Category: Cannabis Info

Doctors at the Department of Veterans Affairs cannot prescribe cannabis, which is banned under federal law. But a measure in the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations Act would let them discuss it as an alternative health care treatment in states that allow medical marijuana.  (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes)

WASHINGTON — Doctors at the Department of Veterans Affairs for the first time would be allowed to recommend cannabis to patients in states where it is legal, according to an amendment in the House-approved VA budget bill for fiscal 2026.

While VA doctors cannot prescribe cannabis, which is banned under federal law, a measure in the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations Act would let them discuss it as an alternative health care treatment in states that have legalized medical marijuana.

The amendment comes from the Veterans Equal Access Act, led by Rep. Brian Mast, R.-Fla., a medically retired Army veteran who served for more than 12 years as a bomb disposal expert.

There also is a second amendment included in the House-approved VA spending bill that supports VA planning for psychedelic assisted therapy as a future treatment option for veterans. That amendment is led by Rep. Bergman, R-Mich., a retired Marine Corps lieutenant general.

The legislation orders the VA to recommend changes needed in its health care infrastructure to include “approved” psychedelic therapies in the delivery of medical services.

The fiscal 2026 bill passed the House in June with more than 30 amendments.

The Senate Appropriations Committee is expected to review the legislation after the July 4th weekend. Fiscal 2026 begins Oct. 1.

Supporters said both amendments provide a framework for the VA to plan for and consider alternative treatments for patients when traditional pharmaceuticals are ineffective.

Cannabis and psychedelic drugs are illegal under federal law, though most states permit marijuana for medical or recreational use.

Bergman, who served from 1969 to 2009, said he supports “innovative therapies that show promise for treating the invisible wounds of war.”

“This line of therapeutics has tremendous advantage, if given in a clinical setting. And we are working very hard to make sure that that happens within 12 months,” said Robert F. Kennedy Jr., secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services.

Kennedy spoke at a June hearing of the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s subpanel on health. He was responding to questions from Rep. Dan Crenshaw, R-Texas, a medically retired Navy SEAL, about the potential use of psychedelic-assisted therapy at the VA for trauma-related disorders.

“We are launching clinical trials at [the Food and Drug Administration], and there are 11 clinical trials at VA,” Kennedy said. “We need to make sure the science on this is solid, particularly for our retired military service members. The preliminary results are very encouraging. There are people who badly need therapy, and nothing else works for them.”

The Veterans Equal Access Act would prohibit the VA from interfering with a veteran’s participation in a medical marijuana program in states where cannabis use is legal.

The legislation allows VA doctors to provide recommendations for medical marijuana to their VA patients. The bill was included as an amendment on the $453 billion VA spending bill approved by the House last month.

“This is common-sense legislation,” said Mast, who served from 2000 to 2011. “Something like 35 states have approved medical marijuana. If this can help veterans recovering from injuries stay off prescription narcotics, it will be a godsend.”

The legislation also stops the VA from using funds to enforce “Veterans Health Directive 1315,” a VA regulation that forbids VA clinicians from completing paperwork or issuing recommendations for veterans to participate in state-approved cannabis programs.

“I sympathize with the struggles of veterans who need an alternative to prescription narcotics,” said Mast, a staff sergeant who lost both legs in a roadside explosion in Afghanistan in 2010.

Mast said he received a “laundry list” of narcotics during his own recovery from catastrophic combat injuries.

“These are not pleasant drugs,” he said. “If veterans can benefit from a non-narcotic like medical marijuana, we are doing a great service for them.”

Ministry officials possess comprehensive powers to act against cannabis-laced products, whether in food, sweets, drinks, or other forms, particularly if they contain cannabis extracts exceeding legal limits. 

Authorities can immediately seize items, impose fines, and refer cases to the police for further legal action.

The penalties for unauthorised cannabis-infused food products, or those lacking proper labelling, are severe. 

Fines can range up to 30,000 Baht, with potential imprisonment of up to three years, or both. 

Should investigations reveal that products were manufactured or imported without permission, or if THC levels are dangerously high, they will be classified as “impure food,” carrying penalties of up to two years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to 20,000 baht, or both.

