AGP Executive Report

CBD Clinical Trials: Avecho’s Phase III trial of an oral CBD treatment for insomnia has resumed recruitment after an interim review supported continuing the study. Separately, a Cochrane review found too little reliable evidence to show medical cannabis consistently eases insomnia. Global CBD Sales: MediPharm Labs shipped its first CBD metered-dose inhaler to Panama, extending its medical cannabis reach into a new market. Hemp Rules: Looming federal restrictions on hemp-derived THC products are raising concerns for North Carolina’s multibillion-dollar hemp sector and retailers. Industry Finances: Australian medicinal cannabis company Cann Group faces continued funding pressure, while Epsilon Healthcare reported sharply lower losses as revenue roughly doubled.

Federal Hemp Rules: Businesses in North Carolina and Michigan warn that restrictions due Dec. 11 could push many hemp-derived THC products and some CBD products off the market; industry leaders say a one-month delay offers little certainty. CBD Products: MediPharm Labs shipped its first CBD metered-dose inhaler to Panama, expanding its medical cannabis reach. Suzie’s CBD Treats marked its 10th anniversary with a refreshed brand and sustainable packaging, while highlighting its in-house manufacturing. Investment and Exports: Brazil’s Ease Labs plans R$100 million in investment over three years to launch products, expand cultivation and pursue medical cannabis exports to Europe. Market Trends: A new industry feature points to growing demand for high-strength CBD topicals, as brands compete in the wellness market.

Federal Hemp Rules: US restrictions taking effect Dec. 11 will broaden how THC is counted, potentially pushing some hemp-derived products out of the legal category. CBD itself is not banned, but products containing THC may be affected. Massachusetts Ballot: Voters will decide in November whether to end recreational marijuana sales while keeping limited possession legal. Analysts warn repeal could dismantle a major legal market and fuel illicit sales. Medical Cannabis: A Cochrane review found the evidence too uncertain to determine whether medical cannabis helps insomnia, drawing on nine trials involving 537 adults. Health Risks: Cannabis-related hospital admissions in Victoria rose 49% over a decade, with psychotic disorders the leading cause. Industry Watch: Tilray’s Q1 revenue rose on BrewDog operations, but cannabis revenue fell; the company reported a net loss and negative free cash flow. EU Hemp Policy: Hemp rules remain a sticking point in talks on post-2027 agricultural market regulations, as countries seek leeway to control how parts of the plant are used.

Hemp Product Restrictions: Businesses in North Carolina and Wisconsin are bracing for federal rules due to take effect Dec. 11 that would limit hemp products to 0.4 milligrams of THC per container, putting many current products—and jobs—at risk. Illinois Market: Cannabis sales revenue fell to about $1.5 billion in fiscal 2026 from nearly $2 billion, even as consumers bought more products; falling prices and frequent promotions are squeezing revenue and tax receipts. Federal Rescheduling: Washington State regulators are seeking public comment on a proposal to certify medical cannabis businesses, potentially helping them access benefits tied to federal rescheduling.

Product Transparency: The Hemp Doctor now publishes lab certificates for its CBD, THCA, Delta-8, Delta-9 and pet products, giving shoppers access to independent test results without signing in. Australian Cannabis Business: Recent ASX developments include Little Green Pharma completing its all-share merger with Cannatrek, Elixinol agreeing to acquire supplement subscription platform Vitable mainly in shares, and Neurotech dosing the first patient in its pivotal cannabinoid autism trial. The moves come as tighter prescribing rules and funding pressures weigh on the sector. Community Investment: Vermont cannabis company Magic Mann says its local and Indigenous fund has distributed more than $175,000 since launch, including over $75,000 for Indigenous people, culture and communities.

Hemp & CBD Investment: North Gyeongsang Province plans to invest 175 billion won by 2030 in an Andong hemp hub spanning raw materials, pharmaceutical ingredients and finished medicines, including CBD products. Illinois Market: Consumers bought more cannabis at lower prices, but reported retail sales fell to about $1.5 billion in fiscal 2026 and tax revenue slipped 3.6%; the state added 29 dispensaries. Minnesota Cultivation: Cohasset grower M.N. Technology has begun its first cannabis harvest while building an indoor facility, with about $25 million in construction planned and expansion expected to bring its workforce to as many as 70. Community Giving: Vermont’s Magic Mann says its Local & Indigenous Fund has distributed more than $175,000 since launching, including over $75,000 for Indigenous people and communities.

