AGP Executive Report

THC Crackdown: Montgomery County prosecutors charged 46 retailers over alleged illegal THC gummies and other products, including items reportedly topping 1,000 mg per gummy, as officials say unregulated sales flooded neighborhood shelves. Medical Cannabis Access: Ukraine’s health ministry says a cancer patient in Mykolaiv received medical cannabis-based medication for the first time, via electronic prescriptions, with indications including chronic/neuropathic pain and chemo nausea. Sleep & Safety: The CDC reports most sudden unexpected infant death cases (2020–2024) involved unsafe sleep factors, urging caregivers to follow safer sleep practices. Epilepsy & Cannabis: A small study in drug-resistant epilepsy found frequent cannabis users had more severe seizures and higher rates of certain seizure types, though researchers say bigger studies are needed. Local Cannabis Growth: Minnesota’s first dispensary in Mille Lacs County opened in Milaca, expanding a local hemp shop into adult-use cannabis. Breast Cancer Support: Organic Remedies launched a monthlong breast cancer awareness campaign in Pennsylvania, partnering with local nonprofits and offering in-store donation options.

Marijuana Rescheduling Stalls: A DEA judge stayed the marijuana rescheduling hearing after critics flagged process gaps, keeping the federal timeline in limbo. Hemp Industry Under Pressure: Local hemp and CBD businesses say new federal restrictions could force closures, with rules tightening what counts as legal hemp. Cannabis Use Disorder in Seniors: A new analysis finds about 1 in 9 older cannabis users meet criteria for cannabis use disorder, mostly mild—raising caregiver watchfulness. Epilepsy & Cannabis Link: Multiple reports highlight research tying frequent cannabis use to more severe epileptic seizures. Psychedelics Policy Watch: Emyria (ASX:EMD) was selected to speak at an FDA public hearing on psychedelic medicine access, clinician training, and safety—mirroring its clinic model. Index Buzz for Cannabis Stocks: BLS Pharmaceuticals (ASX:BLS) joined a major market index after rebranding from Bioxyne and expanding international supply deals. California Innovation Funding: Gov. Newsom signed SB 895, placing a $7.5B research bond before voters—relevant backdrop for future medical breakthroughs. Local Cannabis Enforcement: A Georgia traffic stop led to seizures of marijuana, meth, fentanyl pills, and a heavy-lift drone tied to alleged prison contraband drops.

Medical Cannabis Research: A new study of 64 adults with hard-to-treat epilepsy found frequent marijuana use (at least 20 days/month) was linked to worse seizure outcomes, including more convulsive seizures and faster resistance to antiseizure meds, though researchers say it doesn’t prove cause. Older-Adult Risk: Another report estimates more than 1 in 9 seniors (65+) who used cannabis in the past year met criteria for cannabis use disorder, with smoking still the most common method. Cancer Symptom Relief: Minnesota’s statewide study of about 6,000 medical cannabis patients reported improvements across symptoms like nausea, vomiting, appetite loss, and anxiety/depression. Policy & Regulation: DEA rescheduling talks for marijuana were paused amid claims of gaps in federal processes, while Maryland is moving ahead with a multi-lab audit program targeting cannabis labs. CBD in the Spotlight: Katie Price says she’s still dealing with sciatica pain and promotes CBD oil as part of her routine. Criminal Justice Spillover: A Virginia man freed after 25 years had his conviction vacated; the plea deal included marijuana charges.

Cannabis & Health: A new study links frequent cannabis use in drug-resistant epilepsy to worse outcomes, including earlier admission to epilepsy monitoring and higher rates of severe seizure types, with more antiseizure meds needed. Cannabis Use Disorder: Another report finds more than 1 in 9 seniors (65+) who used cannabis in the past year meet criteria for cannabis use disorder, with nearly a quarter in moderate-to-severe cases—highlighting the need for routine screening. Withdrawal Treatment: A tiny randomized trial suggests an experimental combo drug (nabilone + gabapentin) may reduce cannabis withdrawal severity, but researchers stress larger studies are needed. Policy Watch: A DEA judge paused marijuana rescheduling proceedings after a watchdog report flagged “gaps” in how agencies evaluate and schedule controlled substances. CBD Market: Europe’s CBD outlook gets a boost after EFSA issued a positive CBD opinion, though approvals and data limits still slow real-world sales. Hemp Crackdown: Oregon businesses warn a new federal law could end much of the hemp industry, threatening CBD access. Medical Access Numbers: New research estimates nearly 4 million Americans are registered for state medical marijuana, with tens of thousands of approved clinicians.