 

A TEENAGE Isle of Wight man was arrested in connection with child sexual activity and growing cannabis.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary has confirmed police officers attended an address on Rowborough Lane, Brading, on Friday (July 4).

A 19-year-old man was subsequently arrested on suspicion of engaging in sexual activity with a child and the cultivation of cannabis.

Officers “recovered a quantity of cannabis plants” from the address.

The suspect remains in custody.

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A space capsule carrying the ashes of 166 people, along with a collection of cannabis seeds, was lost after crashing into the Pacific Ocean during reentry. The capsule, part of a mission called “Mission Possible” by German aerospace start-up The Exploration Company (TEC), launched on June 23, 2025. Its cargo, arranged through Texas-based space burial firm Celestis, successfully completed two orbits around Earth before communication was lost. While the mission aimed to be Celestis’s first to return from orbit, a reentry anomaly led to the capsule’s destruction and the scattering of its contents at sea.

Space burial mission ends in loss after promising start

The Nyx capsule, designed and launched by The Exploration Company, initially performed well. It powered its payloads in orbit, stabilized after launch separation, and briefly re-established communication during reentry. However, the company lost contact just minutes before splashdown. TEC confirmed the capsule crashed into the Pacific Ocean, with no materials recovered. This was Celestis’s first attempt at a return-from-orbit space burial, carrying remains of 166 individuals entrusted by families around the world. The mission also carried cannabis seeds as part of the Martian Grow project, a citizen science initiative aimed at exploring the potential of farming cannabis on Mars. TEC has only launched one other capsule prior to Nyx, and while they hailed several technical milestones, they acknowledged the risks involved and expressed a commitment to relaunching in the future.

Families mourn while celestis promises support

Celestis co-founder Charles M. Chafer expressed disappointment and offered condolences to the families involved. He acknowledged the bravery of those who chose to participate in a first-of-its-kind return mission and emphasized the symbolic value of having their loved ones orbit Earth before their final resting place in the Pacific Ocean. Despite the tragic outcome, he noted that many milestones — launch, orbit, and controlled reentry — had been achieved. The company has reached out to affected families to offer support and discuss possible next steps. In his words, while no technical feat can replace the personal meaning behind such missions, “we remain committed to serving with transparency, compassion, and care.” The Exploration Company has also pledged to thoroughly investigate the failure and improve future mission reliability. Meanwhile, space enthusiasts and loved ones around the globe continue to reflect on the emotional and scientific aspirations that defined this extraordinary mission.

Discover the Buzz: Silly Nice’s Premium Cannabis Products Take New York by Storm

In the dynamic cannabis scene of New York State, one brand is rapidly emerging as a leader thanks to its uniquely potent, flavor-packed, and meticulously crafted products: Silly Nice. This homegrown New York cannabis brand has quickly captured the attention of both seasoned weed enthusiasts and curious newcomers alike, driven by a passion for purity, potency, and authentic flavor. From highly coveted vape pens to artisanal concentrates and diamond-infused flower, Silly Nice sets itself apart in a crowded marketplace.

Here’s a closer look at the hottest cannabis products from Silly Nice—each boasting impressive cannabinoid profiles, mouthwatering flavors, and selling fast at licensed dispensaries statewide.

2G All-In-One Rechargeable Vape (Tangerine Cookies)—Citrus Bliss on the Go

First up is the Silly Nice 2G All-In-One Rechargeable Vape in the delectable Tangerine Cookies strain. Designed for convenience without sacrificing quality, this potent vape contains a robust 81.24% THC and a generous 87.62% total cannabinoids. With its bright citrus aroma and sweet cookie undertones, every puff offers an unforgettable flavor thanks to 100% cannabis-derived terpenes like Beta-Caryophyllene, Limonene, and Beta-Myrcene.

Perfectly suited for active users, this discreet, travel-friendly device requires no additional hardware—just charge, inhale, and enjoy a clean, flavorful experience wherever life takes you. Lab-tested and reliable, this vape pen also features minor cannabinoids like CBG, CBN, THCv, CBC, and CBD, delivering a balanced high that’s both uplifting and creatively inspiring.

