AGP Executive Report

Biodiversity Policy: UN delegates opened a key Nairobi meeting under the Convention on Biological Diversity to track progress on the 2022 Kunming-Montreal targets, setting up COP17 in Armenia with focus on marine protection, synthetic biology, wildlife management, and financing. CBD & Community Economics: Fiji’s Kadavu leaders are pushing for tighter oversight of freight and retail pricing, saying weak enforcement is driving up everyday costs, while they also flag concerns about illicit drugs entering the province. Cannabis Enforcement (Thailand): Phuket Airport customs arrested four foreign tourists after finding 33.6kg of cannabis concealed in luggage, charging them with attempting to export without proper procedures. Cannabis Smuggling (India): Mumbai Airport Customs arrested a woman accused of smuggling 2.7kg of hydroponic weed hidden in dehydrated guava packets from Bangkok. Drug Busts (Ireland): Dublin Port seizures over three days totaled €11.5m, including €1.7m cocaine and €7.84m cannabis, with two arrests. Health & Pain Tech: Australia’s National Pain Week spotlights the search for better pain treatments as ASX biotechs pursue non-opioid and device-based approaches. Weed Culture: Snoop Dogg says he tried DMT once and quit, while a new “Jay and Silent Bob’s Joint Venture” cozy weed-farming game is slated for PC in 2027.

Humanitarian Health: A first randomized trial in Zambia’s Mantapala refugee settlement found an alcohol-reduction intervention produced a significant, sustained drop in alcohol use, with non-specialists delivering care under supervision. Airport Cannabis Bust: Mumbai customs arrested a woman arriving from Bangkok for allegedly smuggling 2.7 kg of hydroponic weed hidden in dehydrated guava packets. Drug Trafficking Crackdown: Nigeria’s NDLEA seized thousands of kilograms of drugs, including “Canadian Loud” cannabis, cocaine, and opioids, highlighting Lagos as a growing transit hub. CBD/THC Business Moves: Glass House Brands hired a former DEA compliance executive to advise on interstate commerce and medical cannabis export opportunities. Cannabis M&A: Vireo Growth signed a definitive deal to acquire Planet 13 in a merger priced at a premium. Research & Funding: CurePSP awarded student fellowships advancing PSP and CBD research. Tech + Hemp/CBD Adjacent: SciSparc said it will target agentic AI while continuing cannabinoid-pharma programs. Public Safety: Malaysia flagged “piu-piu” synthetic drug-laced vape liquids as a new youth-targeting threat.

Synthetic Drug Alert: Malaysia’s anti-drug agency flags “piu-piu,” a synthetic hallucinogen reportedly blended into vape liquids and linked to fentanyl, with warnings it’s being pushed toward students and young adults. CBD/THC in Care: A U.S. hospice-eligible dementia trial (LiBBY) reports THC-CBD treatment sharply reduced agitation for nearly 90% of participants, though researchers stress it’s a specific medical formulation. Drug Trafficking Crackdown (Nigeria): NDLEA says it seized cocaine, “Loud” synthetic cannabis, opioids, and ammunition worth over ₦10bn in Lagos operations, including a Lagos clothing trader accused of trying to export 3.3kg of cocaine to the UK. Cannabis Supply Shift (Ireland): Ireland reports a rise in cannabis imports, with Garda and customs seizing over 3.5 tonnes this year, including large US-linked hauls. Food Safety & Drug Misuse (Zimbabwe): Investigations in Zimbabwe describe farmers illegally mixing HIV antiretrovirals into chicken feed, raising concerns about human health and possible resistance. Forever-Chemicals Cleanup (Hemp/Soil): Scientists propose a lower-cost method to reduce PFAS contamination in farm soils, targeting “forever chemicals” that can spread through biosolids. Travel/Enforcement Reminder: U.S. officials warn travelers that cannabis rules abroad can be harsh, with Thailand’s tougher penalties highlighted.

Cannabis Rescheduling Watch: Hirsh Jain says U.S. medical cannabis rescheduling is moving forward after the Todd Blanche order, but legal challenges hinge on whether plaintiffs can prove standing—potentially shaping interstate commerce and the next wave of market growth. Major Drug Bust in Nigeria: NDLEA seized illicit drugs worth over ₦10 billion at Lagos ports and the airport, including 3.30kg cocaine hidden in food-carton walls bound for the UK, plus large consignments of Canadian “Loud,” opioids, and other drugs, while arresting alleged kingpins and recovering 401 rounds of military-grade ammunition. Africa Policy & Finance: Kenya’s central bank rolled out tighter rules for virtual asset businesses, setting minimum capital and liquidity requirements for stablecoin issuers, exchanges, and wallet providers. Transport Infrastructure: Kenya approved an underground railway plan for Nairobi’s CBD core to tackle traffic congestion, with funding expected from government, pension funds, and land value capture. Hemp/Cannabis Business Angle (Caribbean): A policy push argues Trinidad and Tobago could become a high-value hemp and cannabis processing hub, citing energy costs, a legal framework, and trade access. Clinical CBD/THC Update: A hospice-eligible dementia trial (LiBBY) reported positive top-line results for a THC/CBD formulation aimed at agitation.

