AGP Executive Report

Food Safety & Chemicals: Texas AG Ken Paxton launched a probe into glyphosate residue in foods, issuing Civil Investigative Demands to Bayer and PepsiCo over alleged consumer-protection violations. Public Health & Cannabis Access: A Veterans Action Council op-ed cites VA FOIA findings showing clearer “bright line” rules for how clinicians discuss medical cannabis with veterans under VHA Directive 1315. Medical Cannabis Brand Expansion: Tilray Medical Germany rolled out ARX™, its first premium medical cannabis brand cultivated in Germany, debuting at Mary Jane Berlin. Cannabis Policy & Federal Coverage: A House Appropriations vote would block federal workers’ compensation coverage for medical marijuana, even if rescheduling happens. Research & Mood Science: A new study links GLP-1 drugs to depression relief via a gut–brain pathway in mice, adding to the growing overlap between metabolic drugs and mental health. Market/Compliance Tech: CannBro highlighted regulatory compliance, medical applications, and supply-chain strategy at Cannabis Expo Johannesburg, including ISO/GMP positioning and local-stock delivery. Drug Exposure Trends: A poison-center survey found marijuana exposure cases rose in the U.S. (2015–2021), with fewer serious adverse events and deaths for marijuana-only use than many other substances. Agriculture & Weed Control: Missouri guidance warns thistles can cut pasture productivity and stresses early, frequent control to prevent seed spread.

Cannabis Policy & Regulation: Virginia lawmakers are trying to revive a regulated recreational marijuana market after Gov. Abigail Spanberger vetoed the original bill, with new budget language now in play. Tech in Cannabis: California regulators unveiled a new AI tool aimed at preventing product packaging that may appeal to kids. Hemp & CBD Supply Chain: The UK is loosening hemp licensing rules, but farmers still face practical hurdles like specialized harvesting equipment and processor access. Public Health & Safety: The DEA is warning World Cup travelers that pills and other drugs may be laced with fentanyl, including cases where fentanyl is mixed with marijuana or cocaine. Youth & Substance Use: Colorado’s latest youth health survey shows improved mental health and more “protective factors” like supportive adults, while substance use caution is rising. Drug Enforcement: New Zealand customs seized about 100kg of cocaine worth up to $35m from a Tauranga shipping container, using X-ray scans to spot concealment. Community & Education: A Maine school board election win for a cannabis policy official highlights growing crossover between cannabis governance and local education priorities.

Medical Cannabis Policy: Australia is moving to allow medical marijuana users to drive with a small, enforceable THC limit (50 nanograms/mL) tied to registered prescriptions and a safety class—aimed at separating legal treatment from impairment. Medical Innovation: Germany approved Exilby, a marijuana-derived oral tincture for chronic pain, positioning it as an opioid-replacement option across the EU. Public Health & Youth Nicotine: Despite record lows in teen cigarette smoking, youth nicotine exposure is shifting to e-cigarettes, nicotine pouches, and rising cannabis/THC co-use—keeping dependence risks on the radar. Regulatory & Safety Watch: The EU Drugs Agency warns vapes could become a delivery route for harmful substances, including synthetic opioids, as drug markets diversify and potency rises. Enforcement & Supply Disruption: Ireland’s Gardaí seized 122 mature cannabis plants in a “sophisticated” growhouse raid under Operation Tara, while India’s Kanpur police seized 600+ kg of cannabis after a chase. Industry & Community: Des Moines’ Grays Woods Recovery Center is set to expand addiction and detox capacity with 74 beds, focusing on reducing stigma around treatment. Business/Market Moves: NUGL begins a Jamaica functional beverage pilot with Cannibble via Kaya Pizza and Square Grouper Bars. Legal/Access: Rhode Island lawmakers are poised to restart retail cannabis licensing after federal court action paused licenses tied to residency ownership rules. Research Funding: Pennsylvania’s Center for Plant Excellence added $241,903 in grants supporting plant industry projects, including hemp-related work.

Regulatory Pressure on Hemp/CBD: Texas AG Ken Paxton opened a glyphosate residue investigation into food products, issuing Civil Investigative Demands to Bayer and PepsiCo and probing whether manufacturers misled consumers—raising fresh health-and-children concerns around herbicide exposure. Cannabis Enforcement: Ireland’s Gardaí arrested a man after seizing cannabis worth over €100,000 in Cork, while the Dominican Republic’s DNCD dismantled an illegal marijuana plantation with 3,000+ suspected plants. Market & Consumer Education: Massachusetts cannabis regulators rolled out World Cup guidance to help fans buy and consume legally and responsibly. Product/Use Risks: A Florida case highlights AI-assisted jury selection debates, while separate reporting underscores growing scrutiny of high-THC cannabis and cannabis use disorder risks. Industry Tech for Weed Control: WeedSmart released a boomspray decision tool to test spot-spraying tech before growers invest. Local Governance: Menlo Park weighs cutting its holiday tree-lighting event and weed-removal contracts amid budget strain.

