AGP Executive Report

Hemp Policy Shake-Up (US): The U.S. Senate approved a short-term funding measure to keep the federal government funded into early December, and it includes a delay on a nationwide hemp-derived THC ban—a move led by Sen. Amy Klobuchar that supporters say buys time for a longer-term fix. Public Health (US): A new CDC report says hospital ER diagnoses for cannabis hyperemesis syndrome rose 16% from last October to May, tied to frequent marijuana use and improved tracking after a new diagnosis code. Regulatory Enforcement (Hawaiʻi): Hawaiʻi’s medical cannabis regulator issued two notices of violation and fines to Island Smoke and Vape for allegedly refusing lawful inspections. Medical Access & Licensing (USVI): In the U.S. Virgin Islands, officials say licensed cannabis cultivation could start within weeks, with dispensaries potentially opening before year-end, but sales wait on a product-testing lab. Retail Licensing (Rhode Island): Rhode Island reopened the adult-use retailer application process after court and law changes paused the prior licensing push.

Hemp THC policy fight (US): The U.S. Senate killed an amendment that would have federally recriminalized hemp THC on time, instead keeping a path to delay the ban while lawmakers try to craft new rules. Regulatory rollout (USVI): In the Virgin Islands, licensed cannabis cultivation could start within weeks, with at least two dispensaries aiming to open before year-end—though sales wait on a product-testing lab. Retail licensing restart (Rhode Island): Rhode Island reopened adult-use retail applications after court and law changes voided the prior licensing push, with a new portal now open. Enforcement action (Hawaii): Hawaiʻi issued two notices of violation to a hemp retailer that refused state inspections, hitting it with $13,000 in administrative fines. Drug-driving case (Ireland): A Portlaoise driver was disqualified for a year after a cannabis smell stop led to a positive THC test. Medical cannabis expansion (Nepal): Nepal’s Gandaki province legalized medical cannabis cultivation and use under provincial oversight, while national recreational prohibitions remain. Public safety (Sierra Leone): Police arrested a suspect after a community-led sweep seized 287 wraps of “Kush.”

Hemp enforcement: Hawaiʻi regulators hit Island Smoke and Vape with two notices of violation after the retailer allegedly refused lawful inspections, piling on $3,000 then an extra $10,000 in administrative fines. Public health warning: A CDC report links heavy, frequent marijuana use to rising ER visits for cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, with nearly 200,000 ER visits tied to the condition from Jan 2023 to May 2026. Youth risk: New research from UC San Diego finds teens who start using cannabis may develop memory and thinking more slowly than non-users, raising learning and everyday functioning concerns. Product safety: The FDA warns delta-8 THC gummies and similar sweets are hard for kids to distinguish from candy; poison center data shows thousands of delta-8 exposures, many involving children. Policy shift abroad: Nepal’s Gandaki province legalized licensed medical cannabis cultivation and use under strict oversight, even as national law still bans marijuana. Legal/market updates: Oceanside, California denied an appeal by a retail cannabis applicant, while Rhode Island reopened retailer licensing after court and state-law changes.

Hemp Ban Fight: The White House and Senate Republicans are clashing over a proposed pause to the upcoming federal ban on many hemp-derived cannabinoid products, with a continuing-resolution provision aimed at delaying the cutoff until Dec. 11—an effort that could keep intoxicating hemp gummies and vapes on shelves longer. State Policy Clash: Rhode Island reopened its cannabis retail licensing application process after court action and new state law reset the rules, with online submissions running through Nov. 23. Public Health Watch: CDC-linked reporting says hospital ER diagnoses of cannabis hyperemesis syndrome rose 16% from last October to May, tied to better tracking after the condition received its own diagnosis code. Youth Vaping Crackdown: In West Virginia, a sheriff says vape-shop raids are driven by school medical emergencies tied to illegal THC products sold to under-21s. Clinical Research: A phase 2 trial found oral semaglutide reduced heavy drinking days in adults with alcohol use disorder, and among participants who used cannabis it also reduced cannabis use days. Seed-to-Sale Tracking: St. Kitts and Nevis launched a seed-to-sale track-and-trace system to monitor its medicinal cannabis supply chain and support licensing and compliance. Business News: New York’s Silly Nice is pushing more hash and full-spectrum concentrates as the regulated market matures.