Clinical Breakthrough: A LiBBY trial presented at AAIC reports a THC/CBD oral combo (2mg THC/100mg CBD) cutting agitation in hospice-eligible late-stage dementia patients, a group often left out of studies. Regulatory Pushback: Hopkinton’s Board of Health voted to ban kratom and synthetic THC product sales, citing safety concerns. Rescheduling Fight: MMJ International says DEA blocked its participation in the U.S. marijuana rescheduling hearing, then a DEA scientist testified on the same factual gap it wanted addressed. Travel Warning: Thailand toughened cannabis penalties, with officials urging travelers to check bags for any remnant THC before flying. Enforcement Spotlight: KZN police seized rock cocaine in Montclair and continued broader drug raids. Industry/Tech: Digital Awesome is positioning itself as an AIQ mobile app partner for cannabis retailers. Africa Business & Compliance: South Africa’s Polokwane CBD Business Association says it rejected thousands of foreign-owned shop applications over compliance and alleged document fraud.

Cannabis Travel Warnings: U.S. officials are urging travelers to double-check bags after Thailand’s tougher rules can mean up to 10 years in prison and about $15,000 in fines for cannabis finds. DEA Rescheduling Fight: MMJ International says the DEA barred it from a rescheduling hearing, then a DEA scientist testified about the same factual gap MMJ says it needed. Public Health Crackdown: Hopkinton’s Board of Health voted to ban kratom and synthetic THC product sales. Drug Enforcement (South Africa): KZN police seized 96 pieces of rock cocaine in Montclair (R76,800 street value) amid broader busts. International Seizures: Bangladesh airport police arrested an Indian man with 11.8kg of cannabis from Bangkok; Greek police arrested a Spanish woman in Crete with 19.1kg. Local Governance (Kenya): Nairobi’s Ruto–Sakaja pact is now showing results after unlocking KSh80bn for transport and drainage upgrades.

DEA Rescheduling Clash: MMJ says it was blocked from a U.S. marijuana rescheduling hearing, then the DEA’s own scientist testified about the same “evidentiary gap” the company says it was denied. Public Health Crackdown: Hopkinton’s Board of Health voted to ban kratom and synthetic THC sales. Hemp & CBD Industry Moves: Nigeria’s Akwete fabric gets fresh government push, while New York brand Silly Nice launches a statewide “Meet the Hash Makers” education tour at licensed dispensaries. Enforcement & Seizures: Hong Kong Customs seized 9.5kg of suspected cannabis at the airport; India’s DNC arrested a traveler in Dhaka with 11.8kg cannabis. Research & Remediation: Yale-led work models using hemp with rock dust and biochar to help pull PFAS from farm soils. Global Culture: Cypress Hill drops its first all-Spanish album, “Dios Bendiga,” as Latin rap keeps surging worldwide.

Cannabis Research Push: A White House push to expedite “rescheduling” could move cannabis to Schedule III, easing federal barriers for research and investment in CBD/cannabis science. Hong Kong Enforcement: Customs seized 9.5kg of suspected cannabis buds at Hong Kong International Airport and arrested three passengers, with investigations ongoing. Europe Smuggling Warning: A report claims legal Canadian cannabis is feeding European black markets, with Belgium’s Antwerp port seeing record seizures amid alleged gang involvement. Public Health & Safety: Hong Kong’s CHP updated dengue/chikungunya prevention guidance, while United Christian Hospital reported additional Candida auris carriers and stepped-up infection controls. Crime & Cannabis Links: UK police and courts highlighted EncroChat-fueled cocaine/cannabis trafficking cases, plus a “space cake” poisoning incident that sickened dogs after cannabis/rat poison exposure. Hemp for the Planet: Researchers proposed a hemp-based plan using plants, rock dust and biochar to pull PFAS from farm soils while cutting CO2. Policy/Industry: UFCW endorsed federal cannabis legalization efforts, and a New York dispensary expansion story pointed to more direct-to-customer retail access.

