AGP Executive Report

Hemp/THC Legal Battle (Texas): A Travis County judge could soon let Texas hemp retailers sell THC products again via a temporary restraining order, after the state’s “Total THC” rules tightened enforcement and raised retailer licensing costs. Regulatory Pressure (Florida): Florida THC drink makers are scrambling as a new federal limit set for Nov. 12 could make many current hemp beverages and gummies illegal, with industry urging Congress to act before the deadline. Medical Cannabis Expansion (Alabama): Callie’s Apothecary opened as Alabama’s second medical cannabis dispensary, with more launches expected as the program grows—though product availability remains limited. Industry & Courts (Massachusetts): In a sheriff extortion trial, a cannabis co-founder testified he resisted selling pre-IPO shares to the elected official, saying it felt wrong and was tied to fears about licensing. Workplace Impact (Georgia): A University of Georgia study links medical marijuana access to fewer health-related sick days, suggesting potential cost savings for employers. Local Retail Moves (Canada): Williams Lake’s council is reviewing a proposed relocation of Marlee’s Den, with public opposition arguing it could raise economic risk for existing businesses. Policy Watch (Drug Testing): Ghana’s interior minister says mandatory drug tests for public-sector recruits are headed to Cabinet after thousands were disqualified in screening. Weed & Compliance (Manitoba): Farmers are being warned about invasive tall waterhemp, which can devastate yields and spread fast via equipment.

Cannabis Legal/Finance: The Cannabist Company won a major U.S. restructuring foothold via Chapter 15 bankruptcy protection, signaling a possible path for cannabis firms to access federal court tools despite marijuana’s federal status. Medical Cannabis: Europe and the U.S. are reviewing Exilby (VER-01), a cannabis-derived, non-opioid pain treatment moving toward U.S. Phase 3 readouts in 2027 and a potential NDA in 2028. Regulation & Compliance: Guam’s Cannabis Control Board discussed delivery rules after a hemp/cannabis operator asked for written confirmation on lawful delivery, delivery rule adoption, and whether transportation rules affect delivery operations. Market Watch: Canada set a new monthly legal cannabis sales record in June, surpassing California to become the world’s largest legal market by that metric. Industry M&A: UK medicinal cannabis supplier Grow Group has hired advisers to find new owners after a sales slump, with a sale process reportedly moving fast. Enforcement: New Zealand authorities say Vietnamese syndicates used legitimate businesses to launder cannabis profits and sponsor visas, while U.S. raids in New York targeted stores selling synthetic cannabis and flavored vape products.

Cannabis Policy Clash: St Maarten’s Parliament stalled a push to release Native Nations Cannabis deal documents, rejecting a motion for full agreement disclosure (8–7), keeping questions about what was signed and potential financial exposure in limbo. Budget & Governance: The same session approved the 2026 national budget (10–5) but lawmakers flagged ongoing spending-control concerns and demanded results, not just paperwork. Hemp Industry Watch: A Sierra Club Discovery Group is set to tour the Dakota Hemp processing facility in South Dakota, signaling continued community interest in industrial hemp operations. Retail/Operations: A Michigan dispensary dispute over alleged tip theft is back in the spotlight as the business renews counterclaims. Public Safety & Health: A new U.S. study reports a sharp rise in unintentional recreational drug ingestions among young children, with edible marijuana and psilocybin products driving much of the increase. Enforcement/Compliance: New York authorities executed search warrants tied to suspected synthetic cannabis and other products, with seizures and sanctions by the Office of Cannabis Management.

California Vape Crackdown: California lawmakers advanced a bill to ban disposable, battery-embedded vape pens, with cannabis devices exempt—aimed at cutting toxic litter and battery waste. Czech Drug Policy Shake-Up: Czech officials dismantled the long-running drug policy coordination office, triggering alarm from addiction experts and providers who warn the overhaul could destabilize harm-reduction gains. Florida Hope Florida Fight: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and AG James Uthmeier denounced a leaked Hope Florida grand jury report as a political smear, while the report alleges taxpayer misuse tied to a Medicaid settlement. Local Cannabis Enforcement Backlash: Sonoma County paused a drone surveillance program targeting small cannabis growers after an ACLU lawsuit claimed warrantless flights and that nearly half of 2024 flights weren’t even about cannabis. Industry Compliance & Finance: Safe Harbor says cannabis banking is entering a new phase and will spotlight scalable compliance infrastructure at the PBC Conference in Washington, D.C. Product Safety Watch: Ireland’s HSE testing found HHC in 28 of 76 vapes, renewing calls to block under-18 access to illegal cannabis alternatives.