Local Retail Recognition: Sherlocks Glass & Dispensary just won INDY Week’s Best Hemp/CBD Shop in Wake County (after a Durham win), highlighting continued mainstream momentum for THCa flower and live rosin. Animal Health Policy: Maryland’s new law takes effect this week to protect vets who recommend medical marijuana or CBD for animals, blocking license action for those discussions. Medical Research Watch: A study using Cincinnati-area stroke records found documented substance use among ages 20–54 jumped to 40.2% by 2020, with marijuana featuring heavily—but researchers can’t prove it caused the rise. Neuro Safety Signals: New findings link frequent cannabis use with about doubled seizure risk, though the data shows association, not direct cause. Regulation & Industry Tension: Ohio hemp businesses say adult-use enforcement targets them while dispensaries get looser rules, sparking “Big Marijuana” complaints. Product/Materials Innovation: Researchers say hemp hurd cellulose can strengthen biodegradable plastic films, boosting strength and barrier performance. Public Health Caution: A Nature review warns vaping in youth may raise nicotine dependence, respiratory/oral problems, mental health issues, and future smoking risk.

Cannabis & Seizures: New research links frequent cannabis use with more severe epilepsy outcomes—patients using cannabis most days had over twice the convulsive seizure rate and reached medication resistance faster, though the study can’t prove cause. Medical Cannabis Access: A national registry analysis found medical cannabis enrollment jumped from ~747,000 (2016) to ~3.9M (2024), with chronic pain still leading but mental-health registrations (like PTSD and anxiety) rising too. Older Adults & CUD: Another study reports 11.4% of older adult cannabis users (65+) met criteria for cannabis use disorder, raising concerns about harms in a population on more medications. Policy Watch: Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy’s department will support the EPA’s glyphosate safety review, with a decision expected in early 2027. Public Safety: Officials in Las Cruces/NMSU warn people not to eat “false parasol” mushrooms after rains and warm weather sparked dangerous growth. Legal/Enforcement: A British mother faces up to 20 years in Cambodia after being caught with 34.5kg of cannabis; meanwhile, a North Port child neglect trial is set for Oct. 26.

Smart Vapes & Addiction: Researchers warn “smart” nicotine and cannabis vapes that use apps, AI, and crypto-style rewards could make addiction harder to quit, undermining cessation efforts. Medical Cannabis Policy: New Zealand’s Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis) Amendment Bill (No 2) heads toward a first reading, aiming to loosen provisional consent timelines and address gaps in the current scheme. CBD/Supplement Regulation: The FDA is again in the spotlight over NAC, a popular supplement, with a proposed rule reportedly delayed past its target date—another reminder that “supplement” status isn’t guaranteed. Medicinal Cannabis Business: Little Green Pharma is wrapping its first full quarter after merging with Cannatrek, with European expansion and a lingering regulatory penalty in focus. Public Health Research: A study finds stroke rates nearly doubled among adults under 55 over three decades, adding urgency to younger-adult risk screening. Drug Enforcement (Nigeria): NDLEA seized 2.55m opioid pills worth N3bn at Lagos airport and arrested suspects, plus a separate case involving 72 cocaine wraps at Enugu. Local Enforcement (Benin): Police seized nearly 20 kg of cannabis in Kétou and arrested four people. Chronic Pain Guidance: A review highlights education as central to chronic musculoskeletal pain care, aligning with CDC guidance to prioritize nonopioid and nonpharmacologic approaches.

Drug Policy & Access (NZ): A new private members bill, the “Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis) Amendment Bill (No 2),” is set for first reading, aiming to loosen parts of the current medicinal cannabis framework and extend provisional consent from 2 to 5 years. Public Health (Mozambique): Mozambique reports 17,783 people treated in the first half of 2026 for mental and behavioral disorders linked to drugs, with cannabinoids and opioids among the leading causes. Cannabis/Weight Drug Safety (US): A doctor warns about possible interactions between cannabis and GLP-1 weight-loss drugs, noting both can slow stomach emptying and may worsen nausea or vomiting. Enforcement (Nigeria): NDLEA says it arrested a newlywed man in Enugu after he allegedly ingested 72 cocaine wraps, and seized 2.55 million opioid pills in Lagos; it also reports skunk and cannabis seizures worth over ₦3 billion. Community Recovery (US): SPARC Recovery highlights two recovery stories as September’s National Recovery Month continues.

