AGP Executive Report

Drug Policy & Enforcement: Scotland’s organised crime crackdown has landed fresh jail terms for a Moray drugs ring, with sentences totaling 8+ years for men convicted of trafficking cannabis, cocaine and other drugs after the boss was extradited from Morocco. Cannabis & Public Safety: NSW clinicians warn a new driving reform could put people at risk, arguing the state’s THC threshold and “three-strikes” approach for medicinal cannabis users isn’t backed by peak clinical bodies. Hemp Regulation: Tennessee’s new THCA restriction kicks in July 1, forcing retailers to pull smokable THCA products and raising fears of major job and business losses. Global Crime & Borders: India’s Bihar police seized 419 kg of cannabis near the Nepal border, arresting suspects and suspending officers amid alleged collusion. Community & Health: A student-run cafe in Hobart’s CBD is tackling food insecurity by feeding peers and reinvesting profits into free and low-cost student food programs. Family & Substance Use: A study finds parents’ alcohol and other substance use raises the odds their children will use too, but good parenting and parental abstinence can break the cycle. Policy Debate: Czech experts fear a restructuring that shifts drug policy coordination away from a cross-sector model could weaken harm reduction and prevention gains.

Drug Enforcement: Police in Moray and the Highlands jailed three men for smuggling a “significant” quantity of cannabis, cocaine and other drugs, with sentences topping eight years as Operation Venetica targeted an organised ring. Public Safety & Crime: Albania’s Tirana police reported a high crime-solving rate and major drug and weapons seizures, including cocaine/heroin busts and large arms confiscations. Cross-Border Policy: Colombia’s academics urge the next government to rethink drug policy, focusing on poverty and violence in coca- and cannabis-affected territories rather than only supply cuts. Legal Cannabis Business: Ontario regulators ordered SNDL to divest stores or face licence revocation after finding “de facto control” over multiple retail sites. Brand & Trademark Clash: FIFA lawyers sent a cease-and-desist to a Toronto cannabis shop over World Cup trophy-shaped bongs, demanding sales and marketing details. Smuggling Watch: Indian customs seized 24 gold biscuits hidden in an IndiGo aircraft speaker box, highlighting ongoing airport contraband tactics. Industry Finance: Avicanna closed a $600k private placement to fund working capital and cannabinoid product development. Regulatory Backdrop: Massachusetts’ top court rejected a challenge to a ballot measure that would roll back recreational marijuana legalization.

Regulatory Pressure (Canada): Ontario regulators have ordered SNDL to divest its “de facto control” over dozens of stores or face licence revocation, with a confidential pre-enforcement notice alleging the company effectively controls 46 retail locations. Trademark Clash (Canada): A Toronto cannabis shop received a FIFA “red card” letter over World Cup trophy-shaped bongs, demanding sales and procurement details. Corporate Moves (Cannabis Finance): Avicanna closed a non-brokered private placement of 4,000,014 units at $0.15 each to raise about $600k for working capital and R&D. Market/Real Estate (Cannabis Finance): NewLake Capital Partners approved a Q2 dividend of $0.43/share payable July 15. Medical Cannabis (Ukraine): Ukraine’s medical cannabis program is now operational, with THC capsules dispensed to veterans and an MS patient at pharmacies in multiple cities. International Enforcement (India): Mumbai Customs arrested “Mrs Kerala” runner-up Harsha Sunny over alleged smuggling of ~11.8kg hydroponic cannabis from Bangkok. Policy Fight (US): Massachusetts’ Supreme Judicial Court rejected a challenge to a ballot push that would revoke 2016 recreational marijuana legalization. Global Industry Watch (EU/France): France reports rising adulterated cannabis products, including edibles and vapes, with compositions users can’t anticipate.