Herbicide Scrutiny: Texas AG Ken Paxton opened a glyphosate residue investigation into Bayer and PepsiCo, using civil investigative demands to probe whether companies misled consumers under state consumer protection laws. Cannabis Tech & Processing: EnWave signed a tech evaluation and license option deal with Swiss Cannabis Selection AG (with Schibano Pharma) to test its Radiant Energy Vacuum dehydration for cannabinoid and botanical products. Aviation Security Tech: Astrotech’s 1st Detect TRACER 1000 won ECAC certification for wand swabbing, expanding trace-detection use in airports. Public Safety Drones: AirSight and Flock linked AirGuard drone detections into FlockOS to help law enforcement identify operators faster, citing a Louisiana contraband-smuggling bust. Dutch Legalization Politics: Big Tobacco-linked Cronos (Altria stake) is set to buy CanAdelaar, raising addiction experts’ concerns about marketing and lobbying influence in the Netherlands’ regulated cannabis trial. Older Adults & Cannabis: A new study highlights rising cannabis use fastest among Americans over 60, driven by interest in sleep, pain, and mental health. Kratom Under Fire: A case story spotlights kratom’s growing scrutiny after an Arkansas man’s death investigation centered on “100% pure mitragyna speciosa.” Regulatory/Market Watch: Washington’s cannabis market faces pressure from federal changes and oversupply, while Minnesota lawmakers debate cannabis legislation.

Weedkiller Watch: Australia’s top neurologists say the chemical regulator ignored their submissions as it weighs paraquat’s future amid Parkinson’s-linked concerns, with a final decision expected mid-year. Cannabis Policy & Markets: Washington’s cannabis board warns federal rescheduling uncertainty and ongoing oversupply are squeezing the legal market, while regulators keep pushing back against a “thriving” illicit trade. CBD/Health Research: New studies keep pointing to potential brain effects from cannabis/CBD compounds, including Alzheimer’s-related findings and work on cannabis use and cognition. Tech for Farms: Dorset trials “Raggy,” an electric robot using machine vision to mechanically target ragwort, aiming to cut chemical use while protecting livestock risk areas. Invasive Species Biocontrol: Michigan begins a pilot release of the mile-a-minute weevil to curb invasive mile-a-minute weed, using a regulated biological control approach. Industry/Business: Tilray’s Brewdog acquisition highlights a push to rebrand beyond marijuana into broader consumer packaged goods. Legal & Safety: Colorado launches a summer DUI enforcement push urging drivers to plan ahead if alcohol or cannabis is involved.

Cannabis Enforcement: Gardaí in Cobh, Co. Cork arrested a man and woman after a residential search turned up about €50,000 worth of cannabis plus a small amount of cocaine and drug-mixing utensils, with seized items headed to Forensic Science Ireland. CBD Regulation & Retail: The same report notes authorities also seized THCA vapes, gummies, and CBD products from Munster vape shops, underscoring Ireland’s tight CBD rules (including the <0.2% THC requirement). Industry Business: Washington’s cannabis regulators say federal rescheduling uncertainty, market oversupply, and illicit-market enforcement are still major pressure points for the state’s legal market. Indoor Cultivation Compliance: Santa Barbara County is pushing Carpinteria Valley growers to install odor-control tech or face license revocation; most have complied, but at least one greenhouse operator is still without required systems. Tech for Weed Control: Dorset Council and partners are running final tests on an autonomous ragwort-removal robot (“Raggy”) aimed at reducing labor and chemical use. Research & Health: A large survey of older adults finds complementary health approaches are mainstream, including cannabis and psychedelics—while many patients don’t discuss them with doctors. Market Watch: Innovative Industrial Properties (IIPR) is pitched as a cannabis-focused REIT play benefiting from regulatory barriers and “mission-critical” facility demand.