Frosted Hash Ball—Handcrafted Hash for True Enthusiasts

For cannabis purists who appreciate traditional craftsmanship, Silly Nice’s Frosted Hash Ball stands out as a must-try concentrate. Each one-gram ball is meticulously hand-produced, combining old-school hash-making techniques with modern precision. With a THC content of 67.34% and total cannabinoids reaching 78.34%, including THCv, CBN, CBDa, CBGa, and CBC, this hash delivers a profoundly rich and complex experience.

The robust terpene profile (5.7%)—featuring Beta-Caryophyllene, Limonene, Myrcene, Pinene, Valencene, Linalool, and Bisabolol—provides aromatic depth and soothing effects. Perfect for smoking straight or sprinkled into joints for an enhanced effect, this hash offers smooth, flavorful hits that linger satisfyingly.

Diamond-Frosted & Live Resin Infused Flower—Papaya Wine’s Next-Level High

When it comes to cannabis flower, Silly Nice raises the bar with its Diamond-Frosted & Live Resin Infused Flower featuring the Papaya Wine strain. Each meticulously selected bud is coated in terpene-rich live resin and sparkling THCa diamonds, boosting potency to an impressive 47.75% THC and 55.47% total cannabinoids. It’s visually stunning and delivers a smooth, full-bodied smoke every time.

The terpene-rich profile combines fruity notes with earthy spice, thanks to Beta-Caryophyllene, Farnesene, Limonene, Alpha-Humulene, and Alpha-Bisabolol. This premium flower provides an intense yet balanced high, making it ideal for connoisseurs seeking a sophisticated cannabis experience.

1G 510 Thread Vape Cartridge (Northern Lights)—Relaxation Redefined

For relaxation seekers, Silly Nice’s Northern Lights 1G 510 Thread Vape Cartridge offers unmatched potency and flavor. Packing a powerful 84.66% THC punch and 91.21% total cannabinoids, this indica-dominant cartridge promotes deep tranquility. Crafted using only cannabis-derived terpenes like Beta-Caryophyllene and Limonene, each hit reveals the legendary strain’s signature earthy sweetness.

Ideal for nighttime use or unwinding after stressful days, this vape cartridge combines convenience, discretion, and exceptional quality. Lab-tested for purity, users can trust its consistent, soothing effects.

1G Bubble Hash—Clean, Pure, and Flavor-Packed

Fans of solventless concentrates will find the Silly Nice 1G Bubble Hash irresistible. Created using a pure ice-water extraction method, this hash retains the natural essence of cannabis, delivering 52.10% THC and 61.93% total cannabinoids. Its terpene-rich profile (5.2%) includes Beta-Caryophyllene, Limonene, Beta-Myrcene, and Farnesene, creating an aromatic, flavorful experience unlike any other concentrate.

This versatile hash can be dabbed, sprinkled into joints, or topped onto flower bowls for an extra potent session. It provides clean, smooth hits and a deeply relaxing high, ideal for seasoned smokers seeking superior quality.

2G All-In-One Rechargeable Vape (Pink Starburst)—Candy Sweet & Exceptionally Potent

Another standout vape is the Silly Nice 2G All-In-One Rechargeable Vape Pen in Pink Starburst. Offering an extraordinary THC potency of 82.46% and total cannabinoids of 88.90%, this sleek device captures the iconic candy flavor perfectly. Every puff delivers sweet, fruity satisfaction complemented by terpenes like Beta-Caryophyllene, Limonene, Beta-Myrcene, and Farnesene.

Perfectly portable and discreet, this vape pen requires no additional equipment—just charge and savor the premium flavor and potent effects. The vape is thoroughly lab-tested, ensuring purity and reliability in every session.

1G 510 Thread Vape Cartridge (Runtz)—Balanced Hybrid Highs, Pure Flavor

The Silly Nice 1G Runtz 510 Thread Vape Cartridge rounds out the lineup, offering balanced hybrid effects ideal for day or night use. With 81.96% THC and 88.36% total cannabinoids, this cartridge excels in potency and purity. Crafted using 100% cannabis-derived terpenes, each pull bursts with sweet, fruity goodness.

