AGP Executive Report

Cannabis Banking: Safe Harbor says it will spotlight scalable cannabis banking infrastructure at the PBC Conference in Washington, D.C., as federal rescheduling talks remain pending—aimed at helping banks manage cannabis-specific compliance and operational risk. Medical Cannabis Access (Kentucky): Kentucky reports half its licensed dispensaries are now open, with 24,332 active medical cardholders and rapid year-over-year growth, as more dispensaries come online. Workplace Impact: A University of Georgia study finds health-related work absences fell about 7% in states with medical cannabis access, suggesting potential symptom relief benefits (with adult-use laws showing no similar effect). Rescheduling/Policy Watch: WHO updates its cannabis risk assessment for the first time in a decade, warning of rising new risks. Hemp Supply Chain: EU organic import rules are tightening for non-EU producers, pushing hemp seed suppliers toward stronger certification and traceability. On-the-ground Cannabis: Police and courts continue to churn out local cannabis enforcement stories, including arrests tied to drug operations and seizures.

WHO cannabis risk update: The WHO has revised its assessment of non-medical cannabis risks for the first time in a decade, warning that newer, higher-THC products and changing use patterns have increased dangers—especially for adolescents and young people—while noting rising demand for treatment of cannabis-related disorders. Medical cannabis & public health: A Gallup snapshot shows record-high marijuana use in the US (with edibles also rising) as alcohol use hits a record low, fueling debate over whether people are swapping one substance for another. Hemp regulation in focus (Texas): A multi-part look at Texas hemp rules highlights ongoing legal fights over how delta-8 and other hemp-derived cannabinoids are enforced versus what the statute allows. On-the-ground weed control: Newport Beach approved a shift away from synthetic herbicides on athletic fields toward organic and mechanical weed control plus periodic sod replacement. Hemp at home / small growers: New Zealand’s hemp industry pushes to expand small-scale growing to drive innovation, while noting remaining restrictions that limit some health and feed uses. Cannabis in the courts: A Florida sealed grand jury report alleges $10M was diverted from a Medicaid overbilling settlement to political efforts tied to marijuana legalization defeat. Enforcement snapshot: Police in Sydney seized $1.5M in drugs including cannabis and THC gummies, charging two men.

US Policy Shift: The DEA has released a 2,533-page corrected transcript from its marijuana rescheduling hearings as a judge prepares a recommendation—another step that could reshape federal tax, research, and investment for cannabis markets, including Michigan. Public Health: A new US study reports moderate-to-severe cannabis use disorder rose from 2021 to 2024, especially among men 35+ and women 21+, while alcohol use disorder stayed flat or declined. Global Risk Review: WHO issued its first updated review of cannabis risks from nonmedical use in a decade, warning that modern products and higher THC potency are driving increased harms, particularly for adolescents and young adults. Medical/Clinical Angle: An Australian-led global study links earlier cannabis use to earlier psychosis onset and worse outcomes, adding pressure for tighter clinical guidance and prevention. Industry/Compliance: New Mexico and other states continue moving on cannabis rules and testing updates, while labs and growers push for clearer testing requirements. South Africa Hemp Story: Young South African pioneers are building a hemp industry despite major legal and market hurdles.

Marijuana Rescheduling: A DEA administrative law judge heard arguments that rescheduling opponents can’t use agency hearings to attack the new medical-use standard, as the federal process moves toward a recommendation. Product Strategy: Cannabis brands are shifting from “potency first” to flavor-led marketing, with data pointing to tropical fruit profiles driving new vape and infused pre-roll launches. Testing Rules: Massachusetts cannabis businesses and labs urged the Cannabis Control Commission to update outdated testing protocols, warning that inconsistent lab practices could worsen as rescheduling expands available science. Legal/Compliance: In Massachusetts, a Hoboken medical cannabis license lawsuit seeks testimony from a former health official now in federal prison, alleging a quid pro quo tied to licensing. Public Safety & Courts: A Suffolk County sheriff’s extortion trial opened with claims he pressured a cannabis executive for pre-IPO stock and demanded repayment after the stock fell. Research Leadership: CSU Pueblo named Dr. Marion McNabb to lead its Institute of Cannabis Research, expanding community-engaged studies and public-health focus. Local Impact: Ohio municipalities reported millions in marijuana tax revenue flowing from dispensaries, while police in Monona, Wisconsin investigated an armed robbery at a cannabis store.