Opioid crackdown (Nigeria): NDLEA says it seized 2.55 million opioid pills (Tramaking and Royal Tapentadol) at Lagos’ MMIA, imported via Qatar Airways, RwandAir and Ethiopian Airlines. Airport drug busts (Nigeria): NDLEA also arrested a newlywed businessman in Enugu after he allegedly ingested 72 cocaine wraps to traffic to Portugal, plus more arrests across states tied to illicit drugs. Cannabis safety alert (Colorado): Regulators issued a health advisory after Craft/Craft-branded marijuana vapes sold at 405 stores were found contaminated with methylene chloride; consumers are told to destroy or return products and seek care if affected. Kratom warning (US): Long Island health and addiction experts warned families about potent kratom drinks and gummies, calling it opioid-like and urging stronger safeguards for kids. Potency testing push (Maryland): Maryland launched a cross-testing pilot to catch inflated THC numbers and label issues by running retail samples through multiple independent labs. Medical cannabis access (Minnesota): Coconut Cannabis in Bemidji plans to expand into the medical market, aiming to reduce long drives for patients. Cannabis industry/legal (Oregon): Oregon psilocybin businesses won back from proposed fee hikes after regulators backed off. CBD product buzz (UK): A fragrance-free CBD balm is being promoted online for sleep support, with a limited-time discount code circulating. Cannabis in court (UK/US): A Cornell student lawsuit alleges drugging and rape at a fraternity party, while other court coverage highlights broader harms tied to substance misuse.

Colorado Recall/Health Advisory: Colorado regulators issued a recall and health warning for Craft (Staycon) marijuana vapes sold at 405 stores after finding methylene chloride, urging customers to destroy or return affected cartridges/disposables and seek medical help if they feel unwell. Maryland Cannabis Testing Crackdown: Maryland is rolling out a cross-testing pilot (CSQ CLEAR) using multiple labs to spot inflated THC numbers and label testing fraud. Oregon Psilocybin Fees Backpedal: Oregon psilocybin businesses won a win as the state rescinded proposed fee hikes that would have doubled licensing costs. Minnesota Teen Cannabis Use: A new University of Minnesota analysis reports past-month cannabis use among teens fell sharply from 2013 to 2025, with higher rates still seen in some groups. Medical Access Expansion: A Minnesota dispensary (Coconut Cannabis) is preparing to add medical marijuana services to improve access for patients who currently drive long distances. Stroke Risk Trend: A study finds stroke rates nearly doubled among younger adults over 27 years, adding urgency to prevention conversations that often intersect with cannabis use discussions.

Medical Access Expansion: Coconut Cannabis in Bemidji, Minnesota is preparing to move into the medical cannabis market, aiming to cut down the long drives local patients make for care. Public Health Warning: Colorado regulators issued a health advisory after contaminated marijuana vape cartridges sold at hundreds of stores were found to contain methylene chloride; consumers are told to check batch numbers and dispose if affected. Youth Use Trend: Minnesota reports teen cannabis use continues to fall after legalization, with a University of Minnesota study showing past-month use dropping from 12.7% (2013) to 5% (2025), though some groups remain at higher risk. Product Quality & Safety: A guide on how to compare CBD flower quality highlights growing method, freshness, aroma, and batch testing as key buying factors. Policy & Industry Impact: Massachusetts workers and advocates warn that a potential marijuana repeal ballot could trigger major job losses across the state’s legal market. Research Watch: A new study links rising stroke rates in younger adults to factors including substance use, with marijuana use cited as a major contributor to the increase.

Drug Prevention Tech: Rutgers–New Brunswick rolled out “All About U,” a science-based drug and alcohol prevention portal that tailors resources for students—especially those prone to anxiety and self-medicating. Public Health & Safety: Cobb County, GA reported a 26% drop in overdose deaths from 2024 to 2025, crediting a 2022 multi-agency fentanyl response coalition. Medical Cannabis Policy: Pennsylvania House Speaker Joanna McClinton says marijuana legalization could move forward next year if Democrats flip enough Senate seats. Health Study: A large U.S. study found first-ever stroke rates among adults 20–54 nearly doubled from the early 1990s to 2020, with substance use (including marijuana) rising among cases. CBD/THC Enforcement: Georgia launched an 8-month crackdown on illegal THC products at vape shops, seizing mislabeled items and making arrests. Product Safety: Colorado’s StayCon recalled contaminated marijuana vapes after methylene chloride was found.

