AGP Executive Report

Medical Cannabis Legislation: Puerto Rico Gov. Jenniffer González Colón signed measures covering medical cannabis, agriculture and political advertising, while vetoing a separate driving-school bill. Federal Rescheduling: The fight over marijuana reclassification continues in court, with challengers and opponents agreeing on a briefing schedule. A related rescheduling move is temporarily paused, while Washington officials are seeking ways to help medical-marijuana businesses access federal benefits. CBD Access: The TSA updated its policy to allow some CBD products on planes. Maryland also passed a law limiting licensing-board action against veterinarians who discuss cannabis and CBD. State Rules: New Ohio THC rules have forced retailers to pull products, adding to shifting compliance demands for cannabis businesses.

Hemp Investment: South Korea’s North Gyeongsang Province plans a 175 billion won hemp-to-medicine hub in Andong, spanning raw materials, pharmaceutical ingredients and finished drugs — a major public-private push into a source of CBD. Hemp Policy: A marijuana reform group is urging Congress to keep hemp-derived THC products legal, as federal rules remain a key uncertainty for the sector. Travel Rules: The TSA has updated its policy to allow some CBD products on planes, though the available report does not specify which products qualify. Cannabis Courts: A federal court granted emergency relief to The Cannabis Place 420 Corp. to prevent its Jersey City dispensary from closing. Rescheduling Fight: Federal officials and cannabis opponents are setting a briefing schedule in a lawsuit challenging President Trump’s marijuana reclassification move, while state officials press the DEA for guidance on rescheduling.

Jersey City Licensing: A federal judge temporarily blocked the expiration of The Cannabis Place 420 Corp.’s municipal license, allowing the dispensary to stay open while its lawsuit proceeds. Hemp THC Fight: The industry is pressing Congress to preserve hemp-derived THC products as a federal restriction deadline approaches in December, putting a reported $28 billion market at stake. Travel Rules: TSA updated its policy to let travelers bring some CBD products on planes. Rescheduling Debate: Marijuana opponents and federal officials are setting a briefing schedule in a lawsuit challenging President Trump’s reclassification move, while a Republican congressman says rescheduling should prompt a broader review of psychedelics and other drugs. Retail Access: Nevada County is accepting cannabis storefront applications as local governments continue shaping where new businesses can open.

Dispensary Fight: A federal judge granted emergency relief to The Cannabis Place 420 Corp., preventing its Jersey City dispensary from closing while it challenges the city’s decision not to renew its municipal support. Cannabis Legislation: Trinidad and Tobago’s opposition PNM says it would repeal a package of laws that includes cannabis and other drug measures if it returns to office. Hemp Trade: Montana Governor Greg Gianforte discussed industrial hemp partnerships with Sri Lankan officials, including links to the country’s textile sector. Federal Policy: The marijuana rescheduling process remains contested, with opponents and federal officials setting a briefing schedule in a lawsuit over Trump’s move; meanwhile, hemp businesses are pressing Congress to preserve THC products as a December deadline looms. CBD Access: TSA updated its rules to allow travelers to bring some CBD products on planes. State Protections: Maryland enacted a law limiting boards’ ability to act against veterinarians who discuss cannabis and CBD.

Travel Rules: TSA updated its policy to let travelers bring some CBD products on planes, though the change does not cover every product. Hemp Products: A marijuana reform group is urging Congress to keep hemp-derived THC products legal. Separately, marijuana opponents and a pharmaceutical company asked a court to block a plan for Medicare to cover hemp-derived CBD. State Protections: A new Maryland law limits veterinary boards’ ability to penalize veterinarians for discussing cannabis and CBD. Federal Policy: A lawsuit challenging the administration’s marijuana rescheduling move is moving ahead, while the rescheduling itself remains paused. Washington officials are also seeking to ease access to potential federal benefits for medical cannabis businesses.

Travel Rules: TSA now allows compliant hemp-derived CBD products and FDA-approved cannabis medications in carry-on bags. Products containing THC remain prohibited, and officers may refer suspected violations to law enforcement. Veterinary Guidance: A new Maryland law limits state board action against veterinarians who discuss cannabis and CBD, giving vets clearer room to advise clients. Medicare Coverage: Marijuana opponents and a pharmaceutical company have asked a court to block the Trump administration’s plan for hemp-derived CBD coverage, putting the proposed benefit in dispute.