Veterinary CBD/THC R&D: Endovia Health Sciences cleared a key FDA step for CannEpil® in companion animals, with an INAD file now opened to start the regulatory process for managing cancer-related pain in dogs. Hemp policy fight (Texas): Texas Democrats accuse Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick of pushing a hemp THC product ban that could benefit alcohol industry donors, pointing to campaign money and derivative restrictions. Medical cannabis access & enforcement (California): Humboldt County agreed to dismantle a code-enforcement fine system that hit homeowners with massive daily penalties tied to alleged cannabis violations, withdrawing outstanding notices and reforming procedures. Cannabis science & mental health: A South African study links cannabis use in schizophrenia-spectrum patients to earlier, more severe illness and higher relapse risk. Public health & addiction: A JAMA Psychiatry study finds cannabis use disorder rising, especially among men over 35, challenging the idea that cannabis isn’t addictive. Germany market update: Germany’s regulated medical cannabis imports jumped sixfold after 2024 reforms, while critics warn about regulatory gaps and non-evidence-based products. Local cannabis rules (Nevada City): Nevada City proposed loosening its cannabis code—more retail flexibility, more event options, and allowing consumption lounges for existing stores. Hemp-derived THC drinks: Wiz Khalifa launched Kush & Orange Juice, hemp-derived THC canned beverages with 5mg or 10mg options. Cannabis industry support: A Vermont cannabis farm donated $2,500 to the Vermont Foodbank to help address food insecurity. Drug-impaired driving: India is weighing broader random drug testing for commercial pilots, while U.S. agencies continue pushing “drive sober” campaigns targeting drug impairment.

Medical Access & Community Support: Vermont’s Sunset Lake Cannabis says it will donate $2,500 to the Vermont Foodbank, aiming to fund about $24,000 in groceries for families facing food insecurity. Cannabis Policy & Zoning: Salisbury, Maryland approved changes to cannabis grower/processor zoning, removing a 1,000-foot rule between cannabis businesses and allowing special exceptions to shrink buffers near sensitive sites. Public Health—Cannabis Side Effects: A CDC report links frequent cannabis use to a sharp rise in cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome ER visits, with the highest rates among ages 15–24. Regulated vs. Unregulated Market: A study cited in reporting says adults aged 40–50 saw a steep jump in cannabis use disorder symptoms since 2017, with unregulated THC products flagged as a factor. Legal/Enforcement: Chile’s Operación Imperio Ámsterdam crackdown reportedly disrupted access for thousands of medical cannabis users, while U.S. cases included a 27-month sentence for transporting 207 pounds of marijuana and multiple drug-related arrests tied to trafficking investigations.

Medical Cannabis Policy & Courts: A Massachusetts jury selection is set to begin Monday in the federal extortion trial of former Suffolk County Sheriff Steven Tompkins, accused of squeezing a cannabis retailer executive tied to Ascend Wellness Holdings and allegedly demanding repayment after his stock investment soured. CBD/THC Health Research: A randomized crossover trial reports that adults who regularly smoked or vaped cannabis had fewer cardiac ectopic beats on days they inhaled cannabis versus abstained, driven by fewer premature atrial contractions (no significant change in premature ventricular contractions). Medical Hemp Industry/Corporate: InterCure says it finalized a NIS 230 million (about US$77M) settlement with Israeli tax authorities over indirect war-related damages, tied to rebuilding its Nir Oz facility for expansion in Germany’s medical cannabis market. Surveillance & Public Safety Backdrop: Franklin County, Pennsylvania, is defending Flock automated license plate readers amid privacy backlash, while lawmakers plan bipartisan privacy/accountability rules. Drug Enforcement & Seizures: German authorities’ fugitives were arrested in Spain over an alleged cocaine, amphetamine and marijuana trafficking network, and a UK case saw a mum convicted for helping smuggle £13.8m cannabis into Britain in 22 suitcases. Local Cannabis Deprioritization Politics: Houston voters may weigh the “Houston Freedom Act” to let police deprioritize arrests for small-amount marijuana possession.

Medical Cannabis Access: Lexington’s first medical cannabis cultivator/processor, Holler Cannabis Company, is preparing to package its first harvest, aiming to expand Kentucky-grown products like edibles, vaporizers and flower for the state’s regulated medical program. Psychosis Risk: A new study warns that cannabis use in people susceptible to psychosis is linked to an earlier onset of psychosis—challenging the idea that waiting until the mid-20s is “safer.” Clinical Research: PleoPharma says it has won a $6.5M NIDA grant for a Phase 3 trial of PP-01 for cannabis withdrawal in patients with cannabis use disorder, adding to the growing push for targeted treatment. Policy & Oversight: Arkansas proposes new disclosure and approval requirements for medical marijuana management contracts, including “commercially reasonable” terms and fair-market compensation checks. Industry Watch: Texas Hemp Cos. is challenging new Delta-8 rules, signaling continued legal friction around hemp-derived products. Regulatory/Market Context: The U.S. rescheduling process remains a flashpoint, with reporting that federal agencies aren’t answering states’ questions about how marijuana rescheduling will work.