Travel Rules: TSA has updated its policy to allow some CBD products on planes, a practical change for consumers, though travelers should check which products qualify. Hemp Regulation: A looming federal THC restriction and a December deadline threaten a hemp-derived products market estimated at $28 billion; industry groups are urging Congress to keep these products legal. Company Results: Tilray reported $257.1 million in first-quarter fiscal 2027 revenue, up 23% year over year, but much of the growth came from its BrewDog acquisition. CBD Research: The FDA cleared a pathway for conditional approval of a cannabinoid drug for canine bone-cancer pain, while University of Regina researchers are studying CBD as a possible concussion treatment.

Retail Expansion: Green Thumb opened RISE Cape Coral, its 25th Florida store, expanding its medical-cannabis footprint. CBD Travel: TSA updated its rules to allow some CBD products on flights, offering clearer guidance for travelers. Federal Policy: Marijuana rescheduling faces fresh uncertainty as a lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s move advances, while another report says the process is temporarily paused. Hemp businesses are also warning that looming federal restrictions on THC products could sharply curb a market valued at $28 billion. Company Results: Tilray reported higher first-quarter revenue but a $40 million net loss, highlighting the challenge of turning sales growth into profit.

Travel Rules: TSA says eligible hemp-derived CBD products and FDA-approved medicines may be carried on flights, but THC products remain prohibited. Check product labels and current rules before flying. Hemp Regulation: A looming federal crackdown on intoxicating hemp-derived products has prompted reformers to urge Congress to keep hemp THC products legal, leaving the market’s direction uncertain. Federal Policy: The Justice Department and opponents of marijuana rescheduling proposed a court schedule that could bring arguments before the court’s summer recess, keeping a major regulatory fight alive. Company Results: Tilray reported higher quarterly revenue, but cannabis sales declined and its net loss reached $40 million, tempering the growth story.

Travel Rules: TSA now allows compliant hemp-derived CBD and FDA-approved cannabis medicines on planes; THC-containing products remain prohibited, and officers may refer suspected violations to police. Industry Results: Tilray’s first-quarter revenue rose 20% to $257.1 million, led by beverages, while cannabis revenue fell to $56.1 million. Hemp Regulation: Federal restrictions on intoxicating hemp products loom, with a signed measure delaying implementation until Dec. 11. Industry advocates warn a ban could put operators and jobs at risk. Ballot Stakes: Massachusetts voters will decide Nov. 3 whether to repeal adult-use cannabis sales, a move that could upend the state’s multibillion-dollar market.

Earnings Watch: Tilray reported record first-quarter revenue of $257.1 million, up 23% year over year, but still posted a $40 million net loss. Beverage sales and international cannabis growth helped lift results, while cannabis price pressure weighed on margins. Regulatory Crossroads: Hemp businesses are bracing for federal rules expected in December that could sharply restrict hemp-derived THC products, putting a multibillion-dollar market at risk. CBD for Pets: FDA action cleared a pathway for conditional approval of a cannabinoid drug for canine bone-cancer pain, while a new Maryland law limits board action against veterinarians who discuss cannabis and CBD with clients. Investor Dispute: A 9/11 widow and her children are suing cannabis entrepreneurs, alleging they misused $1.3 million invested from the family’s compensation fund.

CBD for Pets: Lillie&Lee has launched a THC-free CBD isolate for dogs, positioning it as an option for pet owners ahead of a stricter federal “total THC” standard taking effect Nov. 12. New Products: Clean Remedies introduced three THC-free chocolate bars: 500 mg CBD, CBD with CBN, and a CBD-CBG blend. Hemp Rules: A looming federal change is putting the hemp-derived THC market—estimated at $28 billion—under pressure, with businesses weighing what the new rules will mean for sales and products. Cannabis Policy: Massachusetts voters will decide whether to repeal the 2016 measure legalizing recreational cannabis; the industry has generated nearly $2 billion in state and local tax revenue, according to the state Cannabis Control Commission. Low-THC Hemp: Italian hemp growers arrested in a raid were released after a judge questioned whether a preliminary field test alone established that their crop was narcotic.

