AGP Executive Report

Hemp Policy Showdown (US): A Colorado CEO tied to Susie Wiles’ family is pushing to delay a federal hemp ban, arguing for more time to shape rules—while lawmakers push back. Health & Safety (US): A CDC-linked report finds a 16% rise in ER diagnoses of cannabis hyperemesis syndrome among frequent marijuana users, with a new diagnosis code helping reveal the scale. Regulation Update (Germany): Cannabis social clubs face a licensing bottleneck: 896 applications, but only 455 approved, while medical patients face new reimbursement limits. Medical Cannabis Law (Nepal’s Gandaki): Gandaki Province authenticated a cannabis cultivation law for medicinal and industrial use, setting up a tightly controlled licensing system. Sports & Recovery Research: A new review says CBD may have anti-inflammatory and “potentially performance-enhancing” effects for athletes, but calls for more proof. Industry Numbers (Canada/US): TerrAscend reports Q2 2026 results with $67.1M net revenue and improved margins. Enforcement & Crime (Global): Ukraine and Bulgaria dismantled a transnational drug network, while Nigeria customs seized contraband worth ₦362.2M including cannabis sativa.

Hemp Ban Standoff: Senate stopgap talks include a “lifeline” that delays a planned recriminalization of hemp THC products, buying industry another month while AGs and senators push to keep the original Nov. 12 schedule. CBD/THC Product Push: Black Tie CBD expands its federally compliant THCA flower catalog with six new indoor and exotic cultivars for 2026, each tied to third-party testing and COAs. Medical Cannabis at Work: Leafwell releases an employer white paper arguing medical cannabis can fit into clinically guided workforce benefits, with a focus on privacy, safety-sensitive roles, and measurable outcomes. Veterinary Cannabinoids: Argent’s licensing partner Splash Beverage Group begins a U.S. veterinary development program for CannEpil, targeting companion-animal oncology and chronic pain via the FDA’s animal drug pathway. Enforcement Spotlight (Kratom): San Diego files a civil lawsuit against the owner of 11 smoke shops over alleged illegal kratom sales tied to overdoses and deaths. Compliance Raids (South Africa): Pietermaritzburg CBD police raids net 30+ arrests, shop closures, and alleged undocumented-worker cases. Cannabis Beverage Innovation: Tilray launches Mollo Lite Blackberry Lemon THC seltzer multipacks in Canada, leaning into lower-dose, social “sessionable” formats. Industry Numbers: Cronos reports record Q2 results, led by strong Canada and international momentum.

Veterinary CBD/THC R&D: Argent’s CannEpil is moving into the US animal-health market, with Splash Beverage Group launching a veterinary development program targeting companion-animal oncology and chronic pain, starting through the FDA’s Investigational New Animal Drug pathway. Regulatory Momentum (Jamaica): Jamaica’s Cannabis Licensing Authority says the legal ganja industry hit $10B in 2025, up 63%, citing farmer support, updated rules for small growers, and stronger global market positioning. US Retail Tech: California’s first approved dispensary self-checkout is live, letting shoppers “grab, scan and go” with RFID kiosks—another sign cannabis retail is getting more mainstream. Hemp Policy Watch (US): Texas’ ban on hemp THC products is facing a federal lawsuit, keeping the legal fight over hemp-derived THC front and center. Water Use Research (South Africa): New drone-and-sensor research measures hemp’s water use in KwaZulu-Natal, aiming to give regulators a baseline for whether hemp strains limited water supplies. Drug Enforcement (Global): Cyprus police report record cocaine and hashish seizures in 2026, while New Zealand police shut down a meth import ring tied to the Mongols gang.

