AGP Executive Report

Medicinal Cannabis Supply Assurance: Ora Pharm says New Zealand patients, prescribers, and pharmacies still have uninterrupted access to Helius Therapeutics products after its acquisition, pushing back on claims that production stopped and products were discontinued. Hemp for Housing: A Suffolk hemp farm is exploring using surplus hemp for building materials like insulation, aiming to move beyond “CBD/medicinal” confusion and revive a low-THC crop. Texas Delta-8 Crackdown: Texas begins enforcement July 31, requiring retailers to remove Delta-8 and other hemp-derived THC variants (while some low-Delta-9 products may still be treated differently). Kentucky Dispensary Milestone: Murray’s first medical cannabis dispensary opened, marking progress for Kentucky’s program after local voter approval. Legal Fight Over Rescheduling: A federal court is set to decide whether the U.S. Attorney General acted improperly in a major marijuana rescheduling move, with potential ripple effects for FDA-regulated cannabinoid medicines. Dementia Agitation Research: New findings continue to support THC-CBD approaches for reducing agitation in dementia settings, adding to the growing clinical conversation around cannabinoid care. Local Regulation Watch: Colorado Springs approved security funding for a cannabis corridor using retail marijuana tax dollars, while other towns weigh bans on kratom and synthetic THC products.

Clinical Breakthrough: A CU Anschutz trial found oral semaglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy) reduced heavy drinking in adults with alcohol use disorder, and participants also reported less cannabis use. Policy & Retail Access: San Francisco approved a permit system letting licensed cannabis retailers serve food and nonalcoholic drinks in consumption lounges (no alcohol/tobacco). Hemp THC Drinks: Delaware’s governor signed HB 373 to regulate hemp-derived THC beverages with age limits, potency caps, and taxes. State Medical Cannabis Expansion: Utah’s agriculture department opened applications for a second independent medical cannabis pharmacy (Aug 3–Sep 2). Product/Business Growth: Splash Beverage expanded its CannEpil license into veterinary therapeutics for companion-animal oncology and chronic pain. Regulation Watch: Texas set a July 31 ban on Delta-8 and similar hemp THC compounds, with felony treatment for possession in Austin. Public Safety: Mangaluru police destroyed narcotics worth about Rs 82 crore after court approval, including ganja and MDMA. Market Integration: Ohio lawmakers advanced HB611 to integrate certain medical cannabis processors into adult-use licensing. Usage Trend: A federal survey cited by SAM says daily/near-daily marijuana use now exceeds daily cigarette smoking. Food Safety: Hong Kong’s CFS increased lead testing after a powdered infant formula recall, finding no new batches above the legal standard.

Clinical Breakthrough: The LiBBY Phase 2 trial reports that a THC/CBD oral oil (2 mg THC/100 mg CBD twice daily) rapidly cuts agitation in hospice-eligible dementia patients, with benefits showing by Week 2 and lasting through Week 12. Research Push: Ole Miss’s National Center for Cannabis Research and Education and Southern Sky Brands launch a CBD sleep-quality study to track sleep duration, sleep quality, and wellness outcomes. Policy Watch (US): Texas THC “Total THC” rules are set to take effect Friday after court back-and-forth, with a 0.3% THC limit for consumable hemp products and higher retailer licensing fees. Industry & Markets: Tilray posts record fiscal 2026 results and expects revenue to top $1B in fiscal 2027, while FLUENT shareholders approve its all-stock deal with Vireo. Hemp/Consumer Reality Check: A review flags a mismatch between what’s been tested (up to 22% THC) and what’s being prescribed in Australia, where high-THC products are common.

Clinical Breakthrough: A Phase 2 LiBBY trial reports that a targeted oral CBD/THC formulation rapidly and significantly reduces agitation in hospice-eligible advanced dementia patients, with benefits seen by Week 2 and sustained through Week 12. Medical Research Partnerships: The University of Mississippi is teaming up with Southern Sky Brands to study how CBD may improve sleep quality in adult participants. Retail Expansion (India): Cure By Design is opening its first Chennai store in Anna Nagar, pushing an education-led, doctor-guided medical cannabis and plant wellness model. Policy/Regulation Watch: A federal bill (Lawful Hemp Protection Act) would set a comprehensive framework for hemp THC consumables, including age limits and restrictions on marketing to children. Veterans Access: Veterans Affairs Canada is cutting its medicinal cannabis reimbursement rate, raising concerns about affordability and how veterans consume products. Public Safety/Enforcement: Nigeria’s NDLEA says it seized 1,359kg of cannabis in Edo during a raid on a residential warehouse.