Its terpene blend of Beta-Caryophyllene and Limonene enhances mood and relaxation, delivering a well-rounded high perfect for creative pursuits or unwinding. Compatible with standard vape batteries, it’s an easy choice for consumers who value quality, convenience, and authentic flavor.

Find Silly Nice at Your Local New York Dispensary

These in-demand products from Silly Nice are flying off shelves statewide, attracting attention for their exceptional quality, flavor, and potent effects. Available exclusively at licensed dispensaries throughout New York, these items consistently sell out fast, reflecting strong consumer demand and loyalty to the Silly Nice brand.

Check availability and full lab results at sillynice.com/locations to find your nearest dispensary. Whether you’re exploring cannabis for the first time or seeking top-tier products to elevate your sessions, Silly Nice offers unbeatable quality, potency, and purity—crafted with care and delivered at “for the people” prices.

New Yorkers looking for premium cannabis experiences without premium prices need look no further. Silly Nice continues to set the pace in the state’s thriving legal cannabis market, bringing fun, fire, and authentic flavor to every hit.

New York City is well-known for delivering top-tier cannabis experiences, and no brand embodies this trend better than Silly Nice. With a dedication to quality, small-batch production, and unbeatable potency, Silly Nice has become one of NYC’s must-have cannabis brands. Their innovative lineup of premium weed products, featuring everything from potent vape pens to artisanal hash balls, has quickly established a reputation among seasoned cannabis enthusiasts and curious newcomers alike.

Below, discover seven of NYC’s hardest-hitting weed products from Silly Nice—each carefully crafted, rigorously lab-tested, and renowned for delivering fast-acting effects and exceptional flavor.

Silly Nice’s Diamond-Frosted & Live Resin Infused Flower – The Ultimate Smoke

Among Silly Nice’s stellar lineup is the Papaya Wine strain Diamond-Frosted & Live Resin Infused Flower. Expertly cultivated and infused, this 3.5-gram premium flower hits with a potent 47.75% THC, enhanced by pure THC diamonds and terpene-rich live resin. Each dense bud offers a luxuriously smooth inhale with tropical notes, complemented by earthy undertones and a slow-burning, full-spectrum high. It’s designed specifically for seasoned smokers seeking superior potency, unmatched flavor, and unparalleled quality.

Lab-tested for purity and potency, this product is enriched with cannabinoids like CBD, CBC, CBN, and CBG for a powerful entourage effect. Find your favorite dispensary through the dispensary locator at sillynice.com.

2G All-In-One Rechargeable Vape (Tangerine Cookies) – Citrus Bliss, Elevated Convenience

Silly Nice’s Tangerine Cookies vape pen is crafted for cannabis connoisseurs demanding premium flavor, powerful effects, and maximum portability. With a THC potency of 81.24%, this rechargeable pen provides an invigorating, mood-elevating high ideal for creativity, socializing, or simply brightening your day.

Its terpene-rich formula highlights real citrus notes and sweet cookie undertones, derived exclusively from cannabis terpenes—never synthetic. The pen’s discreet, sleek design and ease of use make it perfect for enjoying on-the-go or at home, ensuring clean hits and reliable performance every time.

Frosted Hash Ball – A Masterpiece for Hash Lovers

For hash purists, the Silly Nice Frosted Hash Ball offers a genuine, small-batch experience like no other. Handcrafted using traditional methods, each gram packs a robust 67.34% THC and a total cannabinoid profile of 78.34%, enhanced by rare cannabinoids and a rich terpene mix (5.7%).

Whether smoked in a pipe, crumbled into joints, or blended with flower, this artisanal hash ball promises a deeply satisfying session, delivering both intense relaxation and exceptional flavor with every puff. Meticulously lab-tested, it embodies premium, small-batch hash making at its finest.

