AGP Executive Report

Plant-Derived Dronabinol in the UK: Dunbar Pharma says its WaterClear THC dronabinol oral spray is now available to UK specialist prescribers via MHRA-licensed IPS Pharma, adding a new finished format to its EU GMP supply chain. Medical Cannabis Safety Watch: A new study in drug-resistant epilepsy links frequent cannabis use with more severe, care-intensive seizures and faster resistance to antiseizure meds—researchers stress it can’t prove cause yet. Public Health Alert: Tanzania’s specialists urge pregnant women to start antenatal care early, warning that substance use including cannabis can raise risks for congenital heart problems. Law & Enforcement: Kruger National Park security intercepted about 40kg of suspected cannabis at the Malelane Gate and handed it to police. Industry & Policy: US FDA psychedelic hearing coverage spotlights Emyria’s clinic model themes—access, clinician training, and patient safety—while Minnesota’s cannabis equity push frames legalization as “repair” after enforcement disparities. Hemp Business Pressure: Local hemp and CBD operators warn new federal restrictions could force closures.

DEA Rescheduling Fight: A DEA judge has stayed broader marijuana rescheduling proceedings, putting federal evaluation standards under scrutiny—MMJ International says the move supports its FDA-bound cannabinoid drug work. Cannabis Safety Research: A large King’s College London review finds cannabis users are more likely to both commit violence and be victims, raising public-health questions. State Ballot Push (US): Massachusetts groups launch new “No on 8” ads warning a repeal measure would roll back regulated, tested marijuana sales. Market Snapshot (Canada): Pre-rolls overtook flower as Canada’s top cannabis category by revenue in 2025, with pre-roll revenue up 6.3% to $1.4B. Tribal Policy Summit: The Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association will host its 5th annual Indigenous Cannabis Industry & Policy Summit in Washington, D.C., Nov. 9–11. Tech & Manufacturing: Oscity BioSciences buys Enantia patents for cannabinoid cocrystal tech, aiming to expand pharmaceutical development. Product Launches: Grön drops “Arcana” Halloween edibles (solventless hash rosin, tarot-themed). CBD/Wellness Retail: Equity Afya expands a “last-mile” community pharmacy model in Nairobi CBD to help patients access prescribed medicines.

CBD Regulation Watch (Europe): EFSA’s first positive CBD opinion is a step forward, but EU sales still hinge on Commission and member-state approvals, with strict intake limits and country-by-country resistance keeping growth muted. Cannabis Policy (U.S.): A Massachusetts poll says voters are leaning to keep legal recreational marijuana and a 2024 gun law, with a clear “no” on rolling back cannabis legalization. Underage-Use Prevention (U.S.): A community event in Minnesota is set to educate parents on youth cannabis and substance use, including warning signs, safe storage, and local consequences. Corporate Cannabis (Canada): Curaleaf’s hostile bid for Aurora Cannabis offers shareholders $0.75 cash plus 0.3463 Curaleaf shares per Aurora share, with the offer open until Dec. 1. CBD/Health & Safety (U.S.): An Oklahoma medical marijuana worker alleges a hazardous extraction setup and unlicensed facility contributed to a butane fire and serious burns. International Drug Enforcement: Customs in India seized 3.424kg of ganja hidden in false bottoms, while Nigeria’s NDLEA reported cannabis farm destruction and arrests. Legal Age Limits (Caribbean): Jamaica’s VASP Act passed with amendments, but critics say it’s “defensive” and may not build an industry.

EU CBD Watch: EFSA issued its first positive CBD opinion, but EU sales still hinge on Commission and member-state approvals and strict intake limits may slow growth. Massachusetts Politics: A new poll shows 61% of likely voters oppose a ballot measure that would roll back recreational marijuana legalization, while 70% back keeping the 2024 gun law. Transparency Tech: A study finds state-issued cannabis QR codes boost consumer trust and confidence, with 100% of surveyed users saying they feel more protected by regulators. Retail Spotlight (Hemp/CBD): Sherlocks Glass & Dispensary won INDY Week’s Best Hemp/CBD Shop in both Durham and Wake County. Industry Moves: Claris Biotherapeutics is relocating its HQ from Jersey City to South San Francisco ahead of 2027 trials. Banking/Payments: Commercial Bank of Dubai joined the CBMT network, aiming to speed cross-border tokenized settlements. Enforcement & Seizures: Tamil Nadu seized ₹17 crore hashish oil and hydroponic ganja; Singapore checkpoint drug arrests rose 53% in 2025.

