AGP Executive Report

Hemp Ban Pressure: A pending federal hemp ban is already hurting Florida businesses, with retailers and farmers warning that products could become illegal overnight as rules shift to a “total THC” standard. Consumer Safety & Compliance: Warrensburg, Missouri police seized 1,080 mislabeled THC/hemp products from nine smoke shops after lab tests found contents didn’t match packaging claims, with more enforcement possible. Medical Research: A new Phase II trial reported that a rapid-acting THC/CBD oil reduced agitation in late-stage dementia patients versus placebo, with benefits sustained through 12 weeks. Product Science Explained: A deep dive on CBN separates sleep-cannabinoid marketing from what studies actually show, noting results are mixed and many products blend multiple actives. Business Expansion: Last Rep, a hemp-derived THC/CBG athletic recovery drink brand, began Texas distribution, aiming for broader national reach. Industry Finance/IR: TerrAscend scheduled its Q2 2026 earnings call for Aug. 6, and Avicanna announced a QUIX™ rapid-onset medical cannabis portfolio launching in Canada in Q3 2026. Enforcement Reality Check: California data shows 97% of seized marijuana came from counties that ban licensed growing, feeding the illicit market.

Hawaii Hemp Crackdown: Hawaii’s Department of Health enforcement is pushing hemp retailers to stop selling, with some owners saying dozens of stores have already shut or cut inventory to avoid THC-limit violations. Medical Cannabis Access: A Germany patient survey finds 71% struggle most to find a doctor willing to prescribe medical cannabis, with many reporting years of symptoms before getting help. Dementia Treatment Update: A new trial reports a THC/CBD oral medicine sharply reduced agitation in late-stage dementia for most participants, boosting interest in cannabinoid-based care. Regulatory/Compliance Pressure (Canada): B.C.’s Community Safety Unit seized about $8M in unlicensed cannabis products across four warehouse raids and says penalties target unregulated sellers. Local Market Expansion (Ohio): Hamilton City Council approved zoning changes that lift the dispensary ban, with limits like distance from schools and a Historic District restriction. Cross-Border Drug Mule Case: Malaysian police say a 19-year-old arrested in Hong Kong was likely recruited as a drug mule after customs found 3kg of cannabis buds. Enforcement Abroad (Ukraine): Ukraine’s anti-drug operation shut down 12 underground labs and seized thousands of cannabis and opium poppy plants. Labeling Friction (U.S.): Rochester patients report legal cannabis test results labeled “illicit drug,” prompting a review of how labs tag marijuana findings.

Ohio Cannabis Expansion: Greenlight hit Ohio’s legal cap with four new dispensaries and added in-state manufacturing, bringing its Ohio total to eight. Regulatory/Enforcement: Virginia launched an anonymous web form and tip line for reporting suspected violations of its new recreational cannabis law. Medical Market Access: Idaho’s medical marijuana initiative failed to qualify for the November ballot after signature and paperwork shortfalls, with possible petitioning issues referred for review. Youth Treatment Delays: A new study finds more teens seeking cannabis use disorder treatment are facing longer waits for care. Product/Innovation: Federal cannabis reclassification is being framed as a boost for beverage innovation, with THC/CBD drinks positioned for clearer oversight. Corporate Moves: TobaGrown acquired Manitoba extract brands HWY 59 and Banter, while RAW Rolling Papers bought RAW Genetics IP to expand into genetics and seeds. Clinical Cannabis R&D: SciSparc’s NeuroThera started a Phase IIb trial site at Hannover Medical School for its cannabinoid-based Tourette treatment. Military Policy: A Pentagon memo says marijuana use remains prohibited for service members and civilian employees despite federal rescheduling discussions. Legal/Local Disputes: A Katonah landlord sued over alleged unpaid rent tied to former cannabis tenants.

