AGP Executive Report

Hemp Policy Shock: A federal change set for Dec. 11 could narrow what counts as “hemp,” threatening Minnesota’s hemp-derived THC beverage and edible supply chains and forcing retailers and brewers to rethink distribution. Regulatory Pushback: Missouri is proposing cannabis facility rule updates covering ownership, microbusiness transfers, recall procedures for untraceable products, and how prior violations affect participation—public comments run Nov. 2 to Dec. 2. Enforcement Crackdown: New Mexico’s RLD Enforcement Bureau has opened 2+ dozen active criminal cannabis cases, including an unlicensed Torrance County grow found with 21,000+ pounds and a Los Alamos smoke shop flagged for selling hemp-derived THC without proper age checks. Industry Deals: Curaleaf says it will sweeten its hostile bid for Aurora Cannabis to US$5 per share, while Aurora says it hasn’t received materials for a full review. Local CBD/Cannabis Watch: Nambour’s promised CBD streetscape revamp is delayed again after tender delays, and Humboldt County approved a Fortuna-area cannabis farm expansion adding distribution and non-volatile manufacturing. Social Equity Lawsuit: A New Jersey lawsuit alleges state Sen. Raj Mukherji used straw owners to exploit social equity rules, claims he denies.

M&A Watch: Curaleaf is sweetening its hostile bid for Edmonton’s Aurora Cannabis, raising the offer to $5 per Aurora share (0.4013 Curaleaf shares plus $1 cash), as it pushes for good-faith talks after Aurora urged shareholders to reject the earlier $4 bid. Federal Hemp Shock: A $28B hemp THC business is bracing for a looming federal ban after Congress moved to close a loophole, delaying the effective date to Dec. 11 to give lawmakers more time. Medical Access Moves: Georgia regulators approved medical cannabis home delivery rules, letting licensed operators use USPS or private carriers for patient drop-offs and deliveries to long-term care facilities. Research & Safety: FDA is seeking public input on how to run early clinical research on ibogaine, focusing on study design, dosing, safety monitoring, and ethics. State Policy & Markets: Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey urged voters to keep recreational marijuana legal by rejecting a ballot measure to roll it back, while Minnesota’s Office of Cannabis Management published real-world study results showing reduced anxiety and depression symptoms for autism patients on medical cannabis. Industry Operations: Georgia regulators also approved new rules for colleges and universities to conduct medical cannabis research using state program products. Veterans & Wellness: Cannatrol’s Cool Cure Limited Edition program added Operation Green Healing as an exclusive nonprofit partner, directing a share of sales to veterans’ wellness and education.

Medicinal Cannabis Compliance: Australia’s MOCA admitted it wrongly marketed its products as TGA-approved, after an SBS investigation found most medicinal cannabis items are not assessed by the regulator—raising fresh pressure on how clinics describe approvals. Regulatory Watch: Missouri health officials proposed rule changes that could reshape cannabis facility ownership, licensing transfers, and how prior violations affect participation. Federal Policy Shock: The US hemp THC industry is bracing for a looming federal ban after Sen. Mitch McConnell closed a loophole—putting a $28B market and jobs at risk. Enforcement & Supply Chain: Hong Kong Customs seized about 6kg of suspected cannabis buds worth ~$1.2M at the airport, arresting a passenger; Nigeria’s NDLEA also reported massive port seizures of Loud cannabis and codeine syrup. Business & Access: A Denver dispensary faces foreclosure over a disputed fee, while telehealth-linked medicinal cannabis distribution and clinic models keep navigating insurer and regulatory headwinds. Industry Partnerships: Cannatrol’s Cool Cure Limited Edition program added Operation Green Healing as an exclusive veterans nonprofit partner, tying premium post-harvest tech to ongoing fundraising.

Hemp THC Policy Shock: America’s $28B hemp-THC market is bracing after Congress moved to close the loophole that let “impairing hemp” products flourish, delaying the effective date to Dec. 11 and sparking calls for regulation instead of a ban. Regulatory Marketing Red Flags (Australia): An online medicinal cannabis prescriber admitted it wrongly described products as TGA-approved, though most are unapproved and not assessed for safety/quality/effectiveness. Medical Cannabis Compliance Gap (Australia): The same investigation highlights how clinics’ “approved” language can mislead patients, with calls for tighter prescribing and regulation. Legal/Industry Fallout (Georgia): Georgia’s Supreme Court revived a hemp grower’s claim after police allegedly destroyed $37,000 in hemp during a drug-suppression exercise, upending long-standing precedent. Enforcement Roundup (Nigeria): NDLEA seized over N5bn in illicit consignments, including “Loud” cannabis and codeine cough syrup, and arrested a Milan-bound suspect with 4.8kg cocaine. Business & Retail (New Zealand): New Balance opened a flagship Auckland store as its local arm targets growth, underscoring how brands keep investing in CBD retail. Public Consumption Policy (North Carolina): A cannabis advisory council is drafting a THC public-use framework ahead of a Dec. 31 deadline. Local Market Watch (Missouri): A Missouri op-ed warns new marijuana microbusinesses that the real risk is knowing when not to sign contracts amid tighter rules. CBD-Adjacent Consumer Safety (Maryland): A Baltimore Sun investigation found some smoke shops selling products described as marijuana/THC despite licensing limits. Partnerships (Cannabis Tech): Cannatrol’s Cool Cure Limited Edition added Operation Green Healing as an exclusive nonprofit partner for veterans’ wellness funding.