1G 510 Thread Vape Cartridge (Runtz) – Bold Flavor, Powerful Effects

Silly Nice’s Runtz cartridge is a hybrid powerhouse, delivering 81.96% THC and a remarkable 88.36% total cannabinoids. Each pull is infused with the authentic sweet, fruity essence of Runtz, complemented by cannabis-derived terpenes that enhance mood and relaxation.

This cartridge, compatible with standard 510-thread batteries, provides unmatched flavor purity—free from artificial additives—and is enriched with minor cannabinoids like CBD, CBC, and CBG, elevating the entourage effect. Portable, potent, and perfect for users craving balanced effects and great taste, it’s an NYC favorite for a reason.

1G Bubble Hash – The Pure Essence of Cannabis

For those preferring solventless concentrates, Silly Nice’s 1G Bubble Hash is unmatched. Produced using only ice-water extraction methods, it maintains the full-spectrum integrity of the cannabis plant. With 52.10% THC, this hash also includes beneficial cannabinoids such as CBD, CBG, and CBN.

The potent terpene profile offers earthy notes with subtle citrus undertones, enhancing relaxation and euphoria. Versatile and potent, it can be dabbed, sprinkled over flower, or smoked alone, consistently delivering clean, powerful hits with every use.

2G All-In-One Rechargeable Vape (Pink Starburst) – Sweetness Meets Strength

Silly Nice’s Pink Starburst vape combines incredible flavor with exceptional potency, boasting 82.46% THC. Each inhale bursts with sweet, fruity notes reminiscent of the beloved candy, making it irresistibly enjoyable. This vape pen features only natural cannabis-derived terpenes for pure taste and a full cannabinoid profile including CBN, CBC, and CBD.

Compact, sleek, and ready-to-use, it provides convenience without sacrificing quality. Ideal for seasoned cannabis lovers and beginners alike, it consistently delivers potent, uplifting effects that last.

1G 510 Thread Vape Cartridge (Northern Lights) – Deep Relaxation Redefined

For cannabis users seeking deep tranquility, Silly Nice’s Northern Lights cartridge is the ultimate go-to. With 84.66% THC, it offers potent indica-driven relaxation enhanced by cannabis-derived terpenes for rich, earthy flavor. This cartridge delivers an impressive 91.21% total cannabinoid content, including beneficial compounds like CBD, CBG, and CBN.

Perfect for winding down, it pairs seamlessly with standard vape batteries, providing discreet, potent relaxation wherever you are. Lab-tested for purity and potency, it’s among NYC’s most trusted cannabis products.

Find Silly Nice Products in NYC Dispensaries

Each Silly Nice product mentioned is available at licensed dispensaries across New York State, catering to cannabis enthusiasts who appreciate high potency, remarkable flavor, and reliable quality. To find your nearest location stocking Silly Nice’s top-tier cannabis products, visit sillynice.com/locations.

In the highly competitive NYC cannabis market, Silly Nice distinguishes itself through uncompromising quality and thoughtful, small-batch craftsmanship. With products designed to meet the demands of both recreational users and wellness seekers, Silly Nice continues to solidify its reputation as a leading brand in New York’s dynamic cannabis landscape.

Next time you’re searching for powerful effects, unforgettable flavors, and trusted quality, remember Silly Nice—crafted for potency, flavor, and the ultimate cannabis experience. Always tip your budtender—they’ll appreciate the gesture, and you’ll leave with something special.

By MATTHEW DAVIS and JOE ROSSITER

Published: 19:26 EDT, 5 July 2025 | Updated: 19:28 EDT, 5 July 2025

Police forces have been accused of going soft on cannabis after figures revealed three in four people caught with the drug last year were let off with an informal warning.

Data shows that despite 68,513 people being found in possession of cannabis, only 17,000 were charged.

The rest were largely subject to a ‘community resolution’, which does not go on an individual’s criminal record and, in most cases, simply means a warning not to do it again.

The maximum penalty for possession of cannabis, which is in the same category as amphetamines, ketamine and ‘date rape’ drug GHB – is five years in prison or an unlimited fine.

Last week, 14 police and crime commissioners called on policing minister Dame Diana Johnson MP to upgrade cannabis to a class A drug and said it was more harmful to society than heroin.