Customs Crackdown (Nigeria): Nigeria Customs and NDLEA seized 4,143.5kg of cannabis indica worth about ₦26.57bn at Apapa Port, hidden inside a container of used vehicles. Product Shift (US): MariMed’s Betty’s Eddies launched “Betty’s Bite-A-Mins,” a daily wellness chew combining 30mg CBD plus full-spectrum cannabis with vitamins. Legal Market (Ohio): A federal judge let Ohio companies keep selling THC-infused drinks while a challenge plays out. Medical/Testing (US): A News10NBC probe found patients’ records labeled legal cannabis use as “illicit drug detected,” prompting Rochester Regional Health to change how it handles results. Policy/Research (US): A new study links genetically predicted GLP-1 receptor activation with lower odds of depression and bipolar disorder. Public Safety (Australia): Police used non-lethal tactics to control a cannabis-linked attack dog in Hastings after a CBD-area incident. Industry Disruption (Australia): Sydney’s DIVINE PLAYHOUSE was forced to close and cancel events after a landlord breach notice and social media shutdowns. Regulatory/Operations (California): California’s Department of Cannabis Control released its 2026–2031 strategic plan, aiming to strengthen a trusted legal market amid ongoing illicit-market concerns.

Retail Expansion: Premo opened its second New Jersey dispensary in Dover, adding a Morris County shop with a curated menu of flower, pre-rolls, vapes, edibles, concentrates, tinctures, topicals and beverages, plus plans for delivery by month-end. Local Governance: Osseo City Council approved up to $3M in tax abatement bonding to finance a dispensary building after earlier cost discussions. Regulatory Fight (Hemp THC): A federal judge blocked Ohio’s ban on hemp-derived THC drinks and gummies, keeping sales alive for 10 companies while the lawsuit proceeds. Clinical Breakthrough: MediPharm Labs’ LiBBY Phase II trial reported significant agitation improvements in late-life dementia using a THC/CBD medical formulation versus placebo. Public Health/Research: A large U.S. study found adults with cannabis use disorder faced nearly 4x higher lung cancer risk than matched peers without it. Industry Growth (Social Equity): Maryland’s social equity dispensaries are finally starting to open, with 83 licenses issued since 2023 but only 17 operating so far. International Policy: Texas lawmakers pushed for a ban on hemp-derived THC amid testimony on poison control calls and ER impacts. Enforcement: UK police found a “substantial” cannabis farm in a Swindon home, while Nigeria’s Apapa Customs and NDLEA seized 4,143.5 kg of cannabis indica worth ₦26.5B hidden in a container with vehicles.

FDA & Markets: Neurotech shares jumped 30% after the FDA granted Investigational New Drug status for its medicinal cannabis program targeting childhood autism, setting up a US clinical pathway. Legal & Regulation: A federal judge halted Ohio’s hemp law in a dormant commerce fight, blocking enforcement of a reclassification move for products made and sold by the challengers. State Budget Watch: Pennsylvania’s $50.8B budget passed without major cannabis policy changes, while lawmakers added nearly $1B to the rainy day fund and left several contentious items for later. Retail Compliance: An Auckland officer avoided paperwork by tossing seized cannabis into a skip bin; the charge was withdrawn, but the case highlights enforcement and process failures. Local Cannabis Politics: Hermiston’s petition drive for retail marijuana fell short of signature targets, keeping the city’s “green desert” status intact. Public Safety & Crime: Police in Ghana seized 73 parcels of suspected cannabis and rejected a GH¢300,000 bribe; in the UK, a cannabis smell led to a sting and a sentence for a dealer who tried to flee at hospital. Cannabis in Health News: A study reported THC/CBD medicine reduced agitation in late-stage dementia patients in nearly 90% of cases.