Hemp Policy Shock: A $28B hemp THC market is scrambling after Congress moved to close a federal loophole, with a ban now set to take effect Dec. 11—sparking calls for regulation instead of elimination, plus warnings that some products and retailers could be forced to shut. Federal Security & Cannabis: U.S. Sen. Susan Collins and colleagues urged the DOJ to investigate Chinese criminal networks tied to marijuana and intoxicating-hemp markets, citing alleged trafficking, money laundering, and China-sourced toxic chemicals. State-Level Medical Cannabis: Oklahoma’s OMMA is launching a statewide community conversation tour to hear directly from residents and industry on medical cannabis rules and local impacts. Industry Tech Partnership: Cannatrol announced Operation Green Healing as the exclusive nonprofit partner for its Cool Cure Limited Edition program, aiming to fund veterans’ wellness via sales. Local Cannabis Access: Jersey City’s Xena dispensary opened its cannabis consumption lounge, positioning it as a community gathering space.

Hemp THC Fight: A $28B hemp THC business is scrambling after Congress voted to close a federal loophole that let impairing hemp products flourish, with the effective date pushed to give lawmakers more time to regulate instead of ban. Federal Hemp Pressure: Minnesota hemp farmer Winona LaDuke says federal policy “regulatory jiu-jitsu” is punishing fiber growers and creating uncertainty, even as she argues CBD varieties have real benefits. Public Health & Youth: A new UK report finds 1 in 4 school vapes tested positive for illegal substances, while separate coverage links teen cannabis use to slower cognitive development in a major U.S. study. Regulation & Compliance: Albania rolled out new cannabis oversight rules covering the full supply chain with continuous, risk-based inspections and tech-enabled monitoring. Industry Moves: Cannatrol’s Cool Cure Limited Edition adds Operation Green Healing as an exclusive nonprofit partner for veterans’ wellness funding. Policy Watch: North Carolina’s cannabis advisory council is weighing public consumption rules ahead of a December deadline. Retail/Local: North Carolina’s THC gummy maker warns the market could be upended by the looming federal hemp THC crackdown.

Medicinal Cannabis & Tech Partnerships: Vitura Health says Bupa is shifting most international member referrals away from Doctors on Demand to Hola Health, raising operational and contract-risk questions for the telehealth side of the medicinal cannabis ecosystem. Regulatory Pressure on Operators: Cann Group reports softer domestic sales as Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration tightens focus on prescribing, advertising, and product quality—pushing the company toward pharmaceutical-grade export growth. THC Drinks Legal Uncertainty: Ohio retailers and makers of THC-infused beverages are dealing with shifting court and legislative outcomes after Gov. DeWine vetoed key parts of a THC-drink bill, forcing inventory pullbacks and market exits. Local Zoning for Cannabis Retail: Peoria, Illinois is weighing how to regulate drive-thru and curbside cannabis sales after a state law opened the door, with special-use approval changes headed to the city council. Industry Expansion: Minnesota’s Fond du Lac Band breaks ground on a third ANANG Cannabis location in Duluth, signaling continued tribal-led rollout momentum. Legal/Business Disputes: A New Jersey ex–chief of staff sues Sen. Raj Mukherji over alleged “de facto cartel” cannabis licensing and social-equity exploitation. Public Health & Safety: A pilot study in Estonia finds synthetic opioid cychlorphine detected in about half of cases among people who inject drugs, despite few reporting it—highlighting substitution and misidentification risks.

Federal Cannabis Policy: A DEA judge paused the federal adult-use marijuana rescheduling hearing to consider adding a new GAO report, which says the DEA and FDA have gaps in their scheduling processes—keeping rescheduling uncertainty front and center for the industry. State Legalization Watch: Florida activists filed two new ballot measures that would legalize adult-use cannabis statewide, while a separate report notes Missouri’s marijuana sales are climbing after legalization. Hemp Rule Shock: Buckhannon’s Moon Flower says it could face uncertainty under stricter federal THC rules, and U.S. Senate Republicans are pushing for an investigation into alleged Chinese criminal ties to U.S. cannabis and hemp markets. Business & Community: Minnesota’s Office of Cannabis Management is meeting in Rochester amid compliance concerns, and the Fond du Lac Band broke ground on a new downtown Duluth Anang Native Cannabis Co. dispensary opening in 2027. Legal/Compliance: A Michigan court ruled an Iosco County marijuana farm violated wetlands protections, ordering restoration and penalties to be set later. Industry Deals: Cannatrol’s Cool Cure Limited Edition program added Operation Green Healing as an exclusive veterans nonprofit partner.