Hemp THC Crackdown (Virginia): A Virginia mother says her daughter’s seizure-control CBD oil could become illegal as state hemp rules tighten, removing an exemption that let higher-THC products be sold as hemp. Federal Hemp Rules (North Carolina): Wilmington dispensaries warn upcoming federal limits on hemp-derived THC could wipe out inventory and force closures. Medical Cannabis Growth (Georgia): Georgia’s expanded medical cannabis rules (more product types, higher THC limits, added conditions) are driving a sharp jump in registered patients—up about 22% in under two months. Hemp Industry Pushback (Kentucky/Wisconsin): Kentucky lawmakers and industry groups are seeking a moratorium or delay on the Nov. 0.4 mg THC-per-container restriction; Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers is urging Congress to prevent “mass disruption” of the hemp sector. Driving Law Shock (Queensland): Proposed “zero tolerance” drink/drug driving changes would double penalties, but critics warn medicinal marijuana patients could be unfairly caught. Product Safety/Access (North Carolina): Police and prosecutors back a bill to block minors from buying intoxicating CBD/THC products. Testing Tech (Randox): Randox USA gets FDA 510(k) clearance for a rapid multi-drug urine testing panel, aiming to improve screening in clinical pathways. Clinical Promise (Dementia): A THC/CBD trial report says the combo dramatically reduces agitation in hospice-eligible dementia patients.

Hemp Policy Clash: Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers urged Congress to stop a planned federal crackdown that could re-tighten legal hemp THC limits, warning it would disrupt farmers and rural jobs. Texas Enforcement Shock: A Texas appeals court denied hemp businesses an emergency bid to pause parts of the state’s consumable hemp THC rules, while Texas’ delta-8 and other intoxicating cannabinoid sales ban is set to start July 31. Insurance Push: Senators Rand Paul? (No—Rand Paul is in other coverage) Two lawmakers advanced the CLAIM Act to create a “safe harbor” so insurers can cover legal cannabis businesses without fear of federal prosecution. Public Health & Safety: New York officials warned that unlicensed THC drinks are being sold in bodegas, raising concerns for kids and accidental high. Medical Cannabis in the Courts: A West Virginia woman was charged with criminal diversion of medical cannabis after allegedly buying for someone not approved, with child neglect risk also alleged. Research & Care: A dementia trial report highlights THC/CBD formulations reducing agitation, while a separate study links cannabis use patterns to stress hormones. Industry Moves: Vireo Growth agreed to acquire Planet 13 in a deal aimed at expanding U.S. medical cannabis operations.

Clinical Breakthrough: A U.S. hospice-eligible dementia trial (LiBBY) found a rapid-acting THC+CBD formulation dramatically reduced agitation for nearly 90% of participants, with results presented at the Alzheimer’s Association conference. Regulatory Pressure: Australia’s alcohol and drug prevention group warns Queensland’s “zero-tolerance” drug-driving changes could punish people using legal medicinal cannabis. State Policy Watch: Texas lawmakers are again pushing a THC product ban after prior efforts failed, while Minnesota’s cannabis regulator is holding a community Q&A in Mankato. Hemp Retail Education: A Fort Worth retailer is educating consumers on THCA hemp flower vs medical marijuana, as Texas prepares to restrict certain intoxicating cannabinoid products. Local Business Impact: Denton businesses brace for a July 31 ban on smokeable delta-8/delta-10 products, with retailers shifting product lines. Public Safety & Misuse: Malaysia’s anti-drug agency flags “piu-piu,” a synthetic vape-mixed substance linked to fentanyl and hallucinogenic effects. Health & Harm Reduction: Research also continues to explore how THC may affect sleep patterns, including REM suppression, adding nuance for consumers.

Clinical Trial Update: The LiBBY trial presented at AAIC reports that a THC/CBD oral combo (2 mg THC + 100 mg CBD) reduced agitation in hospice-eligible dementia patients, a group often left out of prior studies. Regulatory & Policy: Minnesota’s Office of Cannabis Management chief is holding a community Q&A in Mankato as adult-use sales expand; in Virginia, an Op-Ed says new recovery residence rules still force medical cannabis patients to choose between treatment and housing. Federal Rescheduling Fight: MMJ International highlights what it calls a contradiction in DEA rescheduling proceedings, arguing the agency blocked its participation while later testimony addressed the same factual gap. Public Health & Safety: A Hopkinton board adopted rules banning kratom and synthetic THC product sales; a study also links cannabis use with reduced opioid withdrawal-related opioid use. Industry Politics: Major cannabis firms donated millions to Trump-aligned PACs, underscoring a lobbying push across marijuana, hemp, and alcohol interests. Youth Use Signals: A large U.S. study finds substance experimentation rises sharply by mid-adolescence, with girls surpassing boys around age 13.