They also hit out at Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan’s backing for the decriminalisation of possession of small amounts of the drug.

The latest figures, which are from a Freedom of Information request and are based on a 12-month period up to September 2024, show a wide discrepancy between police forces.

Avon and Somerset have the most robust approach, charging almost four in five people it caught last year, but Thames Valley and Hampshire charged only one in eight.

Last week, 14 police and crime commissioners called on policing minister Dame Diana Johnson MP (pictured) to upgrade cannabis to a class A drug

Data shows that despite 68,513 people being found in possession of cannabis, only 17,000 were charged

The 14 police and crime commissioners also hit out at Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan’s (pictured left) backing for the decriminalisation of possession of small amounts of the drug

In Wales, Dyfed-Powys charged just 8.6 per cent, while North Wales and South Wales forces took action against more than half. The Metropolitan Police charged 2,929 and gave out-of-court sanctions to 11,057.

Overall, 51,495 people caught with cannabis last year did not face court. Of those, 44,482 were dealt with via a community resolution, 3,619 were given a caution, 1,008 received an official warning and 2,386 were given an on-the-spot fine.

Avon and Somerset’s former police and crime commissioner Mark Shelford said Sir Sadiq’s call to decriminalise possession of small quantities was ‘extremely foolish and dangerous’, and accused him of ‘pandering to a certain group in society who think this is cool and does no harm’.

Devon and Cornwall Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez said cannabis decriminalisation had proved a ‘dangerous social experiment’ elsewhere in the world.

Kevin Moore, ex-head of Sussex CID, described variations in charging rates as ‘two-tier justice’, and said many forces are ‘in all likelihood’ influenced by past sentencing and feel putting offenders before a court ‘is a waste of everyone’s time’.

Dyfed-Powys attributed its low charge rate to a ‘policy to expand the number referred to treatment via an adult community resolution’.

“The office is actively conducting outreach and establishing communication with previously qualified applicants.”

By Christopher Shea, Rhode Island Currant

The state’s Cannabis Control Commission is looking to license a new compassion center in northern Rhode Island after plans for one in Woonsocket were scrapped.

The three-member commission has reopened applications for candidates who qualified to open the medical marijuana dispensaries in the original 2021 license application process, with submissions due September 18. The license is reserved for a business that opens in Zone 1, which includes Burrillville, Cumberland, Glocester, North Smithfield and Woonsocket. Smithfield is excluded, as voters in 2022 narrowly rejected allowing retail cannabis shops in town.

R.M.I. Compassion Center Inc. won the Zone 1 license in the fall 2021 lottery, with plans to open at Walnut Hill Plaza in Woonsocket by last summer, according to its website. R.M.I quickly faced pushback from local zoning officials, resulting in a court battle that R.M.I ultimately won.

But the center never opened and R.M.I. withdrew its application in January after failing to meet the state’s licensing requirements in September 2024, according to a consent order from the Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation.

Paul Isikwe, who is listed on state documents as the president of the business, did not immediately respond to request for comment.

Four other applicants qualified for the 2021 lottery: Livity Compassion Center, Medici Compassionate Care Center Inc., New Leaf Compassion Center Inc. and Pinnacle Compassion Center Inc. To receive the license now, they must meet new regulatory requirements, including proof of zoning approval, operational readiness and adherence to safety standards.

None of the four had reapplied as of Tuesday, Charon Rose, a commission spokesperson said in an email, and a Medici director told Rhode Island Current it would not try again.

“It takes a lot of work—we’d have to get property again and redo everything,” said Christopher Roy. “And the other problem is the fees—it just makes it impossible to do business.”

“The office is actively conducting outreach and establishing communication with previously qualified applicants to support their understanding of the process and timeline,” Rose said. “We remain available to answer any questions and are committed to ensuring a smooth and transparent process as we move forward.”

Prospective dispensary owners must pay a $10,000 application fee, but Rose said previously qualified applicants would not have to pay again. Once approved, compassion centers must pay an annual licensing fee of $500,000. If an applicant wants to sell recreational cannabis under a hybrid license, allowed as of 2022, that requires an additional $30,000.