CBD and Veterinary Care: Maryland’s new law limits board action against veterinarians who discuss cannabis and CBD, but federal rules still leave no FDA-approved cannabis medicines for animals. Federal Rescheduling: Marijuana rescheduling is temporarily paused. State officials are pressing the DEA for guidance, while federal officials are working to help medical-cannabis businesses access potential rescheduling benefits. Hemp Rules: A December deadline threatens major restrictions on the hemp-derived THC market. Most changes were delayed until Dec. 11, but cannabinoids that cannot occur naturally in cannabis are set to be classified as marijuana starting Nov. 12. Industry estimates suggest many non-intoxicating full-spectrum CBD products could remain outside the revised definition; that estimate is not a government projection. Company Results: Tilray reported first-quarter revenue of $257.1 million, up 23% year over year, while wellness revenue held steady at $15.3 million amid hemp-seed supply constraints.

Age Limits: Trinidad and Tobago’s Senate passed a bill raising the legal age for cannabis and gambling to 25, and for alcohol and tobacco to 21. Hemp THC Rules: A looming federal restriction threatens a $28 billion hemp-derived THC market, while state officials are pressing the DEA for guidance on marijuana rescheduling. Massachusetts Ballot Fight: The campaign to repeal recreational cannabis legalization is largely funded by the Virginia-based anti-drug group Smart Approaches to Marijuana, as voters prepare to decide Question 8 in November. Medical Access: New Jersey’s governor signed reforms to the medicinal cannabis program aimed at expanding patient access. Low-THC Hemp: Italian growers arrested in a crackdown on “cannabis light” were released after a judge questioned the preliminary drug test used to justify the case.

Hemp THC Rules: A looming federal restriction, with a Dec. 11 deadline, threatens hemp-derived THC businesses and a market estimated at $28 billion. Retailers and state lawmakers are still pushing for a different path. Local Regulation: Swissvale officials say they lack authority to restrict hemp shops near a daycare, exposing a gap between hemp and medical-cannabis rules. Medical Access: New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy signed reforms to the state’s medicinal cannabis program, expanding patient access. Grow-Site Cleanup: Oklahoma lawmakers are examining how agencies can clean up abandoned marijuana farms, which may leave environmental hazards and costs for local communities. Retail Oversight: Los Angeles voted to ban tobacco and cannabis shops from selling nitrous oxide, with the measure now awaiting the mayor’s consideration.

Federal Hemp Rules: A December 11 deadline threatens to sharply limit hemp-derived THC products, putting a $30 billion market and roughly 300,000 jobs at risk. Industry groups are pushing for nationwide regulation instead of a ban. Election Stakes: Texas’s hemp business council has published a voter guide on candidates’ positions, while Idaho voters will decide whether to strip citizens of the power to legalize marijuana through ballot initiatives. State Policy: Massachusetts opponents of recreational cannabis are airing ads urging voters to repeal commercial sales; the November measure would leave possession and medical marijuana legal. Michigan, meanwhile, has approved a law requiring public education on the risks of youth cannabis and tobacco use.

Medical Cannabis Policy: England’s patient safety commissioner says nearly 2 million unlicensed cannabis items were issued on private prescriptions in the past year, warning of risks as private clinics drive most access. Regulation & Youth Protection: Trinidad and Tobago lawmakers debate raising alcohol/tobacco to 21 and cannabis to 25, with critics warning it could push more sales underground. Public Safety & Enforcement: A Nigerian court sentenced an 18-year-old to four months for possessing 370kg of cannabis, while a UK football league warned clubs about reported cannabis use at matches. Industry & Markets: Canada’s Alberta approved Stake’s entry, with operations expected to go live Oct. 12, as Aurora and Curaleaf continue a hostile bid standoff. International Stance: Cambodia’s PM reiterated opposition to cannabis cultivation, citing control concerns, while Scotland farmers tout low-THC hemp as a potential “olive oil” alternative.

Hemp & CBD Policy Fight: Rhode Island hemp THC sales could get squeezed after a federal rule set to cap hemp-derived products at 0.4 mg total THC per container, putting pressure on growers and retailers. Courtroom Pressure on CBD Access: Anti-marijuana groups and a cannabis biopharma company filed a fresh appellate brief to block the Trump administration’s Medicare coverage plan for hemp-derived CBD products (up to $500/year), arguing the program is harmful to competitors and improperly adopted. Workplace Safety for Cannabis Stores: Manitoba introduced Bill 56 to make cannabis shops safer by removing storefront window-coverings and giving regulators power to set minimum staffing during higher-risk hours. Local Permitting Clash: A Southwest Ohio dispensary operator sued Pierce Township for alleged extortion/pay-to-play tied to a permit delay, seeking $2.5M. International Expansion: A Salmon Arm cannabis processor is seeking zoning variances to expand and sell into European, Australian and UK markets. Community Prevention Push: A webinar series in Massachusetts tackled substance use and how supportive adults can help kids reduce cannabis and alcohol risks.