Major Bust: Mumbai Customs arrested former “Mrs Kerala” contestant Harsha Sunny after finding 11.82 crore rupees worth of hydroponic cannabis in 12 vacuum-sealed packets in her trolley bag, with the case filed under India’s NDPS Act. Public Health Warning: France’s drug market is getting more unpredictable, with OFDT reporting a rise in adulterated cannabis and more edibles/vapes—meaning users may not know what they’re actually consuming. Medical Cannabis Launch (Ukraine): Ukraine’s medical cannabis program is now operational, with THC capsules dispensed to veterans and an MS patient at pharmacies in multiple cities. Industry & Policy: A new report argues hemp can strengthen rural economies, but warns Kentucky-style progress could stall under shifting federal restrictions on hemp-derived cannabinoids. Business/Compliance: A “payment APIs” explainer highlights how CBD-friendly processors aim to keep transactions secure and compliant behind the scenes. Product News (Canada): Village Farms launched Pure Sunfarms Pink Kush cured resin 510 vape, pushing a top-selling strain deeper into Canada’s fastest-growing vape category. Legal/Politics (US): Colorado Democratic challenger Wanda James’ cannabis brand claims face scrutiny after her flagship Simply Pure Colorado LLC was dissolved and the shop reportedly closed while she campaigned.

Cross-Border Cannabis Bust (Hong Kong): Hong Kong Customs seized about 15kg of suspected cannabis buds worth around $2.7M from a 44-year-old woman arriving from Bangkok via Ho Chi Minh City, arresting her on trafficking charges. Legal Reform Watch (Hong Kong): The government gazetted the Evidence (Amendment) Bill 2026 to reform the hearsay rule in criminal proceedings, aiming to reduce overly strict exclusions. M&A in Medicinal Cannabis (Australia): K&L Gates advised Cannatrek on its approved deal to sell 100% of its capital to Little Green Pharma, creating a larger integrated medicinal cannabis operator. Hemp Product Push (US): Hometown Hero will exhibit hemp-derived THC and CBD beverages at the Hemp Beverage Expo in Austin, highlighting 5mg and 25mg THC sparkling options. CBD Ingredient Update (Animal Health): Trait Biosciences reported early in-home findings for its water-soluble CBD82S ingredient, with owner-reported mobility changes in companion animals. Policy Tension (US/State): South Carolina lawmakers are debating how to regulate THC seltzers and kratom amid concerns about public health and shifting consumers toward illicit markets. Travel Reality Check (Michigan): Conflicting TSA vs Delta guidance leaves Michigan medical cannabis flyers unsure what’s allowed on flights. Youth Substance Use Study: A new study links teenage experimentation with low baseline dopamine rather than a dopamine “overdrive,” with risk dropping as dopamine systems mature.

Medical Travel Confusion (US): TSA says medical marijuana may be allowed in carry-on or checked bags after federal reclassification, but Delta says its policy still bars any marijuana under federal law—leaving Michigan flyers with conflicting answers. Cannabis Policy Fight (US): A drug testing industry group and a cannabis biotech ask a federal appeals court to pause Trump’s marijuana rescheduling move, calling it unlawful overreach. Luxembourg Drug Trends: A new national report finds cannabis is still the most-used drug (about 15% of adults in the past year), with rising potency and more cocaine/ketamine showing up in wastewater. Industry Updates (Canada/Global): Cronos’ Spinach® hits #1 vape brand status in Canada; FLUENT names a new interim CEO as it advances toward a Vireo acquisition; Aurora posts record FY2026 medical cannabis results. Hemp Regulation Pressure (US): An industrial hemp CEO argues “hemp tax” costs are worsening as intoxicating hemp products blur the line for regulators. Local Disruption (South Africa): Waste workers’ strike disrupts Pietermaritzburg’s CBD, with rubbish piling up and streets blocked.