Medical Cannabis & Business: Yongji Health, a Chinese-owned firm, has taken full control of Tasmanian Botanics via Pijen, buying remaining shares in a deal reported at about $31M—raising questions for Australia’s medicinal cannabis market while the operator says staffing and operations will stay the same. Retail & Brand Strategy: New York brand Silly Nice is rolling out a “sell-through-first” wholesale partnership, pushing dispensaries to start with a manageable mix and reorder based on real demand rather than stockpiling. Enforcement & Seizures: Singapore’s CNB arrested 39 people in a Telegram-linked drug crackdown, seizing cannabis, Ice, and Ecstasy and warning about online pro-drug misinformation. International Drug Busts: India’s Tuticorin police seized Rs 17 crore hashish oil and arrested four men tied to a Maldives smuggling plan; Chennai airport also saw about 3.4kg hydroponic ganja seized. Policy/Health Research: A study in Epilepsia found frequent cannabis use among adults with drug-resistant epilepsy was linked to more convulsive seizures and faster medication resistance (association, not proof of cause). Culture & CBD-adjacent Lifestyle: Landish launched a five-plant protein powder using Plantible Foods’ duckweed-derived Rubisco, blending hemp seeds and other plant proteins.

Cannabis Enforcement & Accountability: South Africa’s Verulam community is demanding answers after a man allegedly selling cannabis to pupils was released from custody and reportedly returned to the same area. Anti-Drug Push in India: Kerala launched the second phase of Operation Toofan, citing a 20–30% reduction in drug use and rolling out ward-level campaigns plus a new anti-narcotics investigation team. Cross-Border Drug Busts (Singapore): At Tuas Checkpoint, Singapore seized heroin, Ice and cannabis from a Malaysian man’s motorcycle, while a separate Tampines-area operation netted more heroin, cannabis, Ice, ecstasy and ketamine. Harsh Sentencing Spotlight (US): A Texas man received 75 years for a nonviolent cannabis charge at 19; his son was born while he was incarcerated. CBD/Wellness Consumer Guidance: A Europe-focused piece warns that “cannabis for wellness” needs real product understanding—what’s in it, how it’s used, and the risks—not just broad claims. Medicinal & Market Moves (ASX): Neurotech reshaped leadership for its cannabinoid program; Emyria expanded psychedelic-assisted therapy clinics; and multiple hemp/CBD-linked companies updated investors on deals, exports, and restructuring. Nature, Biodiversity & Biotech Value: A new analysis puts potential undiscovered drug value from tropical forests at $714B, with the Amazon at about $215B—raising stakes for conservation and benefit-sharing.

Border Crackdowns: Singapore and Nigeria-linked busts kept headlines moving: Singapore seized over S$1M in heroin, Ice and cannabis after a Malaysian was caught at Tuas Checkpoint, then arrested a Singaporean in a nearby Tampines operation. Airport Cocaine Case: Nigeria’s NDLEA arrested a newlywed businessman at Enugu airport for allegedly ingesting 72 wraps of cocaine bound for Portugal, after he was placed under excretion observation. Opioid Mega-Seizure: NDLEA also flagged a Lagos haul of 2.55M opioid pills (1,640.55kg) plus arrests across Lagos, Oyo, Edo and Bauchi. ASX Cannabis Watch: On the market side, Cann Group pointed to UK export momentum, Little Green Pharma closed its first quarter post-merger, Vitura Health faced BUPA referral changes, and Emyria highlighted clinic network growth. E-waste Enforcement: Malaysia’s border agency re-exported 436 e-waste containers, with 578 more scheduled, as it targets all 1,259 by end-2026.

Cross-Border Drug Crackdown (Nigeria–UAE): Nigeria’s NDLEA says it arrested two Togolese nationals and seized opioids and cannabis worth over ₦3 billion in a week, including 2.55 million opioid pills at Lagos airport and cannabis skunk blocks in Bauchi, as it also signed a new MoU with the UAE’s NDEA to deepen intelligence-sharing and joint enforcement along the Nigeria–UAE corridor. Airport “Ingestion” Case (Cocaine): NDLEA also arrested a newlywed businessman at Enugu’s airport after he allegedly ingested 72 wraps of cocaine, then egested them while trying to fly to Portugal. Kratom Safety Alarm (US): In Mississippi, officials are fast-tracking toxicology after two student deaths linked to kratom scrutiny, while a separate US panel warned parents that potent kratom drinks and gummies can cause dependence. Border Enforcement (Malaysia): Malaysia’s border agency says it re-exported 436 e-waste containers so far, with 578 more due in October, and notes drugs and e-waste are major contributors to its seizure totals. CBD/Industry Note (Canada): Canada’s top cannabis producer says it needs federal regulatory and tax changes to compete globally.