Hemp Water Use: South African researchers used drones and ground sensors to map how much water hemp takes in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, warning that expanding hemp could further strain already limited water supplies. PTSD Nightmares: A German trial found nightly dronabinol (THC) drops cut PTSD nightmare frequency and intensity, with over a third of patients stopping nightmares by the end of treatment. Medical Cannabis Policy: Nepal’s Gandaki province legalized medical cannabis farming and use under provincial rules, despite a national ban. Regulation & Voting: A state House approved election changes that shorten early voting and allow federal database checks on voter rolls, raising due-process concerns. Tech for Cannabis & Food: Medical Care Technologies launched StrainScan Pro, an AI visual platform starting with cannabis strain ID and expanding into broader agricultural and food quality monitoring. Product Push (THCA): Passion Farms expanded its premium THCA edible lineup with new sour watermelon lemonade gummies, while Black Tie CBD rolled out an expert-curated THCA flower subscription program. Clinical Cannabinoid Research: NeuroThera’s SCI-110 cannabinoid-based drug advanced with a Phase IIb Tourette Syndrome trial site opening at Yale. Supply Chain & Enforcement: Singapore authorities seized 8.6kg cannabis and 1.6kg meth at Woodlands, and Nigeria customs reported a major multi-item contraband haul including cannabis. Water Stress in Cannabis Regions: New research suggests California’s Emerald Triangle streams are drying up earlier due to groundwater pumping for cannabis, not just drought. Legal Case Watch: An Oklahoma broker pleaded guilty and implicated a politically connected attorney adviser in an alleged scheme to bypass medical marijuana ownership rules.

Medicinal Cannabis Track-and-Trace: St. Kitts and Nevis Medicinal Cannabis Authority has executed a contract to roll out a seed-to-sale digital tracking system, aiming for tighter oversight and patient-safe supply chains. Hemp & Policy Push: Zimbabwe cut industrial hemp and medicinal cannabis registration and licensing fees by up to 90% to attract investment, create jobs, and boost exports. Regulation & Enforcement: East Orange, New Jersey shut down eight illegal smoke shops and seized about 225 pounds of marijuana, stressing unlicensed sales lack testing and quality controls. Research Watch: Oregon State University reported frequent cannabis users had higher morning cortisol levels, adding nuance to claims that cannabis reliably reduces stress. Industry & Standards Debate: MMJ International urged the cannabis industry to apply product integrity standards consistently, criticizing how federal rescheduling treated state-licensed products. Workforce & Education: UNLV launched online cannabis career certificate programs with Green Flower, targeting employer-aligned training. Sports & THC Testing: Cannabix pitched a breath-based THC testing device to boxing and MMA regulators, positioning it as a tool for recent-use detection.

Education & Workforce: UNLV and Green Flower are rolling out new online Cannabis Career Certificate programs aimed at employer-ready training. Wellness & Brand Moves: Zilis marks 11 years with fresh growth initiatives, including a new NIL program and a global customer rewards push. Product & Tech: PAX launches Aurora Burst, a limited-edition colorway for the PAX FOUR. Hemp-to-Industry: New Green Hemp (NGHI) says it’s integrating EcoGreen Biotech after an acquisition to build sustainable materials from hemp feedstocks. Market Watch: Tilray posted record fiscal 2026 numbers, but a new take argues growth came with costly cash burn. Retail How-To: A guide focuses on how consumers can find legal weed shops and evaluate storefronts safely. Policy & Safety: NSW debates easing drug-driving penalties for some medicinal cannabis patients, drawing road-safety criticism. Enforcement & Seizures: Malaysia reports a Woodlands checkpoint bust involving 8.6kg cannabis and 1.5kg meth; India and Singapore cases also highlight airport smuggling risks. Global Environment: Mongolia prepares to chair UNCCD COP17, while UN biodiversity leaders warn companies aren’t moving fast enough on nature loss.