Local Licensing Push: Minnesota’s Pop County approved its first cannabis microbusiness conditional use permit, clearing the way for indoor cultivation and processing after state OKs. Regulatory Roadshow: Jamaica launched a Cannabis Permit Road Tour to expand permit categories and help cultivators, communities, and investors navigate licensing. State vs Federal Scheduling: Wyoming’s AG says cannabis won’t be rescheduled under state law despite federal reforms, arguing the legislature—not agencies—must decide. Industry Expansion: Curaleaf secured registration for standardized cannabis preparations in Spain, signaling more pharma-grade rollout. Events & Networking: NECANN’s New Jersey Cannabis Convention returns Sept. 18–19 in Atlantic City with 200+ exhibitors and the NECANN CUP awards. Enforcement & Public Safety: Bosnia seized about 4.5 kg cannabis plus cocaine, amphetamine oil, weapons, and explosives in “Olympus,” while the UK saw a life sentence (27-year minimum) tied to a cannabis-farm shooting. Supply Chain/Compliance: Courts and regulators keep tightening around cannabis capital and operations, while prison contraband cases continue to land serious sentences.

Regenerative Hemp Fashion: Another Tomorrow teamed up with 91.530 Le Marais to launch a limited summer dress drop made from regenerative hemp grown near Paris, signaling more mainstream luxury interest in hemp textiles. CBD & Hemp Legal/Policy Watch: Virginia’s budget-driven move to revive legal cannabis sales has sparked days of confusion over when rules take effect and whether existing penalties still apply, while North Carolina lawmakers push to limit THC in hemp products. Enforcement & Supply Chains: Nigeria’s NDLEA reported a major haul and arrests, including a South African woman allegedly using her 3-year-old son to smuggle 5.75kg heroin into Nigeria and a separate seizure of Canadian Loud cannabis worth over ₦10.3bn at Lagos port; in Ogun, police’s Operation Kosaye netted 43 suspects and recovered substances suspected to be Indian hemp and “Loud.” Public Safety: Fuengirola intensified roadside drug screening during summer nightlife checks, with cannabis and cocaine showing up in positive tests and vehicles impounded. Industry/Business: Hastings council voted to retain differential business rates for 2026/27, a decision that drew sharp backlash from CBD commercial owners facing steeper increases. Tech/Manufacturing: Zenith Tecnica, tied to electron beam melting work that has included synthetic cannabis products, is under new ownership and plans expansion to larger premises.

Cross-Border Heroin Smuggling: Nigeria’s NDLEA says a 38-year-old South African woman was arrested at Abuja airport with 5.75kg of heroin hidden in two checked suitcases, allegedly using her three-year-old son to lower scrutiny. Port & Airport Enforcement: NDLEA also reported a major cannabis haul at Lagos’s Apapa seaport and multiple other arrests tied to trafficking attempts. Local Cannabis Crackdowns: Kenya police arrested two suspects in Busia after finding 5.65kg of cannabis sativa during a bus-station search, while Nakuru officers uncovered a cannabis “bhang” farm hidden inside a maize plantation. Organised Crime Disruption (EU): Ireland’s Gardaí seized 11 military-grade firearms plus heroin, cocaine and cannabis worth over €700,000 in raids in Laois and Kildare. Policy & Legal Signals: Canada’s Six Nations Elected Band repealed its cannabis control law and regulations, citing compliance, enforcement and financial sustainability issues. US Compliance Fight: The US filed a False Claims Act complaint against a cannabis founder over alleged misuse of pandemic Paycheck Protection Program loans. Travel Warnings: Thailand urged travellers not to carry cannabis parcels abroad, warning of severe penalties even if cannabis is legal for medical use inside Thailand.

Policy & Compliance: North Carolina lawmakers advanced House Bill 328 to cap THC in hemp-derived drinks and edibles at 0.4 milligrams and raise the purchase age to 21, a move that could force companies like Delta Beverages to pivot. Enforcement Crackdowns: Thailand’s Phuket task force raided cannabis shops after suspended licenses were allegedly ignored, while Delaware’s Sober Ride program highlighted that cannabis can impair driving and urged safer alternatives. Local Business & Access: Danville, Illinois may get its first cannabis drive-thru pending state approval, and Belmont’s Cal Verde marked three years as the town’s only active retailer. Health & Research: A BMJ Mental Health study found older adults’ cannabis use wasn’t linked to faster cognitive decline or higher dementia risk. Safety & Crime: A newborn was found dead among garbage bags in Pietermaritzburg CBD, and police in Eden recovered about 50 THC pens plus cannabis and nitrous oxide during a drugs-supply operation.