International Drug Enforcement: Nigeria’s NDLEA and the UAE’s NDEA signed a new MoU in Abu Dhabi to deepen intelligence-sharing and joint action against trafficking networks, citing 354.7kg of illicit drugs seized on the Nigeria-UAE corridor from 2021-2026 and 47 prosecutions. Border & Seizure Updates: Bulgaria and Turkish-linked routes saw a major haul at the Lesovo checkpoint, with customs and organized-crime police seizing 20kg cocaine and 26kg cannabis hidden in a truck fuel-tank compartment. Prison Smuggling Crackdown: NSW police charged two men after an alleged drone-drop attempt into a prison in Cooma, with prosecutors saying the package included methamphetamine, cannabis, tobacco, and phones. Youth Safety Warning: New York health experts warned families about potent kratom drinks and gummies after concerns about opioid-like effects and dependence risk for adolescents. CBD/Plant Science: South African researchers reported finding rare flavoalkaloids in commercially grown cannabis leaves, suggesting leaf material may hold more useful compounds than previously recognized. Local Community Impact: In Harare, Zimbabwe is ramping up road and city clean-up work ahead of the COMESA summit, including major upgrades to Simon Mazorodze Road.

Airport & Trade: Western Sydney International is set to open for passengers Oct. 25, 2026, with new routes already announced (including Fiji Airways), underscoring how extra capacity can reshape Sydney’s airline access and business pull. Anti-Drug Cooperation: Nigeria’s NDLEA signed a MoU with the UAE’s NDEA to deepen intelligence-sharing and joint enforcement along the Nigeria–UAE corridor. Major Seizures: Bulgaria reported a EUR 2.2M haul at the Lesovo border—20kg cocaine and 26kg cannabis hidden in a fuel-tank compartment. Maritime Smuggling Routes: Sri Lanka Navy says the Northern Sea and Arabian Sea are key drug routes, citing large seizures including heroin, meth, cocaine, hashish and cannabis. Prison Drone Attempt: NSW police charged two men after an alleged drone-drop into a Cooma prison crashed, with cannabis and other contraband allegedly found. Cannabis Research & Quality: Stellenbosch University researchers report rare flavoalkaloids in cannabis leaves, while a consumer guide urges buyers to judge flower by growing method, handling, storage and batch testing—not just strain names. Local Safety & Community: Kenya’s activist Collins Otieno was found alive after days missing, and a separate report highlights growing fear after another woman’s body was found in Thembisa South.

Transnational Drug War: Sri Lanka Navy says it seized drugs worth over Rs. 55 billion this year, including 1,080kg heroin, 590kg crystal meth and 256kg cocaine, plus 4 million narcotic pills and 55 tonnes of beedi leaves, with cannabis also found in a lagoon operation. Cartel Meth Supply Chain: An AFP investigation reports Mexico’s Sinaloa-linked chemists have helped build industrial meth labs across southern Africa to feed demand in Australia and New Zealand, while warning production is also driving more meth use locally. Prison Drone Crackdown (NSW): Two men face charges after an attempted drone-drop into a Cooma prison crashed, with police alleging a socked package containing methamphetamine, cannabis, tobacco and a phone. Cannabis Policy Shock (Massachusetts): A new poll finds 71% of voters oppose a ballot measure to roll back recreational cannabis legalization, raising fears of major job losses for dispensary workers. CBD/Plant Science: Stellenbosch University researchers report rare flavoalkaloids in commercial cannabis leaves, suggesting “waste” plant material may hold new medicinal potential. Hemp Business Spotlight: Swedish startup Hemisphere Technologies wins an EMEA Global Food Tech Award for solvent-free hemp processing and a mild, light-colored hemp protein flour. Smuggling Case (Maldives): Customs intercepted 3.3kg of cannabis at Gan International Airport, leading to arrests of two Indian nationals and one Maldivian.

Hemp & Food Tech: Sweden’s Hemisphere Technologies won the EMEA Global Food Tech Award for solvent-free hemp processing, producing a mild, light-colored protein flour (Hemp Pro 2000) aimed at bakery, sports nutrition, and dairy alternatives. Regulation & Safety: A Georgia investigation shut down vape and smoke shops selling illegal “THC” products falsely labeled as hemp, as officials warn consumers that “legal at the shop” doesn’t always mean legal or safe. Policy Watch (US): A Cannabis Regulators Association op-ed says the DEA isn’t engaging state regulators ahead of medical marijuana rescheduling, risking messy implementation since state systems are central to compliance. Industry/Markets: Tilray set Oct. 8, 2026 for its Q1 fiscal 2027 results call. Education for Veterans: Silly Nice launched THE FIELD MANUAL, a veterans-focused cannabis education resource built around harm reduction and federal/state info. Enforcement (Hong Kong): Customs seized about 6kg of suspected cannabis buds at the airport and arrested two incoming passengers. Crime & Cannabis Links (UK): A Rhyl grooming gang was sentenced to a combined 87 years; prosecutors said cannabis was used to control victims.

