute, underscoring ongoing real-world risks around cannabis transactions.

Cannabis policy shift: Illinois Gov. Pritzker banned sale of intoxicating hemp to minors while adding equity and oversight in the cannabis industry, signaling tighter guardrails for hemp-derived products. Medical cannabis access: Alabama reported more than 100 patients bought medical marijuana in the first week of legal sales, while Hull saw medical cannabis use soar as hundreds signed up. Clinical research signal: A study found patients with hypermobility disorders reported less pain and used fewer opioids after medical cannabis treatment, adding to the growing outcomes debate. CBD/consumer safety angle: A “verdict” piece on topical CBD for soreness urged caution, pushing back on overly fast claims. Drug enforcement & cannabis in the mix: Police in Canada seized cocaine alongside cannabis and MDMA in a home raid, and a UK court case included THC-related drug driving—both reminders that cannabis still shows up in broader drug enforcement. Global context: A federal analysis estimated over 8 million Americans used psilocybin in the past year, keeping psychedelics in the mainstream conversation alongside cannabis.

Hemp policy shake-up (Illinois): Gov. JB Pritzker signed SB 3222 to ban sales of “intoxicating hemp” products (like delta-8, THC-P, and HHC) to anyone under 21, with new packaging and marketing rules coming later under the state cannabis framework. Medical cannabis access (Alabama): Alabama’s first dispensary, Callie’s Apothecary, opened June 4 and reported 102 patient purchases in 111 transactions in its first week, with limited supply as demand ramps. Medical cannabis growth (UK): Releaf says it now has 600+ patients across the Humber region using prescribed medical cannabis via its clinician network. Clinical research (sleep/appetite): New reporting highlights studies on cannabis’s effects on appetite (including “munchies” in animal work) and broader interest in magnesium-rich foods for sleep support. Regulated market enforcement (UK): Police seized packaged cannabis in Warwickshire after a driver tested positive for drug driving, with blood analysis pending. Public safety/awareness: Coverage also notes ongoing concerns about misleading or poorly labeled intoxicating hemp products reaching minors.

Medical Cannabis Driving Rules (Australia): NSW is moving toward a “three-strikes” style approach for medicinal cannabis drivers, but a GP warns the proposed 24-hour driving ban could create major day-to-day disruption for patients even when they’re using prescribed treatment. Court & Compliance (South Korea): South Korea’s judiciary is cracking down on AI “ghost precedents” after lawyers cited cases that don’t exist, pushing for procedural fixes and potential fines to reduce false legal submissions. Drug Enforcement (U.S.): Evergreen, Alabama police report a narcotics operation with six arrests and seizures of drugs and weapons. Medical Hemp/Industry Context (U.S.): Scotts Miracle-Gro says it’s funding restoration of the White House South Lawn after UFC Freedom 250, highlighting growing interest in organics/biologicals as lawn care shifts. Public Health & Substance Use (Ireland): Ireland’s crack cocaine treatment demand is rising sharply, with advocates pointing to affordability and easy access. Medical Hemp Adjacent (Food & Sleep): A roundup claims magnesium-rich foods—including hemp seeds—are linked to improved sleep and stress regulation.

CBD topical debate: A new report challenges claims that topical CBD gels help with soreness, pointing to mixed or weak results and urging consumers to be cautious. Cannabis policy shift (US): The U.S. has officially reclassified medical cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III, a move supporters say could reduce barriers for research and medical access while changing how state-legal operators function. State-level medical cannabis access (NH): New Hampshire Gov. Kelly Ayotte vetoed a bill that would have let dispensaries grow in-state via on-site greenhouses, citing concerns about expanding cultivation. Legal fight over rescheduling (DC Circuit): A D.C. Circuit challenge argues the DOJ bypassed requirements under the Controlled Substances Act, pushing back on the legal basis for rescheduling. Medical cannabis market friction (Virginia): Virginia Democrats face internal pushback after Gov. Abigail Spanberger vetoed a cannabis sales framework, highlighting political tension even within one party. Research spotlight: A study found no meaningful benefit from a CBD gel for post-exercise muscle soreness, adding to the “promising but inconsistent” picture.