Thailand Cannabis Supply Deals: Four Twenty unveiled Project Atlas, a nationwide farm partnership aimed at stabilizing Thailand’s shrinking cannabis market by locking in guaranteed purchase commitments and technical support for licensed indoor growers. Hemp/THC Legal Pressure: In Wisconsin, the arrest of Hemp 1848 operator Jerry McCoy is reigniting debate over hemp-derived THC loopholes, with critics pointing to alleged high-potency Delta-9 THC beyond what state law allows. Youth Cannabis Concerns: St Maarten’s education minister says students as young as 14 are arriving at school already high and that teachers report kids hiding to smoke, arguing the island can’t treat cannabis as a future problem. Regulatory/Compliance in Practice: Montana hemp businesses are pushing for a delay and clearer rules to prevent new restrictions on hemp-derived products from taking effect, citing the need for a workable regulatory structure. Business & Policy Signals: Australia’s medicinal cannabis conversation gets a spotlight on Little Green Pharma’s cultivation-to-distribution execution as investors look for dependable results amid a tougher market. Industry Context: A new Gallup snapshot shows U.S. marijuana use at a record high while alcohol use hits a record low, fueling questions about whether consumers are substituting one for the other.

Medical Research: A new JAMA Insights study warns chronic marijuana users with “scromiting” (cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome) that the only sure long-term fix is complete cannabis abstinence, noting no treatment reliably stops the cycle and pointing to higher THC products as a possible driver. State Policy: Virginia’s HB 30 sets the adult-use retail cannabis framework, with sales starting July 1, 2027 and the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority tasked with regulations by Feb. 1, 2027. Retail Expansion: New York brand Silly Nice says it’s now in 165 licensed dispensaries statewide, highlighting how fast the legal market is scaling. Industry & Compliance: A cannabis distributor filed renewed counterclaims in a contract dispute involving exclusivity terms, underscoring how legal fights keep shaping the sector. Enforcement & Supply Chains: Georgia authorities seized about 1,800 pounds of marijuana shipped from California, using the bust to argue legalization won’t end illegal trafficking. Tech for Cannabis/Agriculture: StrainScan Pro (MDCE) pitches one AI vision system for both regulated retail quality checks and large-scale farm monitoring.

Hemp policy shift (NZ): New Zealand is loosening low-THC industrial hemp rules, letting smaller growers plant without a license (but with required notifications), as the hemp sector pushes for more seed demand and home-based innovation. Regulatory pressure (US): Massachusetts dispensary operators are urging a federal court to find Jushi and others violated antitrust law via a merger clause meant to block nearby competition. Hemp ban fallout (US): Wisconsin’s Forward Beverage says a federal intoxicating hemp-products ban will shut its taproom in September, with most THC seltzers no longer legal under the incoming limits. State market access (NY): New York lawmakers expanded where licensed microbusinesses and dispensaries can sell—allowing sales at approved cannabis showcase events like farmers markets and pop-ups. Product trends (Cannabis): A new push away from potency-only marketing is emerging, with brands leaning into flavor profiles as the next differentiator. Compliance & enforcement (California): Stanislaus County almond growers face impacts as California moves to phase out paraquat-dichloride, while local cannabis permitting corruption cases continue to draw federal prison sentences.

DEA Rescheduling: The DEA released the full day-by-day transcript of its marijuana rescheduling hearing, with the agency arguing marijuana has accepted medical use and should move off Schedule I. Enforcement & Markets: Georgia’s sheriff seized 1,800 pounds of suspected black-market marijuana shipped from California, warning that legalization hasn’t eliminated illegal sales across state lines. Policy Clarity (SA): A South Africa writer argues hazy cannabis shop rules leave a gap that can favor better-funded areas and keep rural growers behind, calling for clearer regulations. Compliance Training (Hemp/CBD): CSP’s C-Store Cannabis Board launched a county-specific training initiative with Element Training to help retailers handle ID checks and shifting hemp/cannabis rules. Industry Economics (CA): California’s legal cannabis operators face severe financial strain as unauthorized sellers take about 60% of the market, while banking limits force cash-heavy operations. Workplace Rights (MO): Employees at Springfield’s Key Cannabis Dispensary ratified their first union contract, adding raises, bonuses, time off, and job protections.