Immigration Crackdown in Cape Town: Anti-undocumented migrant groups marched through the CBD, insisting enforcement should target every undocumented foreigner “no matter the colour of their skin,” and handed a memorandum to Home Affairs. Cannabis Retail Security: Police are investigating after a hidden camera was found inside a Curaleaf dispensary restroom in Worth, Illinois, with staff saying they believe it recorded customers. Sports Star Allegation: Australia’s Socceroos player Cristian Volpato was allegedly tested positive for cocaine after speeding stops in Sydney; his licence was suspended and he faces no charge yet. Medical Cannabis Research: A University of Minnesota study reports teen cannabis use in Minnesota fell from 13% (2013) to 5% (2025), but gaps persist for marginalized youth. Clinical Trial Update: New trial data suggests a standardized THC/CBD formulation can significantly reduce agitation in late-stage Alzheimer’s patients. International Hemp/CBD Business: Safari Flower Company (Aurora subsidiary) received EU-GMP certification for its Ontario facility, aiming to support international medical cannabis supply. CBD Punjab Sustainability Milestone: Pakistan’s CBD Punjab (Central Business District Punjab) earned LEED for Communities Gold precertification for its Quaid & Bab District. Drug Smuggling Watch: Lebanese customs seized nearly four tons of cannabis at Beirut Port in an intelligence-led operation.

Public Health Watch: A University of Minnesota study reports Minnesota teen cannabis use fell from 13% (2013) to 5% (2025), but gaps persist—American Indian/Alaska Native, LGBTQ+ and youth in poverty are about three times more likely to use than white, straight, and non-impoverished peers. Regulation & Safety: The FDA is weighing whether seven unapproved peptides should be allowed in certain compounded prescription drugs, citing past concerns about safety risks like heart toxicity and serious immune reactions. Policy & Industry: ONE HEMP backs the bipartisan Lawful Hemp Protection Act, pushing for a federal 1% THC limit, 21+ age rules, labeling standards, and a ban on synthetic/chemically modified cannabinoids. Medical Cannabis Business: Aurora’s Safari Flower earns EU-GMP certification for its Ontario facility, aiming to strengthen access to regulated international medical cannabis markets. Product Launches: Tilray Canada rolls out ZONNA fast-acting THC pouches, and Señorita becomes the official THC beverage partner of Lollapalooza with 5mg hemp-derived THC cans. Enforcement: South Africa reports 12,009 undocumented foreigners arrested in three weeks, including a case involving 379kg of cannabis worth over R7.5m. Global Drug Trends: A South America-focused report warns synthetic opioids, ketamine and “pink cocaine” are rising fast as harm reduction services lag.

Cannabis Retail Tech: Alpine IQ (AIQ) expanded its partnership with Digital Awesome, making Digital Awesome the “premium mobile app partner” for cannabis retailers, with deeper integrations for loyalty tiers, personalized promotions, and automated customer journeys. International Crime & Scams: A UNODC report says Southeast Asia’s criminal networks are using AI, malware, and encrypted tools to expand globally, with scams alone costing up to $114.1B in 2025 and children increasingly targeted via online exploitation. Cross-Border Cannabis Bust: Kyrgyz authorities say they seized 7.56 kg of marijuana sent from Thailand through international mail, arresting two people in Bishkek and launching a case tied to further trafficking plans. Hemp Industry Push: Botswana is turning to industrial hemp trials to diversify beyond diamonds, pitching hemp’s value chain as a jobs and investment driver. Medical Cannabis Corporate Update: Aurora Cannabis announced an investor conference call for Q1 2027 results on Aug. 5, 2026. Checkout Fraud for CBD: A guide warns CBD brands about false fraud flags at checkout, arguing category risk scoring can wrongly reject good customers.

Medical Cannabis Policy & Access: Jamaica’s Cannabis Licensing Authority opened new headquarters in Kingston, signaling a push for more “modern, transparent” regulation and easier entry for medicinal cannabis participants. CBD Efficacy Scrutiny: A British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology review argues many over-the-counter CBD products don’t reach doses needed for meaningful biological effects, reinforcing calls for optimized formulations and stronger, evidence-based development. Hemp & Farm Bill Politics: Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers urged lawmakers to reauthorize the federal Farm Bill and fix harmful federal hemp rules, warning the current definition could disrupt the state’s hemp industry. Industry Product Launch: CANNA Continental debuted CANNA Control, an integrated pest management foliar spray using thyme oil, labeled for use across greenhouse crops and agricultural hemp. Regulated Market Expansion: Planet 13 confirmed its next Florida dispensary in Sarasota, scheduled to open Aug. 21, as it continues statewide retail growth. Criminal Justice & Enforcement: Serbia indicted six people tied to an alleged marijuana trafficking operation moving nearly five tonnes from North Macedonia into Serbia. Public Safety & Youth: Singapore’s CNB highlighted new drug-detection tech and renewed focus on preventive education as cannabis remains a concern among younger new abusers.