Medical Cannabis Policy Clash (Kentucky): Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear hit back at GOP Rep. Jason Nemes after Nemes urged the AG to prosecute agencies tied to Beshear’s June executive order expanding medical marijuana qualifying conditions, calling it a “lack of humanity” to target patients. Teen Cannabis Brain Study: A new Neuropsychopharmacology study links adolescent cannabis use—especially higher-potency products—to differences in brain regions tied to motivation and reward, raising concerns about dopamine system development. Legal Access in New York: A New York appeals court reversed a lower ruling that had blocked warrantless raids on hemp stores suspected of selling unlicensed cannabis, keeping enforcement moving. Hemp Store Oversight (NY): Another NY court development upheld inspections of hemp stores in a dormant commerce dispute, signaling regulators are tightening the rules. Harm Reduction Alert (Ontario): Algoma Public Health reported a third poisoning after people used what they thought was cannabis, urging low-dose starts, never using alone, and calling 911 for overdose-style warning signs. Product Safety/Quality Signal: A separate report on unregulated cannabis claims no fentanyl contamination, adding to the ongoing debate over safety testing and consumer risk.

Older-Adult Cannabis Use: New Hampshire’s therapeutic cannabis program shows participation is rising, with adults 56–75 making up the biggest qualifying group; nationally, a new study finds fewer than 1 in 5 older cannabis users tell clinicians about it, raising concerns about missed guidance. Teen Risk & Dopamine: A new Nature Communications study links lower dopamine reward biology in early adolescence with higher odds of trying substances like weed or alcohol, suggesting risk-taking may be a “get the system going” response. Clinical Access Gap: The same research highlights that screening is more common for people with multiple chronic conditions, but patient-clinician conversations still lag for cannabis users. Policy Watch (Virginia): Virginia budget talks include a new commission to study data center impacts and a legal retail marijuana market proposal, signaling continued state-level cannabis framework changes. Public Safety/Enforcement: Police in Ontario seized a home stash including cannabis during a drug-and-weapons warrant, while other local reports show ongoing marijuana-related arrests and charges. Medical Hemp Angle: The week’s strongest takeaway for CBD readers: rising use among seniors plus low disclosure to clinicians means education and safer access matter more than ever.

Medical Cannabis Policy & Access: Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro’s proposed 2026-27 budget would add about $116M for the State Police, including hiring roughly 380 troopers, with part of the plan tied to a proposed tax on legalized recreational marijuana. Regulation & Compliance Scrutiny: Colorado regulators and cannabis industry leaders are facing fresh scrutiny after a recording surfaced raising concerns about tax collection, oversight, and compliance, including claims of wholesale deal structures used to reduce taxes. Clinical Research (Cannabis Treatment): A study in Addiction reports teen cannabis initiation risk rises most when teens both have friends who use cannabis and believe it’s easy to obtain. Medical Evidence (CBD/Alzheimer’s): Separate reporting highlights research suggesting CBD may help calm Alzheimer’s-related brain inflammation in preclinical models. Enforcement (International): Hong Kong Customs seized about 15 kg of suspected cannabis buds (about $2.7M value) from an incoming passenger and arrested a 44-year-old woman on trafficking charges. Industry/Community: The Puyallup Tribe is using the World Cup fan zone and powwow events to share culture with visitors, including drumbeat performances and food trucks.