Medical Psychedelics & Mental Health: A South Africa psychiatrist explains how psychedelics may work in therapy via brain receptor action and why interest is growing despite resistance. CBD/Cannabis in the Real World: A Detroit childcare operator is closing after 30 years and pivoting to a licensed cannabis grow, hoping the industry can finally deliver financial stability. Stroke Risk Watch: A large meta-analysis links recreational drug use (including cannabis) with higher stroke risk, raising fresh public-health questions. Legal/Access Update: A UK man with a cannabis prescription wins an appeal after a drug-drive ban is overturned, highlighting how courts treat medical use. Regulation Tension: Minnesota’s county denies a cannabis microbusiness conditional use permit without on-site retail sales, showing local rules can still block operators. Vape Safety Concern: Ireland’s health regulator warns about high-risk substances found in some vaping products, fueling calls for stronger testing. Health & Community Pressure: Overcrowding in a Zimbabwe psychiatric hospital shows how system strain can limit care even when beds exist.

Medical Cannabis Policy & Banking: South Dakota officials say federal medical-marijuana rescheduling to Schedule III could unlock tax deductions and banking access, but lawmakers complain the state still has “more questions than answers” about the broader impact. Regulation Watch (EU): Germany’s regulated cannabis market keeps expanding, with legal imports up sixfold since 2024, while conservative politicians push for tighter controls and stronger youth addiction prevention. Clinical Research & Psychedelics: A qualitative study on Israeli psychedelic rave-goers highlights effects that start before parties and linger afterward, including both social upsides and downsides like exhaustion and low mood. Medical Hemp/Industry: Little Green Pharma appoints a new CFO as it integrates Cannatrek and aligns medicinal cannabis operations across Australia and Europe. Public Safety (Non-CBD but drug-adjacent): A Florida wrong-way, 100+ mph chase ends in arrest after an alleged attempt to ram a patrol car; separate reports include a shooting in Meridian where the suspect faces marijuana possession charges. Drug Crisis (Global): Nigeria’s worsening drug crisis includes alleged cases where elderly dealers supply drugs to secondary school students, raising alarm about child targeting.

Ohio Cannabis Education Push: Ohio’s OneOhio Recovery Foundation says cannabis use is rising while risk perceptions are falling, calling for a statewide, science-based public education campaign—especially around youth use and pregnancy. Pregnancy & Cannabis Messaging: A separate report highlights how more people think marijuana is OK for nausea and stress during pregnancy, underscoring the need for clearer risk communication. Delta-8 Legal Fight (Texas): Hemp-industry companies ask a Texas court to scale back Department of State Health Services actions limiting delta-8, after a prior Texas Supreme Court setback. Medical Cannabis Access & Regulation: A new study and related coverage point to growing cannabis use disorders and the need for public health systems to keep up. UK Cannabis Enforcement: UK authorities report a large cannabis smuggling case tied to 22 suitcases and a £13m haul, with convictions moving through the courts. Vaping Safety Warnings: Ireland’s health regulator flags high-risk cannabinoids found in some vapes, adding pressure on product oversight. Hemp Product Label Scrutiny: Multiple reports this week continue to question THC labeling accuracy and the reliability of hemp-derived products.

Herbicide & Public Health: PBS and Mother Jones spotlight new concerns about glyphosate use, saying California pesticide records show forest spraying has quadrupled over the past decade, raising fresh alarm after the Supreme Court limited Roundup-maker liability. Medical Cannabis Policy: A Yale Budget Lab analysis argues federal legalization plus a THC excise tax could generate $57.9B over 10 years, while Michigan’s industry faces a glut—nearly 964,000 pounds of flower at end of July—making federal market access the bigger prize than near-term tax relief. Clinical Research: JAMA Psychiatry reports cannabis use disorder is rising in the U.S., with CUD climbing from 7.3% to 9.3% in men and 4.5% to 5.6% in women (2021–2024), with moderate-to-severe cases also increasing. Regulation & Oversight: Massachusetts’ former Cannabis Control Commission chair Shannon O’Brien sues over alleged retaliation tied to her whistleblowing and internal conflicts during her tenure. Safety & Access: Georgia officials say medical marijuana can be delivered by mail under Trump’s rescheduling move, while a separate report notes a temporary emergency suspension of a vet license over alleged improper controlled-substance handling.