Enforcement & Compliance: New Jersey prosecutors and multiple local agencies hit Morris County smoke shops with a sweeping crackdown tied to illegal flavored vapes, THC products, and unlicensed marijuana sales, seizing thousands of vapes, THC edibles, marijuana, nitrous oxide canisters, and cash. Regulatory Politics: South Carolina’s THC “hemp loophole” fight is back in the spotlight as editorial voices argue kids can still buy highly intoxicating THC gummies and seltzers at convenience stores. Market & Retail: California’s Dulzé is spotlighted as a Mexican-inspired cannabis gummy brand leaning into flavor and dose tiers, reflecting how edibles keep driving consumer demand. Public Safety: Connecticut charged a smoke shop employee after illegal fireworks were found alongside marijuana packaged for sale. Criminal Justice: A New Zealand court upheld a life sentence in a Morogoro cannabis trafficking case after a man claimed kidnapping and coercion. Community Health: Berrien County health experts urge parents to talk to teens about marijuana risks, especially THC-heavy edibles. International Supply Chains: India arrested a Nigerian and others in New Delhi after seizures of cocaine, heroin, MDMA, cannabis, and tablets tied to alleged trafficking networks.

Cannabis Enforcement: New Jersey prosecutors raided four Morris County towns’ smoke shops, shutting down retailers selling illegal flavored vapes, intoxicating hemp products and “diet weed,” with warrants tied to a months-long probe. Regulatory Compliance: Ohio’s Investigative Unit and Clark County Sheriff’s Office hit four Springfield-area businesses for unlicensed THC/marijuana and kratom sales, seizing thousands of packages and cash. State Policy: Wyoming’s AG says federal medical cannabis rescheduling won’t apply in the state, keeping all marijuana on Schedule I. Youth & Public Health: Michigan health experts urge parents to talk to teens about marijuana as edibles and THC-heavy products raise perceived risk. Market & Capital: Courts are reminding cannabis companies that raising and deploying capital must be done compliantly, after recent securities-fraud rulings involving dispensary operators and investors. Consumer Insight: Ohio lawmakers are pushing anonymous cannabis consumer surveys to help regulators and businesses understand who buys and why. Retail Expansion: Premo opens its second New Jersey shop in Dover, leaning into a hospitality-first, community-focused model. International Supply: India arrested a Nigerian national and others in New Delhi after seizures of cocaine, heroin, MDMA, cannabis and more. CBD Store Events: A Northport CBD store is hosting a free therapeutic drum circle to support stress relief.

Regulatory Clash: Sussex County, Delaware will follow state rules after lawmakers settled retail pot shop authority, ending a long local fight over zoning buffers and shop placement. Local Moratorium: Machias, Maine approved a 6-month pause on new cannabis establishment applications after a license-holder death exposed gaps in state/local rules. Enforcement Surge (US): California’s UCETF says it seized 63,204 pounds of illicit cannabis worth $104M, eradicated 89,257 plants, and made 24 arrests across 10 counties. Enforcement (UK): Police charged two men after a cannabis farm was found inside Leeds’ historic Micklefield House. Enforcement (UK): Coventry police dismantled a grow with 90 fully grown plants. Retail Expansion: Ignite opened a new Hayward, Wisconsin branch (Lake Air Liquor) expanding CBD/hemp and cannabis product access. Product/Brand Move: Cann launched its first zero-THC beverage line (0mg), aiming to expand functional drink distribution. Policy Abroad (Nepal): Gandaki Province legalized cannabis cultivation for medical and industrial purposes under a licensing framework. Cross-border Seizure: Hong Kong Customs seized about 10kg of suspected cannabis buds at the airport and arrested two passengers.