US Cannabis Policy: The DOJ’s move to reclassify medical marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III is opening new federal tax and research doors, but recreational cannabis stays Schedule I, keeping the federal-state split very much alive. Regulation Watch (Pennsylvania): Senate Bill 49 failed to advance, leaving Pennsylvania’s rules for intoxicating hemp products largely unchanged as lawmakers warn about weak testing, labeling, and age checks. EU Drug Market Risks: A new European Drugs Agency report flags more potent substances, new psychoactive drugs, synthetic opioids, and vaping being used to deliver non-nicotine drugs. Industry & Markets: Glass House Brands filed a new Canadian shelf prospectus and an at-the-market equity program (up to $100M). Public Safety & Travel: US police told World Cup fans booze can get you arrested in public, while cannabis rules vary by state—check local laws before lighting up. Business Expansion: Cheba Hut announced a new Fort Worth location, while Slapwoods continues pushing natural leaf blunt cones as “culture with less hassle.” Tech & Privacy: A security researcher says hundreds of thousands of photo IDs were left exposed online, including IDs tied to cannabis clubs in Spain. Minnesota Industry Event: CannaCon returns June 26–27 in St. Paul with legal education and regulator-focused programming.

Medical Cannabis Policy: VA documents obtained via FOIA show how Veterans Affairs formalized rules for cannabis conversations between veterans and doctors, replacing years of uncertainty with clearer internal guidance. Cancer Care Research: A new randomized study finds medical marijuana extracts can “meaningfully” help about half of cancer patients with symptoms like sleep trouble and anxiety, with benefits varying by individual extract preferences. Europe Drug Warning: The EU drugs watchdog says Europe’s illicit market is getting more potent and unpredictable, with synthetic opioids, new substances, and vaping increasingly used to smuggle harmful drugs. Cannabis Business Expansion: High Tide opened a new Canna Cabana in Welland, Ontario, and flagged another planned opening in Calgary, bringing its Canadian store count to 224. Medical Cannabis Branding: Tilray Medical Germany launched ARX™, its first premium medical cannabis brand cultivated in Germany. Company Update: Village Farms named Christopher “Kip” Woodward as board chairman for the coming year. Public Safety & Enforcement: Türkiye seized 764 kg of “skunk” in a port operation, while South Africa police reported a major Bellville crackdown on counterfeit goods tied to illicit retail networks.

EU Drug Report: The EU drugs agency warns Europe faces more potent, more available substances, with opioids still driving most overdose deaths and trafficking routes shifting as gangs adapt. Synthetic Opioids via Vapes: EU experts flag vaping as a potential delivery route for synthetic opioids, raising new risks for young people. Hemp Loophole Fallout (US): A new report says Congress’s 2018 Farm Bill loophole is fueling unregulated, intoxicating hemp products and sending more cases—especially involving kids—to poison control. Port of Tauranga Cocaine Bust (NZ): Customs seized about 100kg of cocaine worth up to $35m hidden in “Prada”-branded bricks inside a container, following earlier Tauranga seizures. Nairobi National Park Fight (Kenya): Civil groups and NGOs vow to stop a proposed animal orphanage, saying it threatens the park’s integrity and calling for transparency. Macau Cannabis Smuggling Case: Judiciary Police say they broke Macau’s biggest cannabis smuggling operation, seizing about 35kg worth roughly HK$35m. Minnesota Cannabis Regulation: Minnesota’s Office of Cannabis Management held community listening sessions to explain how it regulates the legal market. Australia Airport Opening: Western Sydney International Airport confirms an Oct 25 opening with limited flights at first, scaling up over time.

EU Drug Report: The EU Drugs Agency warns Europe’s illicit market is getting more complex and dangerous, with synthetic opioids and new psychoactive substances (50 first detected in 2025) driving overdose risk; it estimates 7,600 overdose deaths in 2024, often involving multiple substances. Youth Recruitment & Violence: The same report says gangs are increasingly recruiting young people—especially from deprived areas—to traffic drugs and carry out intimidation and assaults. Vaping Alarm: EUDA also flags that vapes may be used to deliver harmful substances, including synthetic and semi-synthetic cannabinoids, raising concerns about uptake among adolescents. Australia THC Driving Rule: Australia is moving toward allowing medical users to drive with a small, enforceable THC limit (50 nanograms/mL) after safety training. Germany Chronic Pain Cannabis: Germany approved Exilby, a marijuana-derived oral tincture for chronic pain, positioning it as an opioid alternative. Ireland Overdose Pattern: EUDA data shows cocaine use among young people in Ireland is about double the EU average. Poland Port Bust: Poland seized just over a tonne of heroin at Gdynia, arresting three suspects. Ireland Cannabis Grow Bust: Gardaí seized 122 mature cannabis plants in Kerry and arrested a man under drug trafficking laws. Business/Brand Watch: Village Farms says its Netherlands Phase II cannabis facility is fully operational after final approvals. Jamaica Product Pilot: NUGL and Cannibble begin a Jamaica evaluation of functional beverage samples via Kaya Pizza and Square Grouper Bars.