Federal Hemp Rules: A Dec. 11 federal deadline could wipe out many hemp-derived THC products by limiting finished products to 0.4 milligrams of combined THC-like cannabinoids per container. One Florida retailer says those products drive about 80% of sales and is preparing to close a location. Consumer Protection: A new study found state-issued QR codes boosted consumers’ confidence in regulated cannabis products; nearly 90% said the codes could steer them toward licensed dispensaries. Changing State Rules: Ohio’s new THC limits are forcing dispensaries to pull or repackage products, while New Jersey has expanded medical cannabis access, including higher purchase limits and longer physician authorizations. CBD Research: University of Regina researchers are studying cannabinoids for pain after concussion, aiming to assess their safety and potential as an alternative to opioids. Regulatory Gap: Officials in Swissvale, Pennsylvania, say they lack authority to restrict hemp shops near a daycare because the state’s medical-dispensary rules do not cover them.

Federal Hemp Rules: Congress’s December 11 deadline could sharply limit hemp-derived THC products, putting a market valued above $30 billion and about 300,000 jobs at risk. Industry groups are urging nationwide rules instead, including age and potency limits. Hemp Processing: Montana-based IND Hemp has opened a new fiber-refining line, allowing it to prepare ready-to-spin U.S.-grown hemp for manufacturers and international buyers. Facility Fire: A two-alarm blaze damaged a hemp-processing building near Cornelius, Oregon, on Wednesday. Part of the roof collapsed; no serious injuries were reported, and the cause is under investigation. Texas Policy: The Texas Hemp Business Council has published a voter guide outlining candidates’ positions on hemp regulation, retail standards and consumer safeguards.

Medical Cannabis Oversight: England’s patient safety commissioner says nearly 2 million unlicensed cannabis items were issued on private prescriptions in the past year, warning of harm risk as private clinics drive most access. Regulatory Shifts: Ohio’s adult-use market starts new limits on flower, THC potency, serving sizes and purchase caps, forcing dispensaries to adjust product mix. Corporate Moves: Curaleaf filed an updated offer to acquire Aurora, while Aurora’s special committee begins an independent review and urges shareholders to take no action. Hemp Policy Watch: Cambodia’s PM reiterated a hard line against cannabis cultivation and also rejected e-cigarette/vape production investment, citing control and youth public health concerns. Science & Safety: Northwestern researchers identified brain neurons linked to anxiety from cannabinoid drugs, especially under stressful conditions. Enforcement: Gardaí in Cork seized suspected cannabis worth €350,000 and arrested two men; in Laois, police intercepted a drone near Portlaoise prison campus, seizing cannabis, tablets and phones.

DEA Rescheduling Push: The DEA opened a new registration process (Form 225) for state-licensed medical cannabis manufacturers, distributors, and analytical labs to operate under Schedule III, a move that could bring major tax relief by ending the Section 280E deduction ban. Hemp Deadline Pressure: New analysis warns hemp brands may need to repackage weeks before the Dec. 11 federal THC cap date, since the “per container” definition can make gummies and beverages fail even if servings seem small. Retail Expansion: Minnesota’s Tree Huggers Cannabis re-opened its Caledonia dispensary as a full adult-use shop, shifting from lower-potency hemp edibles to licensed recreational sales. Business Investment: IND HEMP is adding a secondary fiber refining line in Montana to produce ready-to-spin hemp fiber in-house, aiming to improve quality and scale for textiles. Enforcement & Seizures: Texas authorities wrapped a major smoke shop crackdown tied to illegal THC/hemp products, seizing suspected THC items and nearly $5M in cash/assets. Public Safety/Policy: A UK prison watchdog report says inmates at HMP Swaleside are trading stolen sugar for illicit “hooch,” with cannabis and other drugs reportedly being smuggled in by drones. Local Cannabis Crime: Police in Coventry found a cannabis factory with 100+ plants, while New Amsterdam, Berbice saw 7.37 kg of suspected cannabis discovered in an abandoned building.