Airport Cannabis Case: Two brothers, Carl and Josh Threadgill, were sentenced after customs found 32 packages of cannabis totaling 36.55kg at Manchester Airport, following a Thailand trip and a reported £10,000 offer. Regulatory Watch: Ohio’s HB611 cannabis regulation bill advanced after Rep. Adam Holmes voted yea, reshaping medical operators’ path into adult-use licensing. Industry/Finance: Vireo Growth set an Aug. 11 call to discuss Q2 results, while Tilray’s latest numbers highlighted 21% growth in distribution as the main driver of revenue. Workforce & Training: Connecticut’s Social Equity Council partnered with Southern Connecticut State University to fund a 16-week online cannabis industry certificate for careers across compliance, cultivation, product development and retail. Policy/Enforcement Abroad: Hong Kong Customs seized about 33kg of suspected cannabis buds from a New York-arriving passenger, arresting a 34-year-old American. Public Safety Context: A Royal Commission in Australia heard police told Jewish Australians to avoid Sydney’s CBD during a 2023 Opera House protest, with claims of “outrageous” policing and safety failures.

International Enforcement: Hong Kong Customs seized about 33kg of suspected cannabis buds worth ~$6.8M after finding the stash hidden in an incoming American passenger’s two suitcases, arresting the 34-year-old as investigations continue. Cross-Border Smuggling: Mumbai Airport Customs arrested a 36-year-old Gujarat man allegedly smuggling 659g of cannabis concealed in the waistband of jeans after arriving from Bangkok, with other suspects reportedly being traced. Health & Science: A Yale-supported study links cannabis use and cannabis use disorder to different genetic and brain patterns, suggesting addiction isn’t just “more of the same.” Workforce Development: Connecticut’s Social Equity Council partnered with Southern Connecticut State University to fund a fully online 16-week cannabis industry certificate aimed at careers across the regulated adult-use market. Business & Retail Tech: Sweed launched AI-powered Smart Surveys for dispensaries, adding Google Review invitations to boost local visibility and customer feedback. Policy & Regulation Debate: Massachusetts package-store groups argue for “regulatory parity,” saying cannabis retail should face enforcement and compliance checks similar to alcohol and tobacco. Industry Ops: TOMI Environmental Solutions said the EPA expanded SteraMist® (BIT®) AgriMist labeling to cover post-harvest food safety plus cannabis and hemp cultivation, including use up to harvest day. Commentary: B.C. retailers say craft cannabis needs a coordinated provincial plan to improve legal product visibility and reduce illicit-market barriers.

International Drug Enforcement: Nigeria’s NDLEA says it found cocaine hidden in a mortar and in a false-bottom backpack bound for China and Italy, as part of a wider nationwide crackdown that also netted cannabis, codeine syrup and other drugs. Airport Busts: India’s customs arrested a passenger at Delhi’s IGI Airport after seizing 2.759 kg of suspected hydroponic weed concealed in chocolate packets, while Mumbai Airport Customs reported a separate case involving 16 kg of hydroponic weed tied to an international syndicate. Policy & Safety: New Zealand’s Auckland City Rail Link is nearing opening, and an explainer lays out how the project will be tested and secured as commuter patterns shift. Local CBD Culture: A Boston dispensary says it handled Phish crowds without inventory shortages, leaning into cannabis culture with an on-site art marketplace. Outdoor Advertising: QMS NZ rebuilt Auckland’s “The Victoria” digital billboard for Midtown, and Revolution360 engineered Pepsi Max’s new bottle silhouette into custom billboard frames across major Australian cities. Health & Wellness: A trial suggests oral semaglutide can reduce heavy drinking days and cravings in adults with alcohol use disorder. Industry Watch: Cash-strapped biotechs are racing for funding, with many reporting less than a year of runway.

Airport Cannabis Busts: Delhi Customs arrested a Phuket-arriving passenger at IGI Airport after profiling and X-ray screening found 2.759 kg of suspected hydroponic weed hidden in chocolate packets, with a separate case also flagged by customs. Rajasthan Crackdown: India’s ANTF says it seized drugs worth Rs 700 crore over 10 months, arrested 84 traffickers, and dismantled 34 alleged MD drug units, including action against illegal opium and cannabis cultivation. West Africa Cocaine Smuggling: Nigeria’s NDLEA intercepted cocaine concealed in a mortar base and inside a backpack’s false compartment bound for China and Italy, alongside other major arrests and seizures. Rastafari vs Marijuana Law in Kenya: Rastafarians in Nairobi’s Kibera say a court ruling in July didn’t end pressure, continuing weekly “groundation” gatherings while challenging decriminalisation limits for spiritual marijuana use. DEA/Rescheduling Court Fight: A cannabis firm says federal proceedings are testing whether the government followed the law after the April 2026 marijuana rescheduling order, with multiple cases tied to DEA registration and reimbursement pathways. UK Organized Crime Tech Sting: Scotland’s EncroChat busts continue to ripple, including a case where drugs were allegedly disguised in “Wonka” bars, leading to major convictions.