Clinical Breakthrough: The LiBBY trial presented at AAIC reports that a THC/CBD oral formulation (2 mg THC + 100 mg CBD) reduced agitation in hospice-eligible dementia patients, a group often left out of prior studies. Pregnancy Safety Push: Ohio’s OneOhio Recovery Foundation is rolling out a statewide education campaign focused on cannabis risks during pregnancy, with toolkits and a new online hub aimed at expectant mothers and healthcare conversations. Regulatory & Access: St. Kitts and Nevis’ Medicinal Cannabis Authority is working to secure a banking framework for licensed operators, including meetings with banks and credit unions to address correspondent banking hurdles. Public Safety Funding: California’s CHP awarded $41M+ via the Cannabis Tax Fund Grant Program to support impaired-driving enforcement, training, and education. Youth Use Watch: A major study using ABCD data finds substance experimentation rises sharply by mid-adolescence, with cannabis and nicotine increasing as teens get older. Policy Tension: Virginia’s recovery housing certification law is forcing some medical cannabis patients to choose between treatment and housing, according to an op-ed.

Clinical Breakthrough: The LiBBY trial at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference reported positive results for a THC/CBD oral rapid-acting formulation (2 mg THC + 100 mg CBD) to reduce agitation in hospice-eligible late-stage dementia patients. Regulatory Watch: Minnesota’s Office of Cannabis Management is holding a community Q&A in Mankato as adult-use sales expand. Policy & Access Clash: Virginia’s new recovery residence certification rules are still forcing legal medical cannabis patients to choose between treatment and housing. Industry & Politics: Major cannabis firms donated millions to Trump-aligned super PACs, underscoring a fast-shifting lobbying landscape across marijuana, hemp, and alcohol. Public Safety/Compliance: DEA rescheduling-related inspections are ramping up, with guidance emerging on how federal oversight may layer on top of state rules. Hemp Policy: A bipartisan “Lawful Hemp Protection Act” would create a national regulatory framework and revisit the THC limits that could squeeze most hemp products. Youth Use Concern: A large U.S. study finds substance experimentation rises sharply by mid-adolescence, with girls overtaking boys around age 13. Travel Warning: Thailand is tightening penalties for cannabis possession, with up to 10 years in prison reported under new customs rules.

DEA Rescheduling Clash: MMJ International says the DEA blocked its participation in the rescheduling hearing, then later had a DEA scientist testify about the same evidentiary gap—raising fresh questions about how the process is being handled. Public Health Rulemaking: Hopkinton’s Board of Health voted to ban kratom and synthetic THC product sales after a public hearing, citing safety concerns. Opioid-Use Angle: A new study in Journal of Cannabis Research reports that people using cannabis to manage unregulated opioid withdrawal reported opioid use dropping by about half. Mental Health Watch: Research links frequent marijuana use with higher morning cortisol levels, suggesting chronic use may worsen stress-response systems. Industry Policy: A bipartisan “Lawful Hemp Protection Act” is pitched as a potential national regulatory framework for hemp-derived products, including a proposed shift away from the current 0.4 mg THC standard. Medical Cannabis Growth: Georgia’s medical cannabis registrations topped 41,400 after program expansion on July 1, adding conditions and expanding product options. Potency & Withdrawal Spotlight: Sharon Stone says she got very sick for a month after quitting modern marijuana and sought neurologist care, fueling renewed debate over today’s stronger THC products. Workplace/Legal: Tesla faces a disability discrimination lawsuit tied to alleged refusal to accommodate a worker’s knee disability related to legal medical cannabis use.

Cannabis Policy & Public Health: Minnesota’s teen cannabis use dropped by more than 60% from 2013 to 2025, even as the state expanded medical and adult-use access—researchers say the decline happened across demographics, though they don’t claim legalization alone caused it. Medical Cannabis Expansion: Georgia medical cannabis registrations jumped past 41,400 after July 1 expansion removed the 5% THC cap, added qualifying conditions, and allowed THC gummies and flower (for vaping), with new sign-ups more than doubling in the first weeks. Regulation & Industry: New Jersey approved Rise Paramus to sell recreational cannabis starting July 24, letting certain medical dispensaries expand despite local bans. Hemp & Sustainability: UK hemp growers are looking to use hemp for building materials like insulation and hempcrete, while researchers propose hemp-based soil remediation to help pull PFAS “forever chemicals” from farmland using plants plus rock dust and biochar. Safety & Community: A UK report reminds residents that cannabis odor complaints can still lead to police action, since cannabis remains illegal to smoke under current rules. Research & Treatment: A clinical trial report says a THC/CBD formulation reduced Alzheimer’s-induced agitation in most participants. Legal/Enforcement: Essex Police jailed a man for directing a 16-year-old to sell cocaine and cannabis, including messages urging the teen to keep dealing.

