AGP Executive Report

CBD & Sleep: A review of cannabis as an insomnia aid warns that feeling sedated doesn’t prove better-quality sleep; the benefits and risks of THC and CBD remain uncertain. Product Claims: Consumers are fighting efforts to dismiss a lawsuit alleging vape pens were marketed as legal hemp products despite unlawful THC levels. Market Moves: Olympian Jade Jones has invested millions in a CBD wellness company, while GoGreen Hemp earned USDA Organic certification for its CBD topicals. Hemp Rules: A Kentucky cannabis company founder warns federal hemp changes could threaten full-spectrum CBD oil, adding to uncertainty for businesses ahead of the looming rules. Retail: Cheech & Chong opened their first California dispensary in Forestville, bringing their cannabis brand into the state’s retail market.

Hemp Rules: Looming federal restrictions on hemp-derived THC products threaten a $1.5 billion drinks market, with businesses warning the changes could also put full-spectrum CBD products at risk. Federal Policy: A DEA judge admitted a government report on gaps in written drug-scheduling procedures and allowed limited new briefs in the marijuana rescheduling case; the recommendation is delayed until after the midterms. CBD Products: New launches include sugar-free 50mg CBD softgels, while consumer guides are urging shoppers to scrutinize CBD labels and marketing claims. Industry Investment: Olympic gold medallist Jade Jones has invested millions in a CBD wellness company.

Hemp Rules: New federal restrictions could leave hemp businesses with stock they cannot sell, while Michigan measures to support the industry remain stalled. CBD Research: Trait Biosciences says its CBD82S formulation showed improved membrane transport in early ex vivo testing. Industry Investment: Olympic taekwondo champion Jade Jones has invested millions in a CBD wellness company, while UK hemp firm Hempwell agreed to a multi-million-pound merger with JJ Double Gold. Cannabis Regulation: A DEA judge rejected a request to delay marijuana rescheduling proceedings, but allowed additional briefs—keeping a closely watched federal policy process moving.

Hemp Rules: Federal restrictions are creating fresh uncertainty for CBD sellers: businesses may keep existing hemp stock after the ban starts, but cannot sell it. UPS has also updated its hemp shipping policy. A Sixth Circuit panel questioned whether Ohio’s move to treat federally legal hemp products as marijuana disadvantages out-of-state operators, while Michigan CBD businesses face stalled bills to ease the restrictions. CBD Research: Trait Biosciences reported that CBD82S improved membrane permeation and transport in ex vivo models, an early research finding rather than proof of benefits in patients. Industry Deal: UK-based Hempwell agreed to a multimillion-pound merger with JJ Double Gold, a notable consolidation move for the hemp sector. Cannabis Scrutiny: Virginia Sen. Louise Lucas and six others were indicted in an alleged marijuana trafficking and money-laundering scheme; prosecutors say the operation used political influence to protect its interests. The allegations are unproven.

Federal Hemp Rules: Businesses won’t have to destroy stock when new federal restrictions take effect, but they won’t be allowed to sell it. The looming ban is raising concerns for Michigan’s CBD sector and could threaten full-spectrum CBD oils. Shipping Changes: UPS will require hemp shipments to include test results showing total THC at or below 0.3%, plus adult signatures, from December 11. It also bars hemp vape products and shipments from businesses that sell marijuana products. CBD Products and Research: Kyoto Botanicals launched sugar-free 50 mg CBD softgels, while Trait Biosciences reported improved CBD membrane permeation in ex vivo models—a preliminary finding, not proof of health benefits.

CBD Delivery: Trait Biosciences says its CBD82S™ showed more than 100 times the skin permeation of conventional CBD in ex-vivo tests, plus improved intestinal transport; further research is needed to understand the results. Hemp Restrictions: Michigan industry advocates warn proposed federal THC limits could affect 80% to 95% of the CBD market, including full-spectrum oils and edibles. That’s their estimate, while state bills to ease growers’ costs remain stalled. Product Safety: A Colorado audit found major gaps in cannabis testing and oversight, with nearly 75% of marijuana processed for sale from 2023 to 2025 not tested for pesticides. Medical Access: Massachusetts lawmakers gave initial approval to a bill that could let veterans qualify for medical cannabis using VA documentation instead of a doctor’s recommendation.

CBD Products: Kyoto Botanicals launched 50mg sugar-free CBD softgels, while GoGreen Hemp earned USDA Organic certification for its CBD topicals. Hemp Policy: Federal proposals to tighten THC limits are fueling concern across the sector. A Kentucky CBD company warns changes could threaten full-spectrum oils, while Georgia businesses fear losses to shops, sales and jobs. Congress faces a December deadline amid competing interests. Investment: Olympic gold medallist Jade Jones is investing millions in a CBD wellness company, adding fresh capital to the market.

CBD Finance: Safe Harbor Financial received an extra 180 days, until April 19, 2027, to meet Nasdaq’s minimum share-price rule; it says a reverse stock split may be needed. Product Launches: Kyoto Botanicals launched sugar-free, THC-free broad-spectrum CBD softgels, with 50mg per capsule and independent lab testing. GoGreen Hemp also earned USDA Organic certification for its CBD topicals. Hemp Rules: Proposed federal THC limits could threaten Georgia hemp shops and jobs, while a Kentucky CBD company warns changes may put full-spectrum oils at risk. An industry op-ed also flags the danger of losing payroll services after Square ordered merchants to remove hemp-derived products. Investment: Olympian Flintshire Jade Jones has invested millions in a CBD wellness company. Renaissance Fiber raised $2.24 million to scale hemp-fiber manufacturing in North Carolina.