Veterans & Education: Silly Nice (disabled veteran-owned) launched THE FIELD MANUAL, a national, citation-heavy cannabis education resource for U.S. veterans, stressing harm reduction and separating personal experience from clinical findings. Medical Cannabis at Work: A University of Georgia study reported lower workplace absenteeism for Illinois employees using state medical cannabis for chronic physical pain. Older Adults Use: A New York City survey of adults 65+ found 22.2% used cannabis in the past year; among users, 32.9% met criteria for cannabis use disorder, with common side effects including dry mouth and drowsiness. Medical Program Outcomes: Minnesota’s medical cannabis program study (6,600+ cancer patients) found self-reported symptom improvements, including nausea/vomiting, appetite loss, and depression/anxiety-related symptoms. Product/Policy Watch: Australia’s first registered CBD pain tablet race heats up as Avecho faces a rival seeking fast-track TGA registration despite missing efficacy in a trial. Public Safety/Enforcement: Hong Kong Customs seized ~6kg of cannabis buds at the airport and arrested two traffickers.

Medical Cannabis Access: Massachusetts proposes letting veterans get a state medical cannabis card using VA documentation instead of a doctor’s recommendation, aiming to cut red tape for PTSD and chronic pain. Cancer Symptom Relief: Minnesota reports cancer patients in its state-authorized program saw improvements in pain, nausea, anxiety/depression, sleep, and appetite, with side effects reported as mostly mild. Regulated Market Updates: Virginia’s Staunton is set to open an Ayr dispensary in early October to address an access gap for patients in Health Service Area 1. Product Safety: Colorado’s StayCon recalls certain marijuana vapes after methylene chloride contamination concerns, amid delays in expanded testing rollout. Public Health & Youth: CDC’s latest youth behavior report narrows focus, while separate reporting highlights teen cannabis use hitting record lows. Broader Drug Warning: New opioid alerts include cychlorphine chatter on college campuses, even where authorities haven’t confirmed it in specific deaths. Health Trend Watch: A study finds stroke rates among adults 20–54 nearly doubled over 27 years, with substance use and vascular risk factors rising.

Medical Cannabis Access: Ayr Wellness’ Ayr cannabis dispensary is set to open in early October in Staunton, aiming to close a major access gap for Virginia patients, with drive-thru pickup planned. Local Medical Sales Expansion: Terrabis’ Dixon dispensary has started selling medical cannabis to patients after state law changes, joining other Illinois locations offering medical options. Cancer & Wellness Partnerships: MariMed’s Betty’s Eddies is launching its fourth annual collaboration with the Keep A Breast Foundation, featuring limited-time pink packaging and a screening education app push for October. Public Health & Safety: A CDC-linked report found marijuana in 21% of unintentional overdose deaths, with detection rising to 43% among ages 12–17, underscoring prevention and early intervention needs. Substance Supply Warning: A Winnipeg drug alert highlights fentanyl-like opioids and medetomidine showing up in street samples, making overdoses harder to predict and treat. Health Trend Watch: New research reports stroke rates among adults 20–54 nearly doubled over 27 years, driven mainly by ischemic strokes.

Hemp & CBD Policy: A looming federal crackdown has many hemp THC gummies and drinks facing loss of legal status on Dec. 11 unless Congress steps in, while advocates push back ahead of elections. CBD Pain Product Watch: An Australian company is seeking approval for a THC-free “prescription CBD pain tablet,” but its CEO says the trial didn’t beat placebo—so regulators will have to decide what “real-world” value looks like. Research & Accountability: NIH is putting $88M into human-based research facilities and is asking whether it should publish an annual public count of live vertebrate animals used in NIH-funded labs, as HHS/FDA move to expand use of non-animal safety data. Health Trend: New study finds stroke rates among adults 20–54 nearly doubled since the early 1990s, with rising diabetes, high blood pressure, and much more documented marijuana use among younger stroke patients. Local CBD Retail: A “25% off entire store” vendor event at a CBD shop highlights ongoing consumer demand for CBD sleep and relaxation products.