Border Crackdown: Nigeria Customs at TinCan Island seized pump-action rifle parts and cannabis-infused foods, including Delta-8 pre-roll cookies, arresting suspects and tracking a key importer. Medical Cannabis Policy: Nepal’s Gandaki province authenticated a new law to regulate medicinal/industrial cannabis cultivation under tight licensing, with implementation details still pending. Workplace & Safety: A Florida court ruled a firefighter’s medical marijuana card doesn’t automatically protect him from suspension after a drug-test issue, pushing the debate on state rights vs federal workplace rules. Public Health Watch: The U.S. saw a 16% rise in hospital diagnoses of cannabis hyperemesis syndrome among frequent users, with a new diagnosis code helping capture the problem more clearly. Industry & Markets: TerrAscend reported Q2 2026 results, while Colorado hemp-policy fights continue as lawmakers weigh delays to a federal hemp-derived THC ban. Research: Cerepeut published a Neuron study linking tau to mitochondrial dysfunction in Alzheimer’s and outlining a candidate aimed at breaking the cycle.

Hemp THC policy fight: New Hampshire AG John Formella joined a bipartisan push urging Congress not to delay federal hemp reforms that would tighten what counts as legal hemp, as lawmakers debate whether to extend the crackdown timeline. Texas crackdown: Texas’ July 31 ban on several hemp-derived THC products (delta-8/delta-10, etc.) took effect, reshaping what’s legal for consumers and retailers while lawsuits challenge the move. Federal delay pressure: GOP senators argue the hemp product ban should stay on schedule, while other groups push for a short reprieve—keeping the national uncertainty front and center. State market access: New York Gov. Kathy Hochul signed a bill letting licensed microbusinesses sell at approved cannabis showcase events and farmers’ markets, expanding legal sales channels. Medical cannabis growth: Georgia’s medical cannabis program saw a sharp patient jump after lawmakers eased access rules. Research update: A large study found prenatal cannabis exposure wasn’t linked to higher rates of early childhood anxiety or depression diagnoses. Industry operations: Steep Hill Mississippi and Alchemy Analytics plan to combine under a new holding company to protect statewide cannabis testing capacity. Community pushback: Residents in San Bernardino rallied against a proposed cannabis business near senior housing.

PTSD Treatment Breakthrough: A German trial found prescription THC (dronabinol) cut PTSD nightmare burden, with more than one-third of patients reporting complete disappearance of nightmares, adding momentum for cannabinoid-based mental health care. Dementia Quality-of-Life Data: Kentucky researchers reported that a CBD+THC combo reduced agitation scores in late-stage dementia patients, highlighting a potential new option where few exist. Veterinary CBD Expansion: Argent BioPharma’s CannEpil is moving into US animal health via a veterinary development program targeting companion-animal oncology and chronic pain, with FDA CVM steps underway. Workplace Cannabis Reality Check: New employer testing data shows fewer companies are screening for cannabis, even as positivity rates in urine and hair samples rise. Regulation Watch (Texas/NC): Texas’ hemp-THC crackdown is being challenged in federal court, while North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein argues for a regulated adult THC market instead of a broad hemp ban. Education & Industry Growth: UNLV launched online cannabis career certificate programs, signaling continued mainstreaming of cannabis workforce training.

PTSD Breakthrough: German researchers report dronabinol (THC) nightly drops significantly cut trauma-related nightmares in a double-blind Nature Medicine trial, with 1/3+ seeing complete nightmare resolution. CBD/THC for Dementia: A Kentucky-linked study says a CBD+THC combo improved agitation and quality-of-life for late-stage dementia patients, highlighting a potential new late-care option. Workplace Policy Pressure: An expert weighs in on whether employers should include cannabis in drug testing as more states expand protections and use grows. Hemp Rules Under Fire: Minnesota’s low-dose THC industry got a brief boost as a bipartisan budget deal delays a federal hemp ban; Michigan businesses also won a one-month reprieve while Congress negotiates longer-term rules. Regulatory & Legal Moves: Delaware’s adult-use market is entering its second year after new statewide standards for retail zoning/licensing; Oklahoma prosecutors say a broker pleaded guilty and implicated a politically connected attorney in a medical marijuana ownership-bypass scheme. Industry Ops: A new AI vision platform, StrainScan Pro, targets cannabis strain ID for dispensaries and expands into broader food/ag quality monitoring. Local Tensions: A Golden Valley, MN Dairy Queen owner raised concerns about a nearby dispensary, focusing on buffer rules and families.