Hemp Policy Showdown: Small businesses and farmers in Pennsylvania are pushing new hemp rules as a looming federal ban on intoxicating THC products threatens the $28B industry, with Sen. Mitch McConnell’s tighter definition now at the center of the fight. Regulatory Deadline Pressure: North Carolina lawmakers face a key decision on HB 328, aimed at pulling most intoxicating hemp products from retail and restricting remaining consumables to adults 21+, after a sharp rise in youth emergency visits for THC ingestion. Cannabis Social Equity Lawsuit: New Jersey Sen. Raj Mukherji is accused in a lawsuit of using straw owners to game social equity rules for cannabis dispensaries, allegations he denies. Safety Rules for Retailers: Manitoba introduced Bill 56 to let cannabis stores remove window coverings and require minimum staffing during higher-risk hours after a reported assault on a lone employee. Local CBD/Cannabis Business Reality Check: Colorado Springs’ 2027 budget leans on recreational marijuana tax revenue for police and fire tech and equipment, while Nambour’s long-promised CBD streetscape revamp is again delayed, restarting tender timelines and frustrating local businesses. Consumer Protection: San Diego launched a Consumer Fairness and Public Protection Unit with lawsuits targeting major app and platform companies over child safety and privacy claims.

Hemp THC policy fight: A $28B hemp THC industry is scrambling after Congress closed a loophole that let “impairing hemp” products thrive, with a federal funding bill delaying the effective date of the proposed ban to Dec. 11. Veterans & cannabis diagnoses: New VA records released via FOIA show a big rise in cannabis use disorder diagnoses among veterans, but the report questions whether the jump reflects real use or changes in diagnostic rules. Retail compliance update: Manitoba proposed amendments to let cannabis storefronts remove required window coverings, arguing it improves visibility and worker safety. Industry politics: U.S. marijuana companies are funding a super PAC that’s spending heavily to reelect Republicans who oppose easing federal cannabis laws. Business expansion: Vireo Growth secured $60M in real estate financing tied to cultivation and production facilities in New York and Florida. Public safety & youth: Georgia’s drug summit targets parents on THC vaping risks, using mock setups to show how teens hide products. Weed-control tech: New Zealand’s DOC launched an AI “Smart Weed Alert Tool” to flag emerging weed threats earlier.

Medical Cannabis Compliance: Uganda’s internal affairs minister warned medical cannabis and industrial hemp investors not to divert controlled drugs or falsify records, saying misuse of licenses could trigger enforcement. CBD Sleep Pipeline: Avecho Biotechnology advanced recruitment in its late-stage CBD insomnia capsule trial after an independent board backed full enrollment, aiming for one of the first registered CBD sleep medicines. Clinic Growth Watch: Emyria’s MDMA and psilocybin-assisted therapy network drove revenue to more than triple as it expands clinics, with profitability still a work in progress. Regulatory Scrutiny in Australia: An online medicinal cannabis prescriber admitted it wrongly described products as TGA-approved, highlighting ongoing concerns about how cannabis products are marketed. Enforcement & Smuggling: Hong Kong Customs seized about 6kg of suspected cannabis buds at the airport and also intercepted anti-obesity injection vials from Japan, arresting a consignee. THC Policy Signals: New Mexico Senate Democrats picked a floor leader tied to launching the state’s adult-use cannabis program, setting up more affordability-focused cannabis-era legislation.

Regulatory Scrutiny (Australia): Medicinal cannabis provider MOCA admitted it wrongly marketed its products as TGA-approved, saying most are legal but unassessed for safety/quality/effectiveness—and it’s only “considering” notifying clients. Federal Hemp Fight (US): A $28B hemp-THC industry is scrambling after Congress moved to close a loophole, with the ban’s effective date pushed to Dec. 11 to allow possible regulation instead of elimination. Public Consumption Policy (US): North Carolina’s cannabis advisory council is drafting a THC public-use framework, with a Dec. 31 deadline for recommendations to Gov. Josh Stein. Enforcement Roundup (Nigeria): NDLEA reported seizures worth over ₦5B at Lagos/Rivers ports, including “Loud” cannabis and codeine cough syrup, plus a Milan-bound cocaine bust; it also destroyed 20,234kg of cannabis in Osun. Medicinal Cannabis Harm (Australia): A Four Corners investigation says for-profit DVA-funded providers aggressively targeted veterans and prescribed “ghastly” high-THC amounts, with one case linked to severe mental health decline. Local Governance (South Africa): Cape Town’s unfinished Foreshore highways could be replaced by a massive redevelopment plan, potentially running into billions of rands.