Regulation Watch (US): Washington state cannabis regulators say federal rescheduling could reshape the integrated medical and recreational market, while state rules aim to protect the small-business model and curb oversupply and price pressure. Market & Enforcement (US): The Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board also flagged ongoing illicit-market pressure as a key challenge. Public Health & Compliance (Colorado): Denver seized unregulated PolkaDot-branded chocolate and gummies after tests found illegal psychoactive ingredients, highlighting how dietary-supplement loopholes and misleading labels can slip past oversight. Youth Risk (US): A CDC-linked snapshot shows teens’ cannabis use remains high, with daily use concerns for educators and parents. Policy & Access (Kentucky): An executive order expands medical cannabis access by adding qualifying conditions. Retail Tech (Illinois): PROTEUS420’s co-founder will lead a cannabis retail technology workshop at IgniteIt Chicago, with industry leaders set to weigh in ahead of a major DEA hearing. Agritech (UK): Dorset farms begin trials with “Raggy,” an autonomous robot targeting ragwort to reduce chemical use and labor. Enforcement (India): Kerala’s Operation Toofan reports major arrests and seizures, including cannabis and hashish oil, as police push a drug-free state campaign. Kratom Crackdown (Missouri): Missouri AG says CBD American Shaman will suspend in-state kratom and 7-OH sales after a settlement tied to alleged misleading marketing.

CBD/Consumer Safety: Denver health investigators seized unregulated PolkaDot-branded chocolate bars and gummies after lab tests found illegal psychoactive ingredients, including synthetic tryptamines, raising fresh concerns about supplement loopholes and false labeling. State Policy & Access: Trinidad and Tobago’s PM outlined a new legislative push that includes regulatory frameworks for cannabis and higher age limits for ganja, alongside broader education, social media, and public safety reforms. Research Watch: A mouse study reports inhaled CBD can reduce brain immune activity tied to Alzheimer’s-like inflammation, but researchers stress it’s pre-human evidence. Kratom Crackdown (Adjacent Market): Missouri AG Catherine Hanaway says Kansas City-based CBD American Shaman agreed to suspend all in-state kratom and 7-OH sales after allegations of misleading “free sample” marketing. Public Health in Schools: Kansas lawmakers heard testimony on rising teen overdoses and proposals to require fentanyl education and naloxone access in schools, with Ohio already moving ahead. Industry Tech: A Dorset project trialing an electric weed-zapping robot (“Raggy”) aims to mechanically remove ragwort to cut labor and chemical use.

Medical Research: New studies keep rolling in on cannabis and CBD—Swiss researchers report cannabis use may raise testosterone in young men and identify new hormone biomarkers, while separate work links cannabis use disorder to psychosis pathways and finds problematic cannabis involvement is common among college students. CBD & Neuroinflammation: A lab study in mice suggests CBD could cool Alzheimer’s-related brain inflammation, pointing to a new angle beyond plaque-focused drug hunts. Policy Watch: Trinidad and Tobago’s PM outlined a new parliamentary agenda that includes regulatory frameworks for cannabis and higher age limits for ganja, plus tighter social media rules for kids under 12. Kentucky Access: Gov. Beshear’s executive order expands Kentucky’s medical cannabis qualifying conditions to 21. Industry & Retail: Canada’s legal shops are gearing up for World Cup tourist demand, betting on delivery and in-store novelty. Public Health & Youth: Nigeria’s NDLEA warns adolescents are especially vulnerable to cannabis addiction as brain development continues into the 30s. Enforcement: Washington regulators say federal rescheduling uncertainty and illicit-market oversupply remain major hurdles for legal cannabis.

Cannabis Retail Tech: QRlogix is rolling out Metrc-connected labeling that auto-fills compliant package data, cutting the spreadsheet-copy-rekey grind that slows operators and raises error risk. Medical Cannabis Retail Expansion: NatureMed opened its second Kentucky dispensary in Erlanger, adding more access for qualifying patients under state law. Industry Events & Policy Watch: PROTEUS420 CEO Dawne Morris will lead a retail tech workshop at IgniteIt Chicago, while Highly Capitalized Podcast and MITA USA plan live interviews ahead of the DEA rescheduling hearing June 29. Public Health & Enforcement: A family sued a kratom-based drink maker and smoke shops after a fatal overdose, citing FDA warnings about kratom risks. Drug Busts: Irish police seized €85,000 in suspected cocaine plus €8,000 of suspected cannabis in Athlone, with two men charged. Agrochemical Safety Debate: Vermont’s paraquat ban spotlights the ongoing fight over pesticide science vs precaution, with other states watching.

CBD Research: A new mouse study in eNeuro reports CBD inhalation reduced brain inflammation and improved memory-related behavior in an Alzheimer’s model, pointing to a “multitarget” anti-inflammatory angle. Cannabis & Teens: A separate study in Comprehensive Psychiatry links adolescent cannabis use—especially high-potency products—to changes tied to dopamine system development, raising concerns about motivation/reward circuitry. Medical Cannabis Access: NatureMed opened its Erlanger, Kentucky dispensary (June 5), expanding patient access in Northern Kentucky with card verification and education plans. Retail & Safety: New York’s ESH Cannabis NYC opened in Rosedale with a drive-through and education events, while southeast Minnesota counties push “Speaking of Cannabis” to curb accidental child exposure. Local Regulation: Okanogan County is weighing tighter cannabis limits despite a commissioned report showing $70M+ in local economic impact. Policy/Enforcement: Missouri AG Catherine Hanaway secured a settlement forcing CBD American Shaman to suspend kratom and 7-OH sales in-state. Product/Market: Logan’s Roadhouse in Texas is rolling out 5mg THC cocktails for a limited launch event.