Nonprofit Partnership: Cannatrol’s Cool Cure Limited Edition program adds Operation Green Healing as its exclusive veterans nonprofit partner, funding alternative wellness education via a sales percentage. Regulatory Push: Minnesota’s Office of Cannabis Management holds a Rochester listening tour to review adult-use sales, licensing, and supply ramp-up as harvest approaches. Legal/Market Pressure: A federal judge lets a Missouri cannabis competition lawsuit against Good Day Farm move forward, denying a motion to dismiss but allowing an amended complaint. Policy Debate: Trinidad and Tobago’s House advances a bill raising alcohol/tobacco purchase ages to 21 and setting cannabis possession and gambling at 25, with opponents warning about enforcement and consultation gaps. Industry & Safety: Utah touts its medical cannabis system as a model after DOJ rescheduling to Schedule III, emphasizing patient-facing infrastructure and regulated tracking. Local Expansion: The Fond du Lac Band breaks ground on a $2M downtown Duluth dispensary to drive foot traffic and add delivery options. Business Spotlight: Curaleaf launches its Breast Cancer Action Month “round up” campaign for Impact One Breast Cancer Foundation through October. Enforcement/Crime: Police investigate a theft of $1,100 in hemp products from a Florida Gulf gas station.

Cannabis Enforcement: Texas DPS and partners raided Scorpion Smoke Shops across North Texas, seizing thousands of suspected THC products plus marijuana and other drugs, alleging hemp/THC items exceeded legal limits. Local Crackdowns: Montgomery County, Pa., prosecutors charged 46 businesses for selling illegal THC products, including gummies reportedly topping 1,000 mg, after undercover buys. Regulatory Shift for THC Drinks: New Jersey’s liquor-store THC seltzer sales are set to end Nov. 14, with only state-licensed dispensaries allowed to sell higher-THC drinks; a federal redefinition could tighten the nationwide ban further. Policy & Zoning: Aurora, Colo., advanced a plan to restrict “high-risk” shop types by distance, including vape and cannabis dispensaries; Fairfield, Conn., voted to prohibit new smoke/vape/tobacco shops after a moratorium. Hemp & Industry: IND HEMP invested in new in-house fiber processing to produce spinnable hemp fiber for textiles, aiming to improve quality and scale. Business/Wellness: Cannatrol’s Cool Cure Limited Edition added Operation Green Healing as a nonprofit partner supporting veterans and military families.

Veterans Wellness Partnership: Cannatrol’s Cool Cure Limited Edition adds Operation Green Healing as its exclusive nonprofit partner, funding veterans’ programs via a cut from Veterans Causes sales. Medicinal Cannabis Supply Chain: Dunbar Pharmaceuticals says its WaterClear THC™ plant-derived dronabinol oral sprays are now available to UK specialist prescribers via IPS Pharma, with expansion plans for 2027. Cannabis Business Growth (Minnesota): A North Branch family turned a Minnesota dispensary application into Wild River Dispensary, sharing lessons from the licensing fight to opening. Regulatory/Local Policy: Monterey County planning commissioners advanced a cannabis consumption venue ordinance to the Board of Supervisors, aiming to allow on-site consumption at retail locations with responsible-use language. Fraud & Enforcement: A Lower Merion businessman behind Kind’s marijuana payment-processing business was charged with fraud tied to investor share sales. Public Safety & Crime: UK police jailed “J Flabs” alias Connor Prescott after finding cocaine hidden in his shorts, underscoring ongoing drug-dealing crackdowns.

Regulatory Clampdown: Michigan’s Cannabis Regulatory Agency revoked 20 medical grower licenses and hit GP Holdings (Millie Montana Industries) with a record-tying $2M fine after investigators found packages labeled as marijuana flower contained no THC and instead resembled dirt/mulch. Legal & Compliance: A federal case alleges Verano and a St. Charles dispensary failed to protect patient data, with 2.4M lines reportedly exposed online. Local Zoning Moves: Charles County, Maryland approved a one-year moratorium on large-scale cannabis farms while it updates zoning rules. Litigation Over Equity: San Diego County faces a CEQA lawsuit over its Socially Equitable Cannabis Program, with residents arguing the environmental review and approval process fell short. Market Signals: Canada data shows pre-rolls overtook flower as the top cannabis category by revenue in 2025, with pre-roll revenue up 6.3% to $1.4B. Tribal Policy: The Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association will host its 5th annual Indigenous Cannabis Industry & Policy Summit in Washington, D.C., Nov. 9–11.