Seed-to-sale finance tracking: Saint Kitts and Nevis is rolling out a national medicinal cannabis system that logs every financial transaction alongside each plant and batch, tied to anti-money laundering rules and deployed ahead of first commercial licenses. Policy pushback in the Caribbean: St Maarten’s cannabis legalization debate is heating up as PM Luc Mercelina warns the country lacks capacity to safely implement and enforce reforms, while TEATT minister Grisha Heyliger-Marten says cannabis isn’t her ministry’s “top priority” just because it appears on a legislative agenda. Local zoning shifts: Salisbury, Maryland approved changes to cannabis grower/processor zoning, loosening distance limits and allowing special exceptions near sensitive sites. Enforcement and court pressure: Wisconsin hemp-THC merchant Jerry McCoy faces major trafficking charges over alleged repackaging of high-Delta-9 products; a Chicago judge also tossed a $600M defamation suit tied to a cannabis dispensary partnership dispute. Industry business signals (AU medicinal cannabis): Emyria, Little Green Pharma, Vitura Health and Cann Group updates highlight a common theme—distribution and cash generation are increasingly driving investor attention amid margin pressure. Community impact: Vermont’s Sunset Lake Cannabis donated to the Vermont Foodbank, framing cannabis businesses as local partners during food insecurity.

Medical Cannabis Expansion: Ayr Cannabis Dispensary opened Frederick County’s first medical marijuana shop in Virginia, with Ayr Wellness also running cultivation and processing at the same Shady Elm Road site. Industry Training: Massachusetts’ Cannabis Control Commission is accepting applications for trainers to deliver a Responsible Vendor Training curriculum for agents at social consumption establishments. Legal Pressure on Operators: A Los Angeles judge tossed interference cross-claims in a cannabis distribution contract fight, while a separate wave of cannabis class actions and RICO allegations continues to target major MSOs and insurance coverage. Hemp/THC Regulatory Fight: Texas hemp retailers sued over the state’s hemp THC ban rules, arguing they wiped out jobs and violated federal law. Compliance Tech Disruption: New Mexico’s seed-to-sale inventory system switch will pause product movement for six days starting Aug. 25. Retail Convenience: Current Cannabis launched free delivery in four South St. Louis County zip codes with set delivery windows. Community & Health: Sunset Lake Cannabis donated to the Vermont Foodbank, and Dublin officials warned that psychosis-linked synthetic cannabinoids are showing up in vapes and edibles sold in legitimate shops.

Medicinal Cannabis Markets: Australia’s medicinal cannabis stocks stayed in focus as Peak Processing (ASX:PKP) shifted from a domestic medicinal supply business to North American cannabis-infused drink contract manufacturing, while Vitura Health and Little Green Pharma drew attention for distribution-led momentum via digital prescribing and telehealth flows. Retail & Real Estate: CBRE reports Australian CBD retail vacancy edged up to 10.8% in H1 2026, with the rise largely supply-driven in Melbourne after new retail centres opened. Regulation & Enforcement: New Buffalo Township in Michigan moved to revoke a special land use permit for the Trap Stars Outlet dispensary, ordering it closed immediately (though it appeared open as of Aug. 23). Public Health & Safety: West Michigan dispensary-linked coverage highlights new CDC CHS diagnosis coding and questions around ER visits tied to cannabis use. Product Compliance: Michigan’s Cannabis Regulatory Agency says Season 3, LLC is recalling THC-infused drink products over potential THC potency limit issues. Industry Crime: Victoria’s CFMEU headquarters was raided as Taskforce Hawk probes alleged secret commissions, with five arrests and multiple seizures.

Cannabis Policy & Markets: Missouri’s final marijuana microbusiness licensing round drew nearly 900 applications for 77 licenses, but the lottery comes after tougher rules and prior revocations. Regulation & Compliance: Arkansas medical marijuana regulators are considering new oversight for management contracts, requiring disclosure, commission approval, and “commercially reasonable” terms. Local Governance: Grand Rapids, Minnesota is debating whether a municipally owned cannabis dispensary should operate in a city-owned parcel, sparking questions about government competing in retail. Enforcement & Public Safety: Nigeria’s NDLEA says it arrested a 101-year-old woman in Ogun State with 90g of skunk and seized over ₦4.4bn worth of synthetic cannabis (“Loud”) at Lagos ports. Industry Crime: Texas police arrested rapper BigXthaPlug in Dallas on DWI, marijuana, and firearm charges, canceling a festival appearance. Health Research: A study links even casual cannabis use in older adults with higher depression risk.