Hemp THC Crackdown (North Carolina): Lawmakers are advancing HB 328 to sharply limit intoxicating hemp THC (0.3% by dry weight or 0.4 mg per serving) and tighten age rules, with dispensary owners warning it could effectively wipe out the state’s hemp industry; Gov. Josh Stein says it’s premature to commit and wants a safer, well-regulated adult market. Federal/Industry Pressure (Kentucky): Cornbread Hemp opened a Louisville facility while warning a looming federal ban could devastate hemp-derived products, as Congress moves to delay restrictions and consider new hemp regulation bills. Medical Cannabis Access (Nepal): Nepal’s Gandaki province legalized medical cannabis farming and use under provincial rules, despite a national ban, with farmers requiring permission and monitoring. Workplace & Rights (U.S.): A new ADA-focused explainer highlights how medical marijuana use can collide with federal law and affect protections in jobs, housing, and healthcare. Local Enforcement & Zoning (New Jersey/Washington/Minnesota): East Orange shut down eight unlicensed cannabis-related businesses and seized marijuana; Pasco advanced a fifth retail license under social equity; and a Minnesota Dairy Queen owner raised concerns about a dispensary near a park, while the city says buffers are met. Research (Stress Claims): An Oregon State study finds frequent cannabis users have higher morning cortisol, adding complexity to “stress relief” marketing claims. Insurance Fix (U.S.): The CLAIM Act would create insurance “safe harbor” for cannabis businesses, aiming to reduce industry lockout from coverage.

Texas Hemp Crackdown: A new federal lawsuit challenges Texas’ ban on many hemp-derived THC products, after the state’s rules began squeezing smoke shops and retailers selling delta-8/delta-10 and similar compounds. Federal Hemp Policy: The U.S. Senate approved a procedural measure that delays a looming federal ban on intoxicating hemp products, giving Minnesota’s THC drink and gummy makers a short reprieve. State Court Fight (NJ): Verano sued New Jersey in federal court over labor peace agreement requirements tied to cannabis licensing. Seed-to-Sale Tech: St. Kitts and Nevis’ Medicinal Cannabis Authority signed on to a seed-to-sale track-and-trace system to curb diversion and improve compliance. Medical Research: Kentucky trial results suggest a CBD+THC combo can reduce agitation in late-stage dementia patients. Public Health & Safety: A local Board of Health moved to prohibit kratom products (including synthetics and unregulated novel intoxicants) over safety concerns. Industry & Products: UNLV launched cannabis career certificate programs with Green Flower; Cann partnered with Dwyane Wade on a Half & Half THC/CBD beverage line; Pooch & Mutt rolled out Calm & Relaxed Hemp Oil for dogs. Road/Youth Focus: New data and reporting highlight rising daily cannabis use and ongoing concerns about vaping risks for youth mental health.

Texas Hemp Crackdown: A federal lawsuit challenges Texas’ rule that reclassifies manufactured hemp-derived THC (including delta-8/delta-10 and similar variants) as Schedule I, while the new Texas enforcement is already driving smoke shops to turn customers away and raising felony exposure for retailers and buyers. Minnesota Federal Reprieve: The U.S. Senate advanced a spending deal that delays a looming federal ban on intoxicating hemp THC products for about a month, giving low-dose THC beverage and edible makers a brief lifeline. North Carolina Industry Alarm: Hemp store owners, patients, and medical professionals warn HB 328 could effectively shut down North Carolina’s intoxicating hemp market by tightening THC limits and restricting most products. Local Protest: San Bernardino residents protested a city-approved cannabis retailer relocation near senior housing and churches, arguing zoning and distance rules weren’t properly followed. Public Health Enforcement (Thailand): Thailand’s health ministry says it has inspected 1,326 cannabis shops, seized products worth 109M baht, and moved cases through legal proceedings as it pushes draft rules to keep cannabis medical-only. Usage Trend (U.S.): New survey data says daily marijuana use now surpasses daily alcohol among U.S. adults, underscoring why regulators are moving fast.

Texas THC Politics: Texas Senate nominee James Talarico calls the new ban on many hemp-derived THC products “a gift to the cartels,” arguing enforcement will push buyers back to the black market. Legal Challenge: Hemp retailers and a distributor have sued Texas, saying the crackdown violates 2018 Farm Bill protections and burdens interstate commerce. Product Rules: The Texas limits target synthetically created THC types (including delta-8, delta-10, THCA flower and THCP), while delta-9 under 0.3% THC by dry weight remains legal. Federal Labeling Push: A new U.S. bill would require color-coded packaging for cannabis-infused and other intoxicating drinks to make them easier to spot at the point of sale. Market Watch: Michigan consumers are increasingly choosing THC-infused beverages over alcohol, with survey results suggesting reduced drinking after trying cannabis drinks. Workforce & Access: Illinois cannabis cultivation workers at Ascend Wellness ended a 30-day strike after ratifying a Teamsters contract, while Arizona launched senior-focused cannabis kiosks at a retirement community. Research: A genetics-and-brain study links cannabis use and cannabis use disorder to different brain patterns and genes, suggesting addiction isn’t just “more of the same.”