But Thomas Mirza, president of New Leaf Compassion Center, said he still intends to reapply for the northern Rhode Island license. Mirza’s plan is to also sell recreationally under a hybrid license.

“You have to, otherwise economics don’t work,” he said in an interview Tuesday.

A Zone 1 compassion center would bring the state’s total to eight. The first quarter of 2025 saw nearly $2.9 million in revenue go into the state’s coffers.

Regulators are still working on opening applications for the 24 new retail licenses allowed under the 2022 law that legalized recreational sales.

This story was first published by Rhode Island Currant.

Rand Paul Files Bill To Triple Federal THC Limit For Hemp As House Pursues Crackdown On Consumable Cannabinoids

Members of an organised crime gang which forced trafficked migrants to work in cannabis farms across the country have been jailed.

The ringleader of the gang, Mai Van Nguyen, 35, from Birmingham, led a criminal network of Vietnamese nationals to exploit the migrants after they were trafficked into the country on lorries or boats, the National Crime Agency (NCA) said.

Taxi drivers were then used to move the migrants to farms and properties around the country.

Many were forced to live in degrading conditions in order to pay off their debt and some were subjected to violence, Kevin Broadhead, from the NCA, said.

Nguyen worked with fellow Vietnamese nationals Doung Dinh, 38, from Birmingham, and Nghia Dinh Tran, 30, from Lewisham, London, to exploit migrants by putting them to work.

According to the NCA, a trial at Birmingham Crown Court heard how taxi drivers Shamraiz Akhtar and Tasawar Hussain, 53 and 54 respectively and from Birmingham, would move migrants between various properties for the gang and were paid hundreds of pounds each time.

They would also carry equipment and cannabis, said the NCA.

A sixth member of the gang, Amjad Nawaz, 44, from Birmingham, arranged the properties which were used for buying and selling drugs.

The trial heard from one trafficking victim who said he was forced to work after being exploited by the gang.

In June 2021, he was arrested after officers from Cleveland Police raided a farm at a house in Hartlepool.

Inside the property, officers found a note pinned to a bedroom door saying “take what you want, please don’t hit me, I do not know English” and a handwritten diary extract from a migrant in which they asked: “Why did I get beaten up and forced to work?”

Farms linked to the network were found in Tipton, Coventry and Edgbaston in the West Midlands, Derby, Hartlepool, East Ham in London and Gatley in Cheshire.

Nguyen and Tran both pleaded guilty to conspiring to produce cannabis but the others denied the charge.

All six denied charges of trafficking for exploitation but on 24 February, following a seven-week trial at Birmingham Crown Court, all six were found guilty of all charges.

The sentences handed down to the six men were:

• Mai Van Nguyen, 35, of Beetham Tower, Birmingham – 15 years

• Doung Dinh, 38, of St John’s Walk, Birmingham – 14 years

• Nghia Dinh Tran, 30, of Casella Road, Lewisham, London – 11 years 6 months

• Amjad Nawaz, 44, of Blake Lane, Birmingham – 12 years

• Tasawar Hussain, 54, of Millward Street, Birmingham – 10 years

• Shamraiz Akhtar, 53, of Nechells Park Road, Birmingham – 10 years 6 months

Second gang also sentenced

The NCA said, in a separate hearing at the same court, two members of another organised crime group were also sentenced on Friday.

The agency said Roman Le, 37, from Birmingham, headed a gang who operated at least eight farms in residential and commercial properties as well as a storage facility which housed both equipment and harvested cannabis.

The NCA said he found properties by posing as a developer and then buying or renting them.

They said Le worked with co-defendants Yihao Feng, 29, from Manchester, and David Qayumi, 36, from Birmingham, to find and run the properties.

They included a disused nightclub in Coventry, a former pub in Birmingham and an old hotel in Lancashire.

Overall the farms were capable of making millions of pounds worth of cannabis, the agency said.

Feng was sentenced to three years and two months in prison, Qayumi got three years and four months and Le will be sentenced on 30 July, the NCA said.

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