Regulatory Shock (Hemp/THC): Tennessee lawmakers’ ban on popular hemp products—especially THCA—has reportedly created a projected $110M hole in state budget revenue after one month, with critics saying the move “torched” a major industry. Seed-to-Sale Compliance (Cannabis Ops): New Mexico cannabis businesses are bracing for a six-day inventory system blackout starting Aug. 25 as the state switches from BioTrack to a New Mexico Seed-to-Sale System, limiting legal transfers and raising fears of layoffs. Legal Win (Medical Cannabis): A man with a cannabis prescription won an appeal that overturned a drug-drive ban, hinging on whether he followed prescriber directions. Business/Branding (CBD Sports): CBDSports.com is listed for acquisition, positioning the domain at the overlap of CBD wellness and sports recovery. Enforcement/Crime (UK Cannabis Smuggling): A Birmingham Airport courier case tied to a “my man gonna be on the other side” message led to a £13.8M cannabis bust and multiple convictions. Local Governance (CBD Punjab): Pakistan’s CBD Punjab CEO Imran Amin toured CBD Walk, CBD Lake, and CBD NSIT City, pushing for faster finishing works and access upgrades.

Hemp & Regulation: South Dakota officials say the federal government isn’t answering states’ questions on marijuana rescheduling, leaving businesses in limbo. State Policy Shock: Tennessee’s hemp product ban is projected to create a $110M tax shortfall after THCA-focused sales were hit. Legal/Compliance: New Mexico’s cannabis tracking transition is raising industry fears of a rocky rollout. Banking & Business: Oklahoma AG candidate Gentner Drummond faces scrutiny over his role chairing a bank that grew on cannabis legalization. Corporate Moves: Little Green Pharma named a new CFO as it integrates Cannatrek and aligns medicinal operations across Australia and Europe. Retail Expansion: Green Thumb’s RISE Dispensary opens in Port St. Lucie, adding to its Florida footprint. Enforcement/Criminal: Hash oil demand is rising in Hyderabad as crackdowns push syndicates toward more concentrated products.

Hemp Policy Shock: Minnesota hemp farmers say a looming federal THC limit is already collapsing demand, forcing growers to pivot or stop planting and leaving processors running fewer days as inventory piles up. Regulatory Pressure on Hemp Products: Iowa drink makers warn the Nov. 12 federal 0.4 mg THC-per-container rule could wipe out sales, with lawmakers pushing for state opt-outs or delays. Texas Delta-8 Fight: Hemp companies are back in court challenging Texas Department of State Health Services actions that curb delta-8, arguing the state is overreaching. Local Cannabis Access: Oceanside, California voted to add two more in-store retail cannabis license openings, raising the total to six. Medical Market Expansion: Kentucky opened a new medical cannabis cultivation facility in Lexington, adding capacity for edibles, oils, and vapes for approved patients. Enforcement & Public Safety: DHS highlighted fentanyl seizures and arrests on National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day, while Wisconsin’s Hemp 1848 owner faced arrest amid protests over the crackdown.

Federal Rescheduling: DEA published its case against marijuana rescheduling, spotlighting concerns over inaccurate THC labeling and weak state controls. Court Watch: A U.S. judge ruled New Jersey’s cannabis labor peace agreement requirement is preempted by the NLRA, setting up a possible Third Circuit fight. Hemp vs. States: Texas hemp retailers sued to block enforcement of the state’s near-total THC ban, arguing it unlawfully rewrites the 2018 Farm Bill and harms tens of thousands of jobs. State Policy: Connecticut’s Supreme Court cleared the way for a hemp processor to grow and process cannabis at a former tobacco site, limiting local zoning power over state-licensed operations. Industry Moves: Vireo Growth completed its acquisition of C21 Investments, while EnWave reported improved Q3 results as revenue and royalties rose. Business & Retail: West Chester, Pennsylvania, voted to restrict where smoke and vape shops can open, including CBD/THC/kratom retailers. Health Data: A new JAMA Psychiatry study found cannabis use disorder is rising among U.S. adults as use increases.