Regulation & Enforcement: Trinidad and Tobago is moving to raise the legal ages for alcohol and tobacco to 21, while setting cannabis and gambling at 25—paired with steep fines and prison terms up to 30 years for repeat or aggravated offences, a major compliance shake-up for operators. Courtroom & Compliance: A Florida judge refused to toss a shareholder lawsuit targeting cannabis-company directors accused of entrenchment after enforcement action, keeping the case alive. Market Moves: Curaleaf’s hostile bid for Aurora Cannabis is still on the table, offering a mix of cash and Curaleaf shares with a stated premium—investors are watching whether Aurora shareholders tender. Public Safety & Policy: A DEA administrative law judge paused marijuana rescheduling proceedings after opponents cited gaps in the government’s process, adding uncertainty to federal reform timelines. Crackdowns: Police in Christchurch arrested three gang members after a cannabis-linked raid that also seized guns, ammo, and cash—another reminder that “legal” markets don’t stop illicit supply chains. Adult-Use Rollout: Virginia’s initial draft adult-use marijuana rules outline fees and licensing mechanics, but leaves key questions for the Authority to finalize.

Labor & Workplace Rights: Missouri dispensary workers say they were fired for union organizing after a Springfield Greenlight meeting, with picketing continuing as Joplin workers vote to unionize. Hemp Policy Shock: Oregon CBD retailers are preparing to close after a new federal law threatens to ban most hemp-derived products, even as dispensaries selling marijuana remain open. Regulatory Signals for CBD: Europe’s CBD market gets a boost after EFSA issues its first positive CBD opinion, though EU sales still hinge on approvals and strict intake limits. Business Moves: Claris Biotherapeutics is relocating HQ from Jersey City to South San Francisco ahead of 2027 trials and planned hiring. Industry Growth & Compliance: TruMo Analytics opens a Missouri cannabis testing lab offering fast turnaround and full compliance panels. Market Culture: Terp Basel in Miami expands its art-forward cannabis festival/trade vibe for its fifth year. Corporate Crossover: Tilray’s BrewDog turnaround story highlights how cannabis-linked beverage ownership is reshaping mainstream brands.

Hemp & Materials: South Korea researchers say hemp hurd cellulose can boost biodegradable plastic film strength and barrier performance, pointing to wider use of other farm residues. Legal & Compliance: Missouri’s Supreme Court heard a challenge to cannabis facility licensing after claims the state’s 2019 scoring process was inconsistent, with an audit alleging deficiencies. Hemp Beverages: A federal appeals court order again limits Ohio’s intoxicating hemp beverage sales outside licensed dispensaries, threatening jobs and forcing product reroutes. Enforcement & Courts: Ohio’s Division of Cannabis Control prompted a Jackson dispensary to temporarily close after “serious adverse health events,” though follow-up testing reportedly found no contaminants. Local Policy: Baltimore approved a plan to padlock repeat-offender “smoke shops” selling unlicensed cannabis and other illegal products. Business Moves: Australia’s Tasmanian Botanics is now almost entirely owned by a Chinese-linked firm, with operators saying staffing and operations should remain stable. Tax & Regulation: Guadalupe voters will decide whether to set a city cannabis tax rate, aiming for clearer, more direct revenue collection.

Regulatory & Enforcement: Pennsylvania GOP Sen. Dawn Keefer unveiled a bill to keep hemp THC products legal but add age limits plus registration, testing, and labeling requirements. Product & Testing: California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed AB 1965 and AB 2250, tightening marijuana testing/retesting, lab performance checks, and consumer access to certificates of analysis, while adjusting hemp rules around cannabinoid definitions. Business Deals: Trulieve announced an exclusive master licensing agreement with Connected for Alien Labs and Connected branded products in Florida and Texas. Public Safety: Baltimore City Council is set to vote on legislation that would let police padlock smoke shops selling illegal products, as part of broader cannabis enforcement. Courts & Sentencing: A Federal Court reinstated 30-year cannabis trafficking sentences for two men in Malaysia after overturning an appellate shift to possession. Industry Supply Chain: Iowa authorities say a Clarion man’s case shows how marijuana and THC products move from legal “source states” into states where cannabis remains illegal. Market Access & Compliance Tech: IKE Tech expanded beyond age-gated vaping with IKE 2.0, aiming to extend identity and compliance checks beyond point-of-sale. Community Impact: A Verulam community is demanding answers after a man allegedly selling cannabis to pupils was released and reportedly returned.