Medical Cannabis Policy Clash: Kentucky Democratic Party hit back at Rep. Jason Nemes after he threatened criminal prosecution for people using the state’s lawful medical cannabis program, arguing patients and providers are the ones being targeted. Legal/Travel Guidance: Michigan travelers are getting mixed signals on flying with medical marijuana after TSA updated guidance post-rescheduling, while Delta says its policy still bars marijuana under federal law. Older Adults & Edibles: A new survey study finds many adults 60+ want edible cannabis mainly for pain and sleep, often as an alternative after other options ran out—while also raising concerns about THC-related impairment and falls. Court Ruling on School Searches: Colorado’s Supreme Court upheld a backpack search after a Safe2Tell tip about marijuana use, saying tip details plus administrator corroboration met the legal standard. Enforcement Spotlight: Texas authorities arrested a man tied to a large indoor marijuana grow and moved toward asset forfeiture. Hemp/CBD Adjacent: A Massachusetts conservation update explains why garlic mustard is on the state’s Prohibited Plant List, highlighting “chemical warfare” that shifts soil and crowds out natives. Community/Industry: Medford, Oregon unveiled a K-9 memorial funded via marijuana tax revenues, underscoring how cannabis-related funds can support local public projects.

FDA Breakthrough Therapy: The FDA granted Breakthrough Therapy Designation to VER-01, a cannabis-derived full-spectrum drug for chronic low back pain, after Phase 3 trials showed meaningful pain reduction, better GI tolerability than opioids, and no dependence signal. State Policy Clash: Kentucky lawmakers are pushing the AG to prosecute licensees who follow Gov. Beshear’s executive order expanding medical cannabis qualifying conditions—15 new conditions including terminal illness, ALS, Parkinson’s, HIV/AIDS, Crohn’s/ulcerative colitis, severe arthritis, fibromyalgia, and glaucoma. Rescheduling Fallout: A separate report highlights how federal medical marijuana rescheduling is driving changes for patient access and research, while legal fights continue over coverage rules. Enforcement & Access: Texas court coverage suggests smokable hemp enforcement is back in effect amid lawsuits, and Kentucky’s executive order debate keeps access rules in the spotlight. Public Health Angle: A CDC-based piece warns marijuana use among teens is rising and stresses dependence and mental health risks alongside any potential benefits. Industry Watch: Trulieve is set to list on the NYSE, signaling continued mainstreaming of cannabis markets.

Medical Access & Policy: A new U.S. push to integrate CBD/medical cannabis into Medicare follows federal Schedule III rescheduling, but critics warn the licensed supply chain still lacks “medical-grade” safety infrastructure, raising concerns for patient access and oversight. State Regulation: North Carolina lawmakers advanced a rewrite that would bar people under 21 from buying or possessing many hemp-derived products (including smokable hemp and THC drinks), with ID checks required under “reasonable grounds.” Road Safety: NSW is moving toward a “three strikes” approach for drivers caught with medicinal cannabis in their system, aiming to balance access with road safety. Industry & Compliance: A Texas court ruling keeps challenged hemp rules enforceable while litigation continues, and a separate Texas AG probe targets alleged glyphosate residue in foods. Clinical/Research: A new study links GLP-1 drugs’ mood effects to a gut–brain pathway in mice, while Europe’s drug report flags more potent substances, synthetic opioids, and vapes being used to carry non-nicotine drugs. Consumer Market: Logan’s Roadhouse is testing low-dose hemp-derived THC cocktails at 14 locations, limited to three per visit.

Medical Access & Courts: A New Zealand woman, Everlee Wihongi, may be released from US ICE custody after a judge vacated her 2016 marijuana possession conviction, with her lawyer saying the next step is getting the ruling to immigration officials. Regulation & Packaging Safety: A new push highlights how the “hemp loophole” can leave intoxicating THC products under-regulated, with poison control reports showing many edible THC exposures involve kids and unintentional incidents—sparking calls for child-resistant packaging and clearer labeling. Policy & Local Control: Warner Robins, Georgia extended a 120-day moratorium on new liquor, vape, CBD, and tobacco-focused businesses, citing youth proximity concerns. Public Health & Risk Landscape: The EU drugs report warns of more potent substances, shifting trafficking routes, and continued overdose deaths—while new cannabis products keep appearing. Industry & Labor: Illinois cannabis workers at Ascend Wellness Holdings voted to authorize a strike after long contract talks, signaling pressure on multistate operators.

