AGP Executive Report

Youth Nicotine Alarm: A new wave of disposable flavored vapes is pulling teens back in, even as traditional cigarette and vaping rates fall—experts warn nicotine can disrupt brain development and fuel early addiction. Local Governance: A California City Council meeting spotlighted both housing and cannabis questions, with public comments delayed to fit the crowd. Hemp-THC Policy Fight (Delaware): Lawmakers are split on how to regulate hemp-derived intoxicating THC products—options range from folding them into licensed marijuana sales to creating a separate hemp framework or treating certain THC-infused drinks differently. Public Safety & Courts: A Virginia judge dropped all charges against a school official after a child gun incident; meanwhile, Colorado is running a DUI checkpoint as THC-involved crashes remain a concern. Industry Science: Augusta University researchers propose genetically engineered cannabis that could produce green hydrogen fuel while also generating medical cannabinoids.

Impaired-Driving Crackdowns: Colorado State Patrol is staging a DUI checkpoint Saturday between Clifton and Palisade, calling out impaired driving as a preventable-death crisis; the agency says the “high visibility” effort is meant to deter and educate, not just arrest. Retail Cannabis Politics: Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger vowed to keep pushing for a legal retail marijuana marketplace after vetoing rushed legislation—voters back her less than lawmakers expected, with a new poll showing 70% support for legalization. Hemp/THC Product Pushback: New Jersey lawmakers advanced a bill to loosen intoxicating hemp beverage rules, including higher-THC “liquor store” bottles until November—critics warn it’s a youth and public-health risk. Industry & Tech: EnWave reported Q2 results and signed a tech evaluation deal with a major global food company for its dehydration platform. Public Safety Beyond Crime: Edmonton and Recovery Alberta are opening an Integrated Stabilization Centre to hold people causing disorder without criminal charges, aiming to speed up care diversion.

Cannabis Care Access: A new U.S. study finds 31% of teens diagnosed with cannabis use disorder faced delays getting treatment, with longer waits (30+ days) more common in 2021–2022. State Policy Clash: Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger vetoed bills that would have opened a retail marijuana market, signaling a power struggle with Democratic lawmakers. Workplace Compliance: Connecticut’s new Public Act 26-12 overhauls workplace rules—expanding workers’ comp, pay transparency, and break protections—raising the compliance bar for employers. Industry & Farming: ADAMA Australia launched Marathon, a high-load pyrasulfotole herbicide aimed at tougher broadleaf weed control and resistance management. Hemp Supply Chain: Panda Biotech and Culturewell Hemp announced India’s first integrated hemp fiber-to-yarn supply chain, moving U.S. certified hemp into yarn production. Travel Rules: TSA says medical marijuana can be allowed in baggage under conditions, but federal law still applies at airports.

Hemp-to-textiles push: Panda Biotech and Culturewell Hemp say they’ve built India’s first integrated hemp fiber-to-yarn supply chain, adding degumming and spinning so certified U.S. hemp can move from fiber to finished yarn at scale. Cannabis policy shockwaves: Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger vetoed a “rushed” adult-use retail cannabis plan, citing timing, taxes, and store counts—while also issuing broader vetoes tied to cannabis and other bills. Legal accountability in schools: A Virginia judge dismissed felony charges against a former assistant principal in the 2023 shooting case after ruling the prosecution relied on “legal theories” that would require new laws to criminalize. Safety and enforcement: A teen faces felony charges after police found a 3D-printed gun at a bus stop near a North Carolina high school; separately, Nigeria Customs reports major cannabis seizures along the Idiroko corridor. Tech for field testing: EN-SCAN launched the Labrador HH-GC, a rugged on-site VOC analyzer aimed at cutting lab delays for environmental decisions.

Ketamine Alarm: Dorset Police data shows ketamine seizures rising fast—none in 2022/23, then 4 in 2023/24, and 12 in 2024/25—while treatment demand has quadrupled since 2021, prompting fresh calls for action as officials warn young people are using it recreationally despite harsh side effects. Regulatory Pushback (US): Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger vetoed bills that would have set up a recreational cannabis retail market and related provisions, saying the state needs stronger oversight and readiness before launch. Enforcement Spotlight: Idaho’s late-night chase near Pocatello ended with a major haul—fentanyl, meth, cocaine, and marijuana—highlighting how drug trafficking cases keep colliding with cannabis-adjacent enforcement. Industry & Products: nuEra returns Canna Sours with a pickle-flavored THC gummy launch in Chicago, while DetectaChem unveiled MobileNIR, a smartphone-based field narcotics ID tool. Global Watch: Ireland recovered another dormant Bitcoin wallet tied to a drug case, underscoring how crypto investigations keep evolving.