CBD Business: Olympic taekwondo champion Jade Jones is backing York-based HempWell, with a multi-million-pound investment planned over three years to support the wellness company’s growth. Funding Pressure: Medicinal cannabis firm Rua Bioscience raised just $1 million in a rights offer after seeking $2.8 million, leaving it short of working-capital needs as it looks for further support. Hemp Rules: A federal THC cap due to take effect in December could make most hemp edibles and drinks illegal in the US. Georgia retailers warn the change puts up to $1 billion in state sales at risk. Health Research: A study finds people who smoke or vape cannabis may need more anesthesia during upper-endoscopy procedures; edible use was not linked to the same increase.

CBD & Hemp Investment: York-based HempWell agreed to a multi-million-pound investment deal with JJ Double Gold, funding a new manufacturing facility and expansion into wellness products. Cannabis M&A: Curaleaf is pressing Aurora to reconsider its enhanced takeover proposal, arguing shareholders deserve a fair review. State Oversight: Alabama’s medical cannabis director will retire Oct. 29 after years of licensing delays and lawsuits; the commission plans a national search for a successor. Product Rules: Oklahoma’s new medical cannabis packaging requirements take effect Nov. 1, including clearer THC serving labels and limits on child-appealing designs. Contract Enforcement: NORML is urging a federal appeals court to reconsider a ruling that could block state-legal cannabis businesses from enforcing contracts in federal court.

Medicinal Cannabis Business: Australian names face familiar funding and execution tests: Little Green Pharma is integrating its Cannatrek merger, Cann Group’s Mildura facility remains central to its recovery, and Emyria’s November annual meeting will offer a strategy checkpoint. Neurotech is pursuing cannabinoid treatments for childhood neurological conditions, while BOD Science’s prospects remain uncertain. Hemp Rules: Small businesses are bracing for federal hemp-THC restrictions, with advocates encouraged by a congressional deadline extension; Illinois is also set to change its hemp-product definition on November 12. Product Safety: Maine and Canadian advisories flag contaminated medical cannabis, while reports of children ingesting cannabinoid products underline the risks of confusing packaging and unsafe storage. Market Outlook: A new Missouri study finds legal cannabis sales thriving, with competition shaping the market.

Federal Rescheduling: A new dispute could further delay moving marijuana to Schedule III, postponing tax relief for operators. Green Thumb’s investment case, however, may not depend on rescheduling alone. Hemp Regulation: A looming federal THC cap is putting hemp-product businesses on alert, with shops and makers facing uncertainty over what they can keep selling. Market Stakes: Massachusetts dispensaries are campaigning against a ballot measure that would end recreational sales in 2028, while a Missouri study finds legal sales thriving amid growing competition. Product Trends: Maryland buyers are moving beyond potency toward flavor and production methods, with live resin gaining ground as the concentrate market matures.

Medical Cannabis: Morocco’s Sothema won approval for three cannabis-based epilepsy drugs, though launch dates and pricing have not been announced. Hemp Rules: A looming US federal THC cap threatens to pull hemp products from store shelves and squeeze small businesses, while retailers and lawmakers debate how to protect the market. Market Trends: Missouri’s first state-funded cannabis market study found regulated sales capture 93% of purchases; consumers spend an average of $161 a month, with price, convenience and potency shaping choices. Research: A review of nine trials found no reliable, meaningful sleep benefit from medical cannabis for insomnia, highlighting gaps in the research. Product Safety: Canadian regulators warned medical cannabis users about a product with unsafe levels of mold, bacteria and yeast.

Federal Hemp Rules: Hemp advocates are pressing Sen. Ashley Moody to oppose looming federal restrictions, warning a tighter THC cap could force products off shelves and disrupt small businesses. Congress has delayed a key definition change until December 11, leaving retailers facing uncertainty. Product Safety: Three students were hospitalized after ingesting CBD gummies at a Chicago elementary school. Maine health officials also warned medical cannabis patients about mold and bacterial contamination in products from a dispensary. Company Watch: Canadian cannabis and cannabinoid company Avicanna has moved its U.S. listing to the OTCQB market.

Hemp Rules: A congressional deadline extension has offered US hemp businesses some breathing room, but a federal THC cap still threatens to pull many intoxicating hemp-derived products from shelves. Businesses are scrambling to plan, while state rules are adding pressure: Illinois changes its hemp-product definition on November 12, and a Virginia shop has closed amid new restrictions. CBD Business: Avicanna has moved its US listing to the OTCQB, while MediPharm Labs recently shipped its first CBD metered-dose inhaler to Panama, expanding its medical-cannabis reach. CBD Research: Australia’s Avecho is approaching a key CBD insomnia readout, a potential milestone for the company’s sleep-treatment program.

Hemp Rules: A federal THC cap set to take effect Dec. 11 threatens hemp-derived products and businesses, with Tennessee’s $200 million market facing layoffs. Kentucky advocates are urging lawmakers to provide regulatory stability. Federal Policy: California’s cannabis regulator says the DEA has not given states enough guidance on marijuana rescheduling, leaving businesses uncertain as sales and prices fall. Consumer Safety: Three six-year-olds were hospitalized after eating CBD gummies at a Chicago school; in a separate Kentucky case, toddlers allegedly ate 20 hemp gummies. Market & Access: La Mesa raised its cannabis retail tax to 5%, projecting more than $750,000 in added annual revenue. Kentucky now has medical cannabis dispensaries across all 11 licensing regions. CBD Products: MediPharm Labs shipped its first CBD metered-dose inhaler to Panama, extending its reach in regulated medical cannabis markets.