Medical Cannabis Access & Policy: Texas expanded the Compassionate Use Program to include medical cannabis vaporization, giving qualifying patients a fast-acting inhalable option via physician appointment and same-day digital prescriptions. Regulatory Pushback: Kentucky lawmakers are urging the state AG to prosecute agencies and licensees tied to Gov. Beshear’s executive order adding new qualifying conditions for medical marijuana, calling it an unlawful expansion. Road Safety for Patients: Australia’s NSW is moving toward a medicinal THC driving limit (50 ng/mL in saliva) to reduce penalties for patients who test positive long after impairment. Research & Product Claims: Germany approved Exilby, a marijuana-derived oral tincture for chronic pain, positioning it as a potential alternative to opioids. Public Health & Risk: Malaysia’s poison center warns vape devices are increasingly misused to consume drugs (including synthetic cannabis and fentanyl), complicating monitoring and treatment—especially for teens. Industry/Markets: Trulieve won a major milestone by securing approval to list on the NYSE, following federal medical marijuana rescheduling changes that could affect research and access.

Hemp Legal Battle (Texas): A Texas appeals court lifted a stay, letting the state enforce parts of its “Total THC” rules while a legal fight continues—meaning child-resistant packaging, testing, and a 0.3% THC limit for consumable hemp products are back in play, alongside steep retailer licensing fees. CBD in Healthcare (Sleep): A new American Academy of Sleep Medicine survey found 33% of U.S. adults say cannabis helps them sleep, while AASM warns the sleep impact is complex and can come with risks like daytime sleepiness and impaired driving. Regulatory Pressure (Glyphosate): Texas AG Ken Paxton launched a glyphosate residue probe targeting Bayer and PepsiCo over alleged consumer-protection violations, adding fresh scrutiny to herbicide-linked health concerns. Medical Cannabis Media: The documentary “The Pl*nt” landed on Amazon Prime in Spain, featuring what’s described as Dr. Raphael Mechoulam’s final filmed interview on cannabis science and stigma. Market/Policy Watch (EU): The EU Drugs Agency flagged a fast-changing, more complex illicit drug market, with cannabis still the most used illicit drug across Europe.

Hemp Crackdown in Congress: A new push to restrict hemp-derived cannabinoids could reshape the CBD/THC shelf in Michigan and Ohio, with warnings it may remove THCA flower, delta-8 gummies, and THC drinks—and even some full-spectrum CBD and CBN sleep products. Medical Access & Travel: TSA updated medical marijuana travel guidance, while a separate report says CBD is now approved for Medicare and Medicaid patients—both big for patients trying to stay compliant. State Policy Fallout: Michigan’s 24% wholesale cannabis tax is underperforming badly, threatening major revenue gaps and raising pressure on lawmakers. Utah “Fake Pee” Case: Utah County store owners face charges tied to selling synthetic urine and THC gummies, highlighting ongoing enforcement against “drug test defeat” products. Public Health & Safety: Florida’s AI jury-selection debate adds to concerns about bias in high-stakes decisions, while vaping prevention efforts in Illinois stress that cannabis-containing vapes and youth use remain a concern. Water & Pesticides: NI Water warns pesticide misuse can contaminate rivers and raise drinking-water treatment costs.

CBD Coverage (Medicare/Travel/Policy): The FDA says it won’t interfere with a new CMS policy that lets Medicare beneficiaries get coverage for certain hemp-derived CBD products, with limits on THC content and a ban on inhalable forms; Travel Guidance: TSA updated its medical marijuana travel guidance, clarifying how patients can bring state-licensed cannabis for use after arrival; Medical Use in Practice: A Fiji hospital conference heard that some teens first tried cannabis or meth as early as Years 4–5, with doctors urging empathy and earlier family awareness; Regulation Watch: Australia’s top neurologists say they were ignored by the regulator during the review of paraquat, a weedkiller tied to Parkinson’s disease, as a final decision nears; Industry/Legal Pressure: Bayer warned that glyphosate litigation could threaten U.S. production, keeping pressure on major weed-control supply chains.