Texas Hemp THC Crackdown: Texas retailers must remove many hemp-derived THC products after the state classifies Delta-8 and other chemically converted THC isomers as Schedule I, while low-dose Delta-9 (≤0.3% by dry weight) can still be sold—prompting lawsuits and store shutdown fears. Federal Policy Timing: U.S. Senate leaders added spending-bill provisions to delay a planned federal ban on most hemp THC products, giving industry more time to push for comprehensive rules. Industry Watch: A biotech “running on empty” report flags cash-runway pressure across smaller life-science firms, underscoring how funding gaps can stall drug development. Medical Cannabis Access: New Hampshire marked 10 years of its medical cannabis program, now serving about 18,000 patients. CBD/Wellness Consumer Angle: A CBD pet-care piece notes some vets use CBD alongside pain meds for arthritis, while anxiety relief for pets appears less consistent. Public Health & Safety: A report on jail mental-health care after a remand prisoner’s death highlights gaps in assessment and support—relevant to broader substance-misuse and health access debates.

Texas Hemp Crackdown: Texas’ new THC rules took effect, banning most hemp-derived THC products like delta-8 and delta-10 and triggering shelf pullbacks and lawsuits from hemp groups worried about business fallout. Ohio Cannabis Licensing: Ohio lawmakers advanced HB611, reshaping the market by folding qualifying medical marijuana processors into adult-use licensing and expanding cultivator and dispensary opportunities. Medical Cannabis Milestone: New Hampshire marked 10 years of its medical marijuana program, saying it now serves about 18,000 patients through tightly regulated alternative treatment centers. CBD Product Access & Matching: Cannanda launched an “Intelligent Wellness Finder” to guide consumers to products built around the endocannabinoid system. Public Health & Substance Use: A University of Colorado trial found oral semaglutide reduced heavy drinking days and cravings in adults with alcohol use disorder, even without a full quit plan. Drug Policy Pushback: Hemp groups also sued to block Texas’ delta-8 THC ban, arguing harm to consumers and industry. Youth Prevention Campaigns: Odisha launched a 100-week anti-drug movement urging youth to choose sports and classrooms over addiction.

Texas Hemp THC Crackdown: Texas’ ban on most hemp-derived THC products took effect July 31, with delta-8, delta-10, THCA flower and similar items pulled from shelves and possession now carrying felony risk, while low-dose delta-9 remains legal. Regulation Debate: A Texas business-focused report frames the shift as “unfair punishment” for retailers that followed prior rules. Medical Access in Utah: Utah begins accepting applications (Aug 3–Sep 2) for a second independent medical cannabis pharmacy in medically underserved/rural areas, aiming to expand local access. Industry & Licensing (Ghana): NACOC issued Ghana’s first medicinal/industrial cannabis cultivation licences to two firms under a strict 0.3% THC cap, with cultivation still illegal without a licence. Product Push (CBD/CB2): Cannanda launched a “Wellness Finder” tool to match customers with CB2 oil products based on goals and lifestyle. THC Drinks at Events: Lollapalooza added 5mg hemp-derived THC canned cocktails for 21+ attendees, fueling a new mainstream conversation around THC beverages. Public Safety & Enforcement: Police cases this week include cannabis-related driving bans (THC detected with engine running) and campus peddling arrests involving cannabis-infused drinks.

Federal Courts & Rescheduling: MMJ International Holdings says multiple federal proceedings are testing whether the government followed the law when it moved cannabis toward Schedule III, with challenges spanning a D.C. Circuit rescheduling fight, DEA bulk-manufacturer registration, and a Medicare reimbursement appeal. THC Drinks Go Mainstream: At Lollapalooza, 21+ fans can buy 5mg hemp-derived THC canned cocktails for the first time on festival grounds, fueling a new “drink culture” conversation. Texas Hemp Crackdown: New rules take effect in Texas banning several hemp-derived THC products (including delta-8/delta-10) while delta-9 (≤0.3%) remains legal, with felony exposure for banned items. Utah Access Expansion: Utah opens applications for a second independent medical cannabis pharmacy in a medically underserved/rural area, aiming to cut long travel times. Ghana Licenses Medicinal Cultivation: NACOC awards Ghana’s first cannabis cultivation licences (≤0.3% THC) to two companies for medicinal/industrial use. Product Matching for CBD/CB2: Cannanda launches an interactive “Wellness Finder” to recommend CB2 oil products based on goals and lifestyle. Ohio Market Integration: Ohio HB611 advances, expanding how certain medical marijuana processors can enter adult-use via new licensing pathways. Public Safety & Enforcement: NACOC arrests 10 over alleged cannabis peddling on a university campus; police also report major drug seizures tied to cannabis-infused trafficking networks.