Zoning vs legalization (Michigan): A New Buffalo visitor count boom is matched by a highway strip packed with cannabis retailers—so much that the piece argues zoning rules are the only thing keeping the coast from looking like a “midway,” raising the question of how legalization reshapes local planning. Public safety & enforcement (India): A viral Mumbai train video shows two men smoking a chilam in a local carriage, sparking commuter outrage and renewed calls for stronger on-board enforcement. World Cup + cannabis education (US): Massachusetts’ Cannabis Control Commission is rolling out a World Cup fan campaign to steer visitors toward legal, regulated purchases and responsible consumption. Travel rules update (US): With DOJ rescheduling, TSA guidance is being revisited for medical marijuana travelers—highlighting what registered patients can bring through security. Cross-border smuggling crackdown (India): Delhi customs seized hydroponic cannabis hidden in electric water heaters (Rs 5.38 crore) and separately nabbed a Bangkok-arrival passenger with Rs 1.42 crore worth of hydroponic weed. Law enforcement (Ireland): Gardaí arrested a man after uncovering a Cork grow house, seizing 122 mature plants and about 1kg of cannabis. Industry event (US/Canada): Tilray CEO Irwin Simon will headline a Schneps Connects conversation on Long Island, spotlighting cannabis-linked consumer brands and growth. Local enforcement (California): Nevada County and CDFW eradicated nearly 15,000 illegal cannabis plants in joint operations targeting water pollution and illegal cultivation. Health policy (UK): Reports say NHS doctors face pressure not to section psychotic Black patients to avoid appearing racist—amid claims of unequal detention rates.

Immigration Pressure in South Africa: Refugees in Durban say Ramaphosa’s tougher immigration reforms don’t address their immediate safety and work-loss fears, with many still stranded outside Home Affairs despite documentation checks. Dutch Cannabis Under Big Tobacco: Altria-linked Cronos is set to buy CanAdelaar, the Netherlands’ biggest regulated grower, raising alarms that tobacco-style marketing could seep into the Dutch legalisation trial. THC Drinks Face US Crackdown: A new federal rule aimed at limiting intoxicating hemp-derived drinks could hit the fast-growing THC beverage market starting this November. Aviation Security Tech: EnWave’s REV dehydration tech gets a Swiss cannabis evaluation deal, while Astrotech’s TRACER 1000 earns ECAC certification for wand swabbing screening. Drug Enforcement Watch: India seized 15.38 kg of suspected hydroponic cannabis hidden in appliances at Delhi airport; Indonesia’s BNN is probing an international network after Russian arrests in Bali. Cannabis Business Moves: Canopy Growth’s Claybourne Frosted Flyers wins Best Infused Pre-Roll at the Grow Up Awards, and Red White & Bloom’s Emblem completes Ayurcann’s Health Canada-licensed manufacturing acquisition.