Federal Cannabis Rescheduling Fight: A new federal court fight is testing whether the Attorney General’s April 2026 cannabis rescheduling order was lawful, with MMJ International Holdings challenging multiple government moves tied to DEA registrations and reimbursement pathways. Medicinal Licensing Milestone: Ghana’s Narcotics Control Commission issued its first medicinal/industrial cannabis cultivation licences to two firms under a strict 0.3% THC cap, while reiterating that recreational cannabis remains prohibited. Seed-to-Sale Track-and-Trace: St. Kitts and Nevis says it has executed a contract for a seed-to-sale system to monitor every stage of medicinal cannabis supply, aiming to prevent diversion and improve compliance. Morocco Legalisation Watch: Morocco’s draft cannabis law could clear hurdles soon, but analysts say it’s being politicized ahead of September elections. Enforcement Roundups: Korea reported 5,203 drug offenders arrested in the first half as online and foreign cases rose; Malaysia said KLIA drug cases and arrests doubled year-on-year; India’s IGI Airport seized 18.15 kg of suspected hydroponic weed from Bangkok arrivals. Public Debate: Rosario Dawson is pushing back on how THC beverage legalization left some incarcerated people behind, arguing the legal industry’s gains didn’t match the War on Drugs’ harms.

Airport Crackdown: Malaysia says KLIA drug cases doubled to 108 between January–July, with arrests rising to 121 and seizures worth RM108.35m, including a big jump in trafficking/distribution cases. Medicinal Cannabis Licensing: Ghana’s NACOC issued its first cannabis cultivation licences (THC ≤0.3%) to two firms for medicinal and industrial use, while St. Kitts & Nevis says its Seed-to-Sale track-and-trace system is now in motion to curb diversion. Research & Health: A real-world study links occasional psilocybin use alongside alcohol with fewer depressive symptoms among drinkers, and separate findings suggest oral semaglutide may help people with Alcohol Use Disorder drink less. Legal Battles: A judge upheld cannabis restrictions as constitutional in a case involving sacramental use limits. International Enforcement: Cambodia reports a 10% rise in drug arrests and higher seizures in the first seven months of 2026. Smuggling Busts: India’s Delhi airport customs seized 18.15kg of suspected hydroponic weed from Bangkok arrivals. Policy Watch: Virginia is moving to enforce against illegal vapes, hemp THC products, and kratom. Business/Industry: Brazil’s top court authorized an influence-peddling probe tied to medicinal cannabis supply efforts involving Lula’s son.

Medicinal Cannabis Track-and-Trace: St. Kitts and Nevis has executed a contract for a seed-to-sale track-and-trace system for its medicinal cannabis sector, using Canadian Grower IQ software to monitor cultivation, processing, distribution, and retail to curb diversion and protect product purity. Courtroom Ruling on Cannabis Use: A high court judge upheld existing cannabis restrictions as constitutional, rejecting a Rastafarian challenge to expand sacramental use at home on public health and safety grounds. DEA Rescheduling Wrap: The DEA has concluded its cannabis rescheduling hearings, with details limited so far, but reporting suggests the agency faced a key debate over medical usefulness versus abuse potential. Brazil Probe Linked to Medicinal Cannabis: Brazil’s Supreme Federal Court authorized a Federal Police investigation into Lula’s eldest son, Fábio Luís Lula da Silva, over alleged influence-peddling tied to a medicinal cannabis supply effort for the public health system. Kratom Safety Push: North Dakota officials are moving toward new actions after deaths linked to kratom and related compounds, citing overdose risks from potent synthetic derivatives. Cannabis in the Real World: A NSW man faces charges after AFP/ABF action found prohibited weapons and cannabis tied to an international mail consignment. Industry/Business: Tilray and other cannabis-linked companies posted shareholder and financial updates, while Curaleaf continues expanding access through new retail openings.