Cross-Border Cannabis Smuggling: A Telegraph investigation says legally grown Canadian cannabis is flooding European ports, with customs seizures at Antwerp up 500% and gangs allegedly paying dock workers to divert containers. Public Safety & Law Enforcement: In the UK, a sentencing roundup includes a cannabis-fuelled chase where a driver hit police after smoking heavily, while Isle of Wight magistrates also saw multiple drug-driving cases. Hemp-Derived THC Warnings: Erie County health officials urge shoppers to understand hemp-derived delta-9 THC products, warning about impairment, anxiety, delayed edible effects, and risks to kids and pets. Youth & Pregnancy Messaging: Ohio’s OneOhio Recovery Foundation is launching a pregnancy-focused education push, and Minnesota research finds adolescent cannabis use has dropped overall since 2013 but remains higher among marginalized youth. Medical Cannabis Policy: Thailand’s market is tightening further under a controlled medical framework, closing many dispensaries that can’t meet licensing and sourcing rules. Industry & Business: Purdue Extension highlights field trials aimed at lowering hemp input costs, and a Kentucky hemp protection push targets federal ban risks.

Medical Access & Outcomes: A UK clinical trial presented at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference reports that a standardized THC/CBD formulation eased agitation in nearly 90% of hospice patients with late-stage Alzheimer’s after 12 weeks. Pregnancy Safety Push: Ohio launched a pregnancy-focused cannabis education campaign after surveys found over half of pregnant women (or those planning pregnancy) reported using marijuana, while health officials warn of risks like low birth weight and stillbirth. State Policy Watch: Alabama health officials held a hearing on whether to adopt federal marijuana rescheduling (Schedule I to Schedule III) for FDA-approved and state-regulated medical products. Workplace/Community Training: Canada’s Sault College rolled out a free micro-credential on cannabis and the workplace, aimed at employers and safety-sensitive roles. Military Rules: A Pentagon memo says cannabis remains punishable under the Uniform Code of Military Justice even if federal rescheduling proceeds. Public Health & Enforcement: Florida’s top recreational marijuana advocate is under criminal investigation for alleged ballot fraud. Product Safety Incident: In South Africa, a cooldrink linked to six hospitalized children led to a spaza shop closure while authorities investigate.

Kentucky Hemp Regulation Push: Rep. Andy Barr backed the Lawful Hemp Protection Act to regulate intoxicating hemp-derived products ahead of a federal THC ban, proposing age limits (21+), FDA-set THC caps, and a ban on marketing to children. Child Safety Alarm: Kentucky’s child fatality panel flagged a 104% rise in overdose ingestion cases and warned that cannabinoid ingestion is a high-risk issue, citing cases involving THC dab pen wax and cannabinoid exposure at birth. Texas Retail Crackdown: Texas hemp rules are forcing stores to pull products as the state classifies certain THC levels as controlled substances, with shop owners saying enforcement is wiping out inventory. Massachusetts Ballot Fight: Massachusetts cleared a marijuana legalization repeal question for the November ballot, setting up a vote that would end recreational sales while keeping medical cannabis. Pregnancy Education Campaign: Ohio’s OneOhio Recovery Foundation will launch a statewide campaign on cannabis use during pregnancy, targeting expectant mothers and healthcare providers with evidence-based guidance. Kids at ER Risk: Doctors warn THC drinks sold beside soda and other mainstream items are sending children to the ER, pointing to weak labeling and ID checks. Local Enforcement: Kentucky authorities arrested a Barren County shop owner after alleged hemp-derived products and suspected marijuana were seized, including THC seeds and paraphernalia.

Public Health Warning: Doctors say THC drinks sold next to soda and other mainstream items are sending kids to the ER, with inconsistent labeling and weak age checks flagged as a growing risk. Policy Push: U.S. Sen. John Fetterman and Senate Democrats reintroduced the Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act to federally legalize marijuana, decriminalize it, expunge some federal offenses, and set a national regulatory framework. Hemp Industry Pressure: Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers urged Congress to reform the Farm Bill to prevent disruption to the state’s hemp business after a federal hemp definition change set to take effect in November. Regulatory Fight in Virginia: Virginia hemp businesses plan a federal lawsuit over a new state definition that removes a key CBD-to-THC ratio rule, potentially reclassifying many hemp products as adult-use or medical cannabis. CBD Product Scrutiny: A new review in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology argues widely sold non-prescription CBD products at typical retail doses show little to no therapeutic effect, raising concerns about how CBD is formulated and tested. Child Safety Data: Kentucky’s child fatality panel reports overdose deaths among children doubled in five years, with cannabinoid exposure rising sharply. Market/Business Updates: Jamaica’s Cannabis Licensing Authority opened new headquarters, while Minnesota’s Full Spectrum became the first licensed cannabis retailer to open in Otter Tail County.