Aviation & Medical Access: The TSA updated its medical marijuana travel guidance, adding details to its “What Can I Bring?” directory and reiterating that patients can travel with state-licensed meds for use after arrival. Global Drug Enforcement: Indonesia’s BNN says it’s probing an international drug ring after two Russian nationals were arrested in Bali following a high-speed chase tied to about 7.8kg of hashish. Organized Crime & Espionage: A declassified UK report warns Chinese triads are being directed by Beijing to spy and could use brothels to blackmail MPs. Cannabis Policy & Health: A new U.S. survey analysis finds 2.8% of Americans (about 8 million) used psilocybin in the past year, with young adults and men more likely. Industry Watch: Tilray is pushing beyond marijuana by buying craft brewer Brewdog, but critics say the move may be a tough sell given Brewdog’s recent struggles. World Cup Weed Culture: New York cannabis regulators are rolling out an education push for World Cup visitors on how to access legal weed responsibly. Local Governance: South Africa’s Tshwane bylaw crackdown shut an illegal brothel in a hotel, reigniting debate over sex work regulation. Tech & Data Sovereignty: New Zealand-backed Exaba secured $12m to expand a local data centre push tied to keeping data onshore.

Travel & Safety: TSA updated its medical marijuana guidance, telling flyers to keep cannabis for qualifying conditions and generally avoid using it on the plane, aiming for access at the destination. Retail & Culture: Toronto’s Cosmic Charlies is selling World Cup trophy-style bongs to ride tourism demand as Canada’s legal cannabis market gears up for summer crowds. Enforcement & Smuggling: Spanish investigators suspect a third drug-smuggling tunnel tied to the Ceuta network after earlier tunnel discoveries used to move cannabis into Europe. Cross-border Busts: Hong Kong Customs seized about 3.4 kg of suspected cocaine and 16 kg of suspected cannabis buds at the airport, arresting two women. Industry & Policy Watch: Minnesota officials held listening sessions on the 2026 Cannabis Omnibus Bill, while federal THC/CBD limits could tighten later this year. Research & Health: A study discussed a genetic link between cannabis use and psychosis, adding fuel to ongoing medical debate.

World Cup Retail Buzz (Canada): Toronto’s Cosmic Charlies is selling World Cup trophy-shaped bongs to ride July tourism, with Ontario weed sales expected to jump around the tournament. Local CBD/City Life (New Zealand): Tauranga’s Aspen Reserve upgrade is underway, adding seating, landscaping and community features to create a quieter inner-city space. Drug Enforcement (India): Kerala’s Operation Toofan arrested 795 people and seized about Rs6m in narcotics in days, including cannabis and MDMA. Airport Bust (India): Lucknow Customs seized 10.39kg of hydroponic marijuana worth about ₹10.39 crore from a passenger arriving via Bangkok. Cross-border Seizures (Hong Kong): Hong Kong Customs found 3.4kg cocaine and 16kg cannabis buds in airport baggage, arresting two women. Policy/Regulation (US): Philadelphia City Council passed bills tightening smoke shop rules by defining hemp-based THC and kratom as “intoxicating substances” needing permits and testing. Research (Cannabis & Health): A new study links cannabis use disorder to psychosis, highlighting genetic pathways behind the CUD-to-psychosis connection.

Cross-border enforcement: Canada’s CBSA signed a Letter of Intent with customs agencies in the Netherlands, Belgium, and France to better disrupt international drug trafficking through shared info and joint operations. Airport busts: Hong Kong Customs seized about 3.4 kg of suspected cocaine and 16 kg of suspected cannabis buds from two women at Hong Kong International Airport, with investigations ongoing. Smuggling crackdown: India’s customs at Lucknow airport arrested a passenger and seized 10.397 kg of hydroponic marijuana worth about ₹10.39 crore. Organized crime via mail: UK police jailed a drug gang that used Royal Mail parcels to send drugs worth £2.2m, including cannabis resin and THC edibles. Cannabis and health policy: Philadelphia City Council passed bills tightening smoke shop rules by defining kratom and hemp-based THC as intoxicating substances requiring permits, plus testing and age limits. Research link: A study in Biological Psychiatry Global Open Science reports genetic pathways supporting a causal link from cannabis use disorder to psychosis. Industry moves: Vireo Growth closed its Bridgewell acquisition and announced dispensary deal steps in Nevada and Maryland. Sports + cannabis commerce: Toronto and Vancouver dispensaries are gearing up for World Cup foot traffic, betting on delivery and tourist demand.