Workplace Testing Boom: National Drug Screening says its June 13 Drug Testing Business Bootcamp in Melbourne is sold out, citing surging demand for practical training as DOT oral fluid testing rolls out. Youth Health & Risk: A new study links cannabis + tobacco co-use in teens/young adults at clinical high risk for psychosis to worse cognitive performance, adding a potential early-intervention risk signal. Regulation & Enforcement: A Connecticut city approved up to $30,000-per-day fines for unlicensed cannabis sales, targeting “smoke shop” operators and even landlords. Clinical Research Watch: The FDA greenlit a first human trial of kratom’s mitragynine (MG001) for opioid use disorder, aiming to expand treatment options. CBD/Agri Business: Fingerboard Farm in Maryland is leaning into hemp/CBD plus agritourism to survive rising farm costs, showing how producers are diversifying. Safety & Public Health: Hong Kong Customs seized 31kg of drugs in Mong Kok, including cannabis buds and oil, after shutting a suspected distribution hub. Industry Expansion: Riviera Creek in Ohio boosted its licensed grow footprint from 5,000 to 62,000 sq ft and rolled out new products like gummies.

Medicinal Cannabis Driving Reform (NSW): NSW is proposing a “three-strike” approach for registered medicinal cannabis users, setting a THC threshold (50 ng/mL) where drivers won’t be charged after lab confirmation—though roadside swabs still trigger an immediate 24-hour ban pending results. Public Safety & Enforcement: Florida Highway Patrol is asking for help after a high-speed I-75 chase; troopers say they found guns and marijuana in the car. Youth Vaping Crackdown (Arizona): Arizona lawmakers approved HB 4001 to restrict how vapes are packaged and designed for minors, add licensing requirements, and increase penalties for repeat sellers. Cannabis Policy via Local Tax (Albuquerque): Albuquerque touts results from a guaranteed basic income pilot funded through the city’s recreational-use cannabis tax, drawing scrutiny from opponents. Industry & Tech: IREN plans a major Asia-Pacific AI data centre in South Australia, powered by net renewables—an energy-heavy build that could reshape regional infrastructure. Research & Health: A study finds teens’ vaping searches on TikTok skew toward glamorized illicit content, while Google surfaces more health resources.

Medical Cannabis Rollout: Alabama’s first medical dispensary, Callie’s Apothecary in Montgomery, opens after years of delays, with patients required to show state IDs and medical cannabis credentials. Research Access: A Michigan State University researcher says federal rules force cannabis studies to use low-potency products, leaving a gap between research and what people buy in Michigan dispensaries. Road Safety Reform: Australia’s NSW moves to stop automatic penalties for medically prescribed THC users if roadside tests show levels below the legal threshold, using a “three-strike” approach for repeat detections. Industry & Retail: Sweetspot launches its first Central Jersey dispensary in Hamilton, expanding its East Coast footprint with an education-first retail model. Corporate Update: Curaleaf confirms its 1-for-3 reverse stock split takes effect June 5. Science & Wellness: New mouse research suggests non-THC cannabis compounds may help regulate metabolism and improve type 2 diabetes markers. Controlled Environment Agriculture: A new report forecasts strong growth for controlled environment agriculture, listing cannabis among key crop categories.

Hemp Policy Fight: A House Rules Committee blocked amendments that would have kept hemp THC products federally legal or delayed recriminalization, leaving the industry bracing for tighter federal rules. Research & Health: Rutgers Health found most adults 65+ rarely discuss cannabis use with clinicians, while new work links combined cannabis and tobacco use to worse cognitive outcomes in youth at risk for psychosis. Cannabis Research Access: A Michigan State researcher says federal limits force studies on low-potency cannabis that don’t match what people buy in dispensaries, slowing answers on long-term risks. Regulatory/Compliance: Alabama’s Aden Holloway entered a “Second Chance” program after a marijuana arrest, with conditions like community service, drug testing, and an apology letter. Public Safety & Enforcement: Antigua and Barbuda medical professionals warned that vaping isn’t harmless and can expose users to nicotine and toxic chemicals. International Enforcement: Kuwait’s court acquitted a man of trafficking but ordered rehab for personal drug use, underscoring how intent can swing outcomes.