Medicinal cannabis policy & markets: South Africa is moving to formalise rural cannabis growers, with a Cannabis Bill planned for parliament by mid-2027 as officials look for legal pathways for indigenous communities to join the value chain and tap an estimated R36bn illicit market. CBD product race: Avecho (ASX:AVE) is back in focus after an unlisted rival signalled a fast-track push for a CBD pain tablet—despite missing efficacy targets—highlighting the scramble to be the first registered pharmacy CBD product in Australia. Company watch (ASX): Vitura Health (ASX:VIT) faces fresh scrutiny as a Bupa telehealth dispute threatens revenue, while ECS Botanics (ASX:ECS) is pressured by rising unemployment and expected rate hikes that hit out-of-pocket prescriptions. Enforcement & trafficking: Police Scotland’s “biggest” human-trafficking operation led to 36 arrests and discovery of 14 cannabis farms, alongside alleged trafficking, fraud and money laundering. Drug-use trend: Mozambique is seeing a surge from transit to consumption, with hospital admissions linked to drug use up 38% last year. International seizures: Customs in Hong Kong seized suspected cannabis buds at the airport, arresting passengers.

Medical Access (US): Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey filed a bill that could let eligible veterans get state medical cannabis cards using VA documentation, without a doctor’s written recommendation—aimed at easing access barriers created by VA rules. Regulation & Tracking (US): Metrc extended its Colorado cannabis track-and-trace partnership, adding reporting tools and rolling out consumer-facing Retail ID QR codes for product origin and testing info. Enforcement (Asia): Hong Kong Customs seized about 5kg of suspected cannabis buds plus duty-not-paid cigarettes at the airport, arresting a passenger; investigations continue. Enforcement (South Africa): Police say Mexican Sinaloa-linked “tourists” allegedly set up large meth labs on game farms in South Africa to supply Australia/NZ, with authorities describing the region as ideal for production. Industry & Products: Cronos hosted its first Investor Day; Kite launched wellness-focused cannabis products; Betty’s Eddies expanded its Keep A Breast Foundation breast-cancer screening campaign. Community & Wellness (Caribbean): Saint Vincent and the Grenadines will host a BioHacking for Entrepreneurs and Professionals event featuring a medicinal cannabis sponsor.

Cross-border drug crackdown: Australia and New Zealand carried out a joint “week of action” with 560 search warrants, 34 arrests, and major seizures including cannabis grow houses in Auckland, as police target organised crime tied to airports and borders. Human trafficking + cannabis farms: Scotland’s Police Scotland launched “Operation Kendrew,” arresting 36 people and shutting down 14 cannabis cultivations linked to an alleged Vietnamese trafficking gang, with raids across 47 properties. Cartel meth pipeline: AFP reports Mexican Sinaloa-linked “tourists” allegedly set up an industrial meth lab on a South African game farm near Swartruggens, with investigators probing whether product moved via Durban port toward Australia and New Zealand. Policy debate in Nigeria: A former NDLEA official warns Nigeria’s cannabis decriminalisation could worsen crime and mental health, arguing the local THC levels are “very strong.” Netherlands legalization update: A preliminary Dutch pilot report says legalization has diversified products and improved monitoring, though shortages and price shifts remain. Indonesia-Australia enforcement tie-up: BNN and AFP extended their anti-drug partnership through 2031, flagging cannabis-to-vape liquid extraction as an emerging concern. Medical cannabis business watch (ASX): Epsilon Healthcare, Elixinol, ECS Botanics, Vitura Health, and Little Green Pharma all face shifting market conditions as regulators, margins, and distribution discipline stay in focus.

Policy Shift (Thailand): Thailand’s Cabinet approved a bill to restrict cannabis to medical use only, closing the 2022 recreational loophole. The plan allows licensed three-year permits for cultivation, production, sale, import and export of flowers and extracts, while roots, stems, branches, leaves and seeds can be sold without a license if for medical treatment; it also bans advertising and sets penalties for illegal activity. Regulatory Oversight (U.S.): A new U.S. GAO watchdog report says the drug scheduling process has “gaps,” noting DEA and FDA lack clear procedures for evaluations and scheduling recommendations as marijuana rescheduling is considered. Retail Compliance (U.S.): Oregon data shows licensed cannabis retailers nearly always block underage decoys, with compliance close to 100%, outperforming alcohol retailers. Enforcement (Morocco/Malaysia/South Africa): Morocco seized 4.6 tons of cannabis resin in El Jadida; Malaysia arrested 12 drug mules in a KLIA-linked bust involving RM33.4m in cannabis buds; South Africa’s border operations net nearly a tonne of cannabis plus heroin and illicit tobacco. Industry/Markets (Cannabis): Aurora Cannabis gets a bullish “Bull of the Day” nod while MariMed filed for a reverse stock split to support a potential U.S. exchange listing.