Field Tech: DetectaChem unveiled MobileNIR, a smartphone-style near-infrared device meant to identify drugs in the field in five seconds or less, expanding its lineup beyond Raman and other tests. Edibles & Retail Buzz: nuEra is back with Canna Sours—now Pickle-flavored—while Leafwell pushes employer-sponsored medical cannabis as physician-led care for cancer symptoms, chronic pain, sleep, and mental health. Policy Friction: Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger vetoed 19 bills, including cannabis retail and prescription-drug pricing measures, adding to a pattern of stalled legalization. Public Health & Safety: A new study claims electronic cannabis delivery systems show far lower screening hazard than smoked joints, and another report links higher schizophrenia risk among people with HIV—especially those who inject drugs. Enforcement & Money: Ireland recovered a “lost” bitcoin wallet tied to cannabis trafficking, worth about $38.7M, after funds sat untouched for about a decade. Ongoing Pressure: Wisconsin childcare funding ends this summer, with candidates now scrambling to address the fallout.

Cannabis Policy Stalls Again (Virginia): Gov. Abigail Spanberger vetoed bills that would have created a regulated adult-use retail cannabis market, saying the framework lacked enough enforcement authority, resources, and safeguards—pushing any restart to 2027. Regulation Shake-Up (Massachusetts): Massachusetts is rebooting cannabis oversight after the Cannabis Control Commission overhaul; Gov. Maura Healey named a new chair and two new commissioners, signaling a “fresh start” after years of turmoil. Enforcement Reality Check (Sports): NFL receiver Rashee Rice was ordered to serve 30 days in jail after a THC-positive test violated probation tied to a crash—another reminder that “legal” doesn’t always mean “risk-free.” Agriculture & Weed Control: BASF launched Liberty Ultra, a new glufosinate post-emergent option aimed at stronger weed control and crop safety for Australian growers. Public Health Context: Florida interim data points to a sharp drop in fentanyl presence in deaths, with local partnerships credited for the improvement.

Cannabis Wellness for Seniors: 55plus CBD just launched a CBD/CBG/CBN Dosage Calculator aimed at helping adults over 50 use hemp cannabinoids more responsibly, tying the move to growing Medicare attention after CMS’s CBD pilot. Policy Pressure in Virginia: A senior researcher is renewing scrutiny of Sen. Louise Lucas’ taxpayer-funded business ties after federal wire-fraud charges against her partner and an FBI search connected to a cannabis business. Local Housing + Energy Push: In Henrico, lawmakers touted “historic progress” on housing and solar bills while urging action on a cannabis measure. Broader Health Research: New mouse-study coverage adds to the week’s cannabis science chatter, linking cannabinoid use with lower diabetes risk and weight changes. Industry Context: Meanwhile, the week also kept spotlight on hemp-adjacent regulation and education as the market chases legitimacy.

EPA PFAS Rollback: The Trump administration says it will end some federal “forever chemical” drinking-water limits, rescinding protections for four PFAS while keeping two—sparking backlash from anti-vaccine/MAHA-aligned activists even as the EPA pairs the move with nearly $1B for state cleanup. Cannabis Policy Push: A coalition of 41 groups is in full-court lobbying mode for federal legalization and prisoner release, pitching a 13-bill package and the MORE Act (HR 5068) as Congress stays gridlocked. Road Safety + Drug Impairment: A bipartisan transportation bill would require federal study of marijuana and polysubstance impairment in driving and set up “evidence-based impairment standards,” plus a national drug-involved crash data system. Older Adults Turning to Cannabis: New research finds many over-60 first-time buyers use cannabis mainly for sleep, pain, and mental health—and often rely on word of mouth more than clinicians. Industry Context: Meanwhile, the week also carried a reminder that cannabis reform debates are colliding with broader public-health and regulatory fights.

Rescheduling shockwaves: The DOJ’s move to reclassify certain medical cannabis products to Schedule III is now raising two big industry questions at once—cheaper access and whether medical users could legally buy firearms via federal dealer forms. Science & standards: A new study warns that common nitrile lab gloves may contaminate microplastics readings, potentially inflating results and forcing labs to re-check methods. Policy & enforcement: In Ireland, a “vulnerable” couple jailed for drug supply at home underscores how courts treat cannabis-linked trafficking as a serious public-safety role. Market & tech: Algorae says it finished its AI prediction phase for expanded drug combinations beyond cannabidiol, while Safe Harbor Financial reports Q1 gains tied to its regulated cannabis/hemp lending platform. Public health watch: Illinois students hospitalized after pot gummy ingestion keeps the spotlight on child-proofing and school safety.

Metro Tunnel Probe: Victoria Police has launched Taskforce Hawk into alleged Metro Tunnel invoicing fraud, after reporting exposed a suspected $6m “damaged machinery” claim—raising fresh questions about how long Big Build issues were left to simmer. Public Safety & Schools: Albania’s state police ordered tougher crackdowns on drug sales near schools, including surprise inspections and undercover checks. Cannabis Science: A new study links cannabis+tobacco “co-use” to nearly threefold higher long-term risk of psychosis in youth already at clinical high risk. CBD Policy Watch: CMS is piloting Medicare/Medicaid reimbursement for hemp-derived products, but a looming federal hemp ban could criminalize many CBD items. Market Signals: PointsBet reports a slight group revenue dip, with Canada strength and an Alberta launch on deck. Urban Life: Ghana says 4 in 10 traffic lights are out of service, worsening gridlock.