THCV Reality Check: A new explainer breaks down tetrahydrocannabivarin’s “diet weed” hype, stressing it’s a real minor cannabinoid but not proven as a stimulant, weight-loss tool, or “off switch” for getting too high. Medical Cannabis Retail Expansion: Green Thumb’s RISE Dispensaries opens RISE Dispensary Hanover in Pennsylvania, while Vireo Growth lines up four Ohio deals to build a vertically integrated Ohio footprint with eight dispensaries. Corporate Moves: Jushi Holdings completes its redomicile from British Columbia to Nevada, keeping its Canadian ticker while shifting U.S. listing structure. Enforcement & Smuggling Crackdowns: Hong Kong Customs seized 3.9 kg of cannabis at the airport and arrested two men; Mumbai Customs arrested a woman for 2.4 kg of marijuana hidden in false trolley-bag cavities; and South Korea reported a major cross-border operation netting 368.8 kg of cannabis among other drugs. Road Safety Warning (Canada): A new Canadian fact sheet says drug-positive drivers are now a leading factor in fatal crashes, with drug-related deaths rising sharply since 2019. Festival Policy: Osheaga tightens bag rules for Montreal attendees, requiring larger bags to be transparent.

Biodiversity Policy: Pacific nations are pushing their priorities into the run-up to CBD COP17, with Nairobi’s science and implementation meetings flagging that global biodiversity goals still aren’t on track. Cannabis & Hemp Regulation: Virginia is setting up a Regulated Products Enforcement Unit to police vaping, hemp-derived intoxicants, THC and kratom, while the Virgin Islands begins compliance checks that keep intoxicating hemp sales off-limits. Industry Moves: High Tide completes its Northern Helm acquisition, adding four Ontario retail cannabis stores and bringing its Canadian footprint to 228 locations. Enforcement & Smuggling: South Korea says a joint Asia-Pacific customs operation seized 2.1 tons of drugs, including 368.8 kg of cannabis, and plans tighter international cooperation. Business & Real Estate: Savills reports CBD Grade A office vacancy falling to 5.6% and rents hitting a record, while CBRE closes a Greenwich office deal for $10.7M. Hotels & Travel: IHG debuts The Alva Hotel Brisbane under its Vignette Collection, leaning into local culture and design.

Regulated Products Crackdown: Virginia’s AG Jay Jones launched a Regulated Products Enforcement Unit to police vaping, hemp-derived intoxicants, THC and kratom—handling retail compliance, directories, education and civil penalties. CBD & Hemp Policy Watch: NOAA Fisheries says enforcing the Marine Mammal Protection Act’s foreign-fishery import bans is harder than expected, and it’s asking for public input to revise the program. Wildlife Decision: NOAA Fisheries ruled the smalltail shark isn’t threatened or endangered under the ESA, despite a petition and lawsuit over population declines tied to overfishing and bycatch. Drug Enforcement at Borders: Hong Kong Customs seized about 18kg ketamine and 3kg cannabis buds from two airport passengers, arresting both. Cross-Border Cannabis Busts: India’s IGI Airport arrested a Bangkok-arriving passenger after nearly 9kg of suspected hydroponic weed was found in vacuum-sealed packets. Local Illicit Trade Pressure: South Africa’s SAPS warned counterfeit-goods traders in Johannesburg CBD that raids will keep coming. Study on Driving: A Virginia Tech study found alcohol-linked trips saw more speeding, while cannabis-positive trips tracked closer to baseline—suggesting compensatory behavior. Market Signal: Cape Town CBD property development hit R12.8bn in 2025/26, up 41%, with major mixed-use residential projects driving momentum.