Regulated Cultivation Push (Ghana): Ghana’s Interior Minister says eight companies have cleared vetting to begin legal cannabis cultivation, awaiting his final sign-off under a framework limiting THC to 0.3% for industrial/medicinal use. Enforcement Crackdown (California): California’s Unified Cannabis Enforcement Task Force seized 63,000+ pounds of illegal cannabis worth $104M, eradicated nearly 90,000 plants, and made 24 arrests across 10 counties. School Safety Incident (US): A Tulsa student was hospitalized after eating a marijuana-laced cookie bought at Rogers High School; records list “cannabis intoxication,” with the family saying the seller didn’t disclose the THC. Industrial/Medicinal Legalization (Nepal): Gandaki Province unanimously passed a bill to legalize cannabis cultivation for medicinal and industrial purposes, setting up licensing, security rules, and inspections. Smuggling Disruption (Malaysia): Royal Malaysian Customs foiled four courier-based drug shipments worth RM513,045, including suspected cannabis flower and meth/heroin. Market Reality Check (Investors): A new investor focus is emerging in cannabis: beyond licenses and revenue, buyers want to know leadership, decision-making, and workforce stability. Labeling & Product Safety (DEA/kratom): DEA moves to temporarily ban certain kratom derivatives tied to “gas station heroin” concerns, signaling tighter scrutiny on alternative botanicals. Retail Expansion (US local): Sutter Creek, California, is moving toward approving Amador County’s first dispensary, with public comments split over safety and community impact.

Enforcement Crackdown (EU/UK): Ireland’s Gardaí hit five vape shops and two homes, seizing cannabis-infused jellies and oil vapes plus “reefer” cigarettes with HHC/THC in a €2M operation. Enforcement Crackdown (UK): Northumbria Police seized nearly £1.5M of illegal drugs after finding ~1,474 cannabis plants at a Sunderland property, with power bypassed. Airport/Border Seizures: Hong Kong Customs arrested a Malaysian passenger after finding ~3kg of suspected cannabis in check-in luggage; Singapore’s CNB also nabbed a foreign national after a coordinated car-and-home search netted ~3.3kg cannabis plus other drugs. Industry & Finance: Safe Harbor outlined its cannabis banking “IaaS” operating model for the ACB eXperience conference, while Splash Beverage Group got NYSE American acceptance of its compliance plan through Jan. 29, 2027. Product/Research: A Malta study found most hemp-derived CBD products are mislabeled, and a meta-analysis reported cannabinoid therapies may reduce Alzheimer’s agitation. Regulatory/Market: Virginia approved a path to legal recreational retail sales starting July 1, 2027.

Enforcement Crackdown: California Gov. Gavin Newsom highlighted a Unified Cannabis Enforcement Task Force push since April, citing raids across 10 counties that destroyed nearly 90,000 illegal plants and seized 63,000+ pounds of cannabis, plus cash and guns. Cross-Border Smuggling: Thailand and the UK expanded cooperation to curb cannabis trafficking, adding tougher penalties and more intelligence sharing after courier arrests rose in 2025. Airport Seizures: Russian authorities arrested a traveler at Phuket Airport after suitcases allegedly contained 17.6kg of cannabis flowers and resin. Medical Cannabis Research: UAMS researchers published a study on how pregnant Arkansans purchase medical cannabis, finding 1.62% of pregnancies involved purchases and patterns shift during pregnancy. Local Policy: San Francisco advanced a step toward Amsterdam-style cannabis cafes, allowing food and entertainment alongside legal consumption. Product Safety/Compliance: A Garden River dispensary said it’s aiming to reopen around July 20 after poisonings, pending expedited Health Canada testing. Hemp/THC Politics: Texas lawmakers revisited hemp-derived THC rules amid debate over youth safety and whether to move toward a ban.