CBD Policy Shock: CMS is piloting Medicare/Medicaid reimbursement for hemp-derived products, but a looming federal hemp ban could flip many CBD items into illegal territory come Nov. 12. Drug Enforcement: The DEA warns fentanyl is getting “more unpredictable and lethal,” increasingly mixed into other synthetic drugs. Prison Security: Scotland’s HMP Addiewell logged 42 contraband-smuggling incidents over five years, using drones, throw-overs, and visitor attempts—spice and street valium among the reported drugs. Market Watch: PointsBet says group revenue dipped 1% for FY26’s first nine months, with Canada up 28% net wins and an Alberta launch planned for July. Local Governance: Missouri’s 2026 session wrapped with GOP wins and fewer late-session meltdowns, including a ban on intoxicating hemp products. Industry Context: A new study adds to the growing debate on cannabis consumption methods, finding vaporizing herbal cannabis cuts many smoke byproducts versus smoking.

Youth Health Watch: UC San Diego adds to the growing concern that cannabis use in childhood can restrict cognitive development, with researchers pointing to impacts on learning and verbal memory. Medical Policy: Georgia expands its medical cannabis program—vapes now allowed for patients, the THC potency cap is removed, and qualifying conditions broaden under the “Putting Georgia’s Patients First Act.” Public Safety & Enforcement: Illinois State Police ran a Metro East violent-crime sweep, seizing 818 grams of cannabis alongside firearms and other drugs. Industry & Science: A Pax Laboratories study reports vaporizing herbal cannabis cuts combustible smoke and many harmful compounds versus smoking. Community & Culture: Fort Collins hosts the Hear/Say cannabis art exhibition (May 27–31) tying public health research to visual storytelling. International Supply Chain: A Dublin Airport case alleges a computer science student tried to smuggle €500k of cannabis, claiming he thought it was phones and watches.

Public Safety Crackdown: Illinois State Police ran a major Metro East violent-crime sweep (May 13–14), netting 23 arrests, 11 firearms recovered, and seizing 818g of cannabis. Medical Policy: Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp signed SB 220 to expand medical cannabis—adding qualifying conditions, allowing vaping for patients over 21, and removing the 5% THC potency cap. Airport Bust: A computer science student was arrested at Dublin Airport after customs found 25kg of cannabis worth about €500k in vacuum-packed parcels; he claimed he thought it was “phones and watches.” Retail & Community: Port Jervis opened its first legal dispensary, DeMarino’s, while CBD Provisions in Dallas reopened after an eight-month reset. Research & Health: A large review links cannabis use disorder with higher rates of major depression, and a small chronic-pain study reports a 65% drop in opioid use after adding medical cannabis. Local Governance: Lee voters passed a $25.6M budget, including a wildlife feeding bylaw and a Central Fire Station reuse project.

Medicare CBD Rollout: Thousands of Medicare patients are set to get free CBD as the U.S. tests whether the nonintoxicating product can cut chronic pain costs—an effort that’s already drawing both excitement and doctor pushback. Local Enforcement: Fairfield, California seized 4,100+ illegal items from tobacco retailers, including cannabis and “Whippets,” after inspections flagged sales near schools and alleged under-the-counter hiding. Medical Cannabis vs. Opioids: A small study in Cureus reports chronic pain patients cut opioid use by 65% after starting medical cannabis, with benefits lasting up to five months. New Retail Openings: Allegany County, New York welcomed its first state-licensed dispensary in Alfred, with sales climbing since opening. Market Pressure & Policy: New York’s microbusiness license is spotlighted as a way to keep small operators from getting squeezed by corporate scale. Industry Risk Watch: A separate push highlights how cannabis companies may be underestimating cybersecurity and patient-data exposure as digital systems deepen.

Cannabis Health Warnings: Stanford Medicine experts say cannabis use is rising fast among adults 65+—but today’s products are stronger, and they flag key risks for older adults. Youth Safety Push: A Canada campaign ahead of Victoria Day urges people to call 911 to report suspected impaired drivers and boaters, citing alcohol and cannabis in impaired-driving deaths. Market Reality Check (Michigan): April sales in Michigan climbed to about $276M, but analysts warn the market’s “Walmart of weed” price pressure is squeezing margins and deepening business pain. New Product/Access Moves: Minnesota’s Fond du Lac Band opens a tribally owned cannabis tasting lounge with solventless concentrates, while Nevada City council reviews how cannabis excise tax feeds its sales-tax-driven budget. Global Policy & Research: Kenya launches its first wastewater drug surveillance report, and Ghana’s cannabis delegation tours U.S. regulators and facilities for cultivation and compliance lessons.