Hemp & Marijuana Politics: A North Carolina investigation digs into why THC products can be legal while marijuana stays illegal, spotlighting the messy politics and legal system behind the “wild west” hemp market. Cannabis Policy Vote: Massachusetts voters will see a ballot question in November to repeal recreational marijuana rules after a last-ditch signature challenge failed. Regulated Market Push (Vermont): Vermont raised the daily cannabis purchase limit to 2 ounces at licensed dispensaries, aiming to pull buyers away from the illicit market. Public Safety & Cannabis: Saskatchewan’s Roughriders will honor crash victim Bhishma Rajyaguru; RCMP say the other driver’s SUV had alcohol and cannabis. Border & Enforcement: South Korea reports a record first-half haul of illicit drugs, with cannabis the biggest share by weight. Fraud Case (CBD-adjacent): An international student in Sydney faces charges tied to alleged $5M GST refund fraud on luxury watches via the Tourist Refund Scheme. Illicit Economy: A UN report warns Southeast Asia’s criminal networks are using tech and AI to expand scams and trafficking beyond the region.

Maritime Crisis in Guyana: The MV Barima ferry disaster is now tied to a wider probe after authorities cited unreliable manifests and reported positive cannabis tests among key officers, with officials still unable to confirm how many people were aboard. Airport Cannabis Bust (Malaysia): Police arrested seven suspects and seized 247.8kg of cannabis buds worth about RM19.82m at KLIA, with some suspects testing THC-positive. Hemp Product Oversight Questioned (Virginia): A new investigation finds minimal guardrails can leave consumers exposed to potency and testing inconsistencies in legal hemp edibles and flower. Legal Cannabis Penalties (Nigeria): Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore condemned a seven-year sentence for a man convicted over cannabis advertising, calling it “jungle justice.” THC Drinks Scrutiny (US): New reporting highlights THC beverages sold in regular retail settings that appear to violate state limits. Industry & Tech: Cronos expands SOURZ by Spinach® edible multipacks in Canada, while Intelligent Bio Solutions says it completed precision testing for an FDA 510(k) drug screening system. Global Crime Link: UNODC warns Southeast Asia’s fraud and drug networks are increasingly tech-enabled and spreading beyond the region.

Maritime Disaster: Guyana’s MV Barima ferry tragedy keeps worsening, with Prime Minister Mark Phillips confirming 27 dead and 83 still missing after 69 rescues, as search teams push on off the coast. Global Crime & Policy: A new UNODC report says South-East Asia’s criminal groups have merged into a transnational, tech-driven ecosystem that can outpace law enforcement. Cannabis & Travel Rules: The U.S. warns Americans that Thailand’s tougher cannabis import/export penalties can mean up to 10 years in prison and steep fines, even though possession was decriminalized in 2022. Legal Cannabis Enforcement: California’s Siskiyou County continues raids on large illegal “hoop house” grows, with thousands of structures identified by aerial and satellite imagery. Industry & Wellness: Sharon Stone says she quit cannabis after her stroke-era medication changes, describing withdrawal as severe; meanwhile, a Florida brand, Alohi, is expanding low-dose hemp-THC sparkling drinks aimed at women’s wellness. Workplace & Real Estate: Singapore’s CBD Grade A rents are forecast to rise 4%–5% in 2026 as supply stays tight, while flexible-office demand grows.

Maritime Crisis: Guyana’s MV Barima ferry disaster is still unfolding, with authorities saying the passenger manifest is unreliable after 32 of 67 rescued people weren’t listed—leaving rescuers unsure how many were aboard; Public Works Minister Juan Edghill also says the captain and first engineer tested positive for cannabis, prompting a criminal investigation and calls for families to help confirm who’s missing. Political Pressure: The AFC is demanding Edghill and the maritime boss be removed and pushing for an independent commission of inquiry, arguing an internal probe can’t be trusted. Cannabis Policy & Labor: The UFCW threw its weight behind the reintroduced Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act, saying it would bring federal workplace protections and help workers as legalization expands. CBD Research Funding: CurePSP announced its biggest grant cycle yet, awarding record Pathway and Pipeline Grants across North America and Europe to advance PSP and CBD research. Urban Enforcement: Durban intensified its crackdown on hijacked CBD buildings, including a Lancers Road raid with new smart policing gear, while also seizing allegedly unlawfully sold alcohol. Corporate Moves: Vireo Growth agreed to buy certain Cannabist assets across multiple states for up to $35M, expanding in limited-license markets. Testing Reliability: Oklahoma cannabis product testing is under fire after a lawsuit alleges inconsistent lab results and failures tied to pesticides, potency, and contaminants. Wellness & Branding: The Vessyl opened in Costa Rica as a 4D sound wellness resort, with founders tied to the modern CBD movement.