Medical Cannabis Access & Education: Ohio’s cannabis executive director says legalization has shifted the fight to accurate, science-based risk education—especially for youth and pregnancy—after polling found rising use and falling perceived risk. Clinical Research & Trials: PleoPharma won a $6.5M NIDA grant to run a Phase 3 trial of PP-01 for cannabis withdrawal in patients with cannabis use disorder, while separate trial coverage highlights plant-derived CBD extract improving OCD symptoms and oral THC reducing PTSD nightmare frequency. Policy & Regulation Watch: FDA is asking for help monitoring marijuana and hemp posts on TikTok, Reddit, and Instagram, as regulators push for tighter oversight of online promotion. Industry Dealmaking: Christina Lake Cannabis entered a non-binding LOI to be acquired in a proposed $15M equity deal, with a court-approved plan of arrangement expected if talks proceed. Public Safety & Enforcement: TikTok ads allegedly promoted illegal drugs and controlled substances without prescriptions, and UK police seized a £500k underground cannabis grow near Coventry. UK Medical Milestone: Billy Caldwell, whose medicinal cannabis case helped legalize access in Britain, turns 21 and credits the treatment with ending his seizures.

Hemp THC scrutiny: Wisconsin authorities are investigating Hemp 1848 after searches and the arrest of owner Jerry McCoy, raising fresh questions about what’s actually inside hemp-derived THC products sold in the state. Medical rescheduling fight: A federal government closing brief argues marijuana can’t stay in Schedule I and pushes for a Schedule III recommendation, setting up a key legal decision that could reshape research and access. Clinical cannabis research: A new trial update reports oral THC reducing nightmare frequency and intensity for PTSD patients, while separate studies highlight plant-derived CBD improving OCD symptoms and CBD helping cannabis withdrawal in cannabis use disorder. Regulatory/labeling pressure: Massachusetts regulators found some cannabis products with inaccurate THC labels, adding to the push for tighter quality control. Industry expansion: Tilray is expanding UK medical cannabis distribution with direct-to-patient launches, and Aurora Cannabis is growing its global medical footprint via acquisitions. Local cannabis retail: Brooklyn Park is considering a city-owned dispensary after approving a feasibility study, while Delaware neighbors are protesting a proposed 50,000-plant outdoor grow. Public health & safety: Washington is ramping up DUI patrols over Labor Day with a focus on alcohol, cannabis, and other drugs.

Hostile Takeover Watch: Curaleaf has formally launched a hostile bid for Canada’s Aurora Cannabis, kicking off a new chapter in the takeover saga as Aurora shares trade below the offer. Medical Supply Expansion: Tilray says it boosted global medical cannabis cultivation capacity to about 275 metric tonnes (from 210), driven by Quebec and EU-GMP Portugal output, aiming to meet rising international demand. UK/Europe Enforcement: A UK court convicted a gang of 11 couriers in a £13.8m cannabis smuggling plot via Birmingham Airport, with drugs packed into 22 suitcases. Potency & Patient Safety: Massachusetts regulators found ~13% of tested cannabis flower products outside acceptable THC label variation, with follow-up actions required for producers. Retail Footprint: Jushi opened a relocated Beyond Hello medical dispensary in Belle Vernon, Pennsylvania, to improve access for patients across southwestern PA. Regulatory Shift (Illinois): Illinois regulators proposed allowing outdoor cannabis grows, a move that could cut energy use and costs while keeping home growers out. Vape Risk Alert: Ireland’s HSE warned about high-risk cannabinoids found in some vaping products, pushing for stronger regulation.

Local Cannabis Retail: Sutter Creek, California approved Amador County’s first dispensary pilot with Embarc in a 3-1 vote, while one council member opposed on health-and-welfare grounds. Youth Protection & Policy: An Oregon lawmaker says she’ll push for tighter cannabis rules in 2027 to protect kids, after a mother described her son’s slide into psychosis following regular use. Hemp Legal Pressure: Ohio urged the 6th Circuit to lift a halt on a law reclassifying hemp products as marijuana, arguing the hemp firms’ case is too aggressive. Hemp Marketing Scrutiny: Rutgers researchers say hemp brands selling intoxicating cannabinoids are leaning on underregulated social media to reach consumers, with youth-focused appeals and too-light safety messaging. Vape Safety Alert: Ireland’s HSE warned that high-risk synthetic cannabinoids have been found in vapes, vape juice, and edibles, linked to serious physical and mental harms including psychosis. Medical Cannabis Research: A NYU study found people using cannabis in multiple forms are more likely to show heavier use patterns and higher addiction risk. Medical Hemp Adjacent (Psychedelics): Oregon’s real-world, state-regulated psilocybin program reported meaningful mental health improvements with uncommon adverse effects, reinforcing the broader “supervised care” model.