AGP Executive Report

Marijuana policy: Powell City Council extended its marijuana dispensary moratorium through Dec. 31, 2027, citing more time needed to shape local zoning rules after Ohio’s legalization rollout. Hemp/CBD business & legal risk: A Zimbabwe-linked medicinal cannabis financing dispute is headed to trial after a court rejected Credsure’s bid to end the case, tied to a failed biomass export deal. Safety & enforcement: Oklahoma prosecutors charged the owner of a marijuana extraction facility with murder after an explosion killed two employees, with court records pointing to hazardous manufacturing conditions. Public health: Iowa officials warned kratom is driving rising deaths and poison control calls, as Gov. Kim Reynolds pushes for a total ban amid new federal controls on synthetic kratom compounds. International cannabis rules: Thailand’s Pattaya is preparing for the USS Abraham Lincoln visit, with officials warning sailors about restricted activities including marijuana use. Local cannabis politics: Niles Charter Township in Michigan will revisit marijuana retail rules after a petition qualified for the November ballot, setting up another zoning fight. Online drug harm: A Philippines lawmaker warned drug dealers are using emojis as coded signals on social media to reach teens.

US hemp THC fight: The House is set to vote on a stopgap funding bill that delays a federal ban on intoxicating hemp THC products for a month, drawing GOP criticism and raising shutdown politics stakes. Thailand rules for US sailors: Pattaya is tightening security ahead of the USS Abraham Lincoln’s 5,000 crew visit, with officials warning sailors about local law violations, including restrictions tied to marijuana use and cannabis shops. Cannabis enforcement abroad: Cambodia says it detained nearly 19,652 drug suspects in Jan–Aug 2026 and seized 2.65 tons of narcotics plus 282 kg of dry marijuana. UK cannabis case: Rapper Yung Filly pleaded guilty to cannabis possession in Australia, was fined $750, and ordered to pay costs; the case followed an earlier court decision allowing him to return to the UK. Local raids: Pietermaritzburg shut down fast-food outlets in the CBD over occupational health and safety issues, including a shwarma shop where workers were found in a cold-room bedroom. US drug bust with explosives: Indiana police say a traffic stop led to marijuana, meth, and a homemade explosive device, with bomb squad disposal and multiple felony charges. Business/tech: Intelligent Bio Solutions reported above-98% accuracy in a drug-screening method comparison study and announced a ~$5M private placement.

California Cannabis Packaging: Gov. Gavin Newsom signed AB 2249 to tighten rules on cannabis packaging and labeling that regulators say appeal to kids, responding to a state auditor report that child poisonings have risen since Proposition 64. School-Use Crackdown: Louisiana’s Act 305 took effect Aug. 1, raising penalties for using marijuana or other drugs on or near school grounds (up to a year and a $1,000 fine within 2,000 feet), and the state is pushing schools to warn families. Hemp THC Deadline Shift: The House is set to vote on a stopgap funding bill that delays a federal cap on THC in hemp products until Dec. 11, keeping “intoxicating” hemp drinks and gummies legal for now while lawmakers debate a framework. Border & Drug Enforcement: U.S. Border Patrol’s Yuma operation (Aug. 10-14) led to 143 arrests, including 95 illegal commercial truck drivers, plus seizures of 169 pounds of marijuana and 74 pounds of meth. Local Cannabis/Drug Incidents: Oklahoma prosecutors charged a man with murder after an explosion at a marijuana extraction facility killed two employees; in New Jersey, MAPS partnered with a cannabis operator for store activations; and in Michigan, a township public hearing could allow marijuana dispensaries under new odor, waste, and distance rules.

Major Seizure: Georgia authorities seized about 900 pounds of suspected marijuana from a shipment tied to Sacramento, with nearly half allegedly headed for Orlando and the rest for Atlanta—no arrests yet, but officials say it shows legal-market product moving into stricter states. Local Enforcement: A former NYPD officer, David Agosto, was indicted in Hernando County on multiple child sexual abuse counts; during the investigation, police also found 163g of marijuana and paraphernalia, leading to drug-related charges. Industry Watch: Endovia Health Sciences welcomed federal momentum toward moving marijuana to Schedule III, saying it’s a step toward a clearer regulatory path for cannabinoid medicines. Public Health: Oneida County moved to tighten synthetic cannabinoid sales, requiring accurate labeling of what’s in “K2/Spice”-type products. Retail Expansion: Curaleaf opened a new Cutler Bay, Florida dispensary on Sept. 1, expanding its Florida footprint. Synthetic Cannabinoid Alarm: Irish officials urged stronger rules after HSE testing found high-risk cannabinoids in some vape products. Policy/Legal: A lawsuit challenges the Trump administration’s approval of the PFAS pesticide trifludimoxazin—raising broader health and regulation concerns.

Cannabis Licensing Fight (US): Rhode Island’s tight Democratic AG primary is getting personal as Keith Hoffmann attacks Kim Ahern over lead-safety certification and alleges she “stalled” cannabis retail licenses, while Ahern counters with documents showing lead-safety steps were taken. Drug Diversion Policy (Ireland): Ireland’s long-delayed Health Referral Scheme for first-time drug possession is set to start nationwide, letting police refer people to health interventions instead of court (not just cannabis). Major Airport Seizure (Nigeria): NDLEA says it intercepted “Jihadi drug” captagon and opioid pills worth over ₦6.2bn at Lagos airport, including captagon hidden in “Ghana Soap,” plus millions of tablets from abandoned consignments. Local Cannabis Case (UK): Police in Bracknell report a crackdown after smelling cannabis, seizing suspected Class A drugs, cannabis, cash, and charging a 19-year-old with intent to supply. Consumer Angle (NY): New York State Fair debuts a cannabis consumer advocacy booth, pushing for better consumer data and product safety conversations. Public Safety/Legal (US): A Portola man was arrested after a compliance check turned up meth, psilocybin mushrooms, marijuana for sale, a suspected silencer, and firearm-related items. Road Risk Research (Canada): A new study finds rural drivers involved in crashes are more likely to have cannabis and other impairing substances detected. Sports/Smell Backlash (US Open): Players again complain about cannabis odor drifting into matches, calling it distracting despite no-smoking rules.

Legal Showdown (Hemp/THC): A federal judge is weighing Missouri’s ban on intoxicating hemp products after the Missouri Hemp Trade Association argued the law uses overlapping definitions that make “hemp” and “marijuana” collide, leaving businesses unsure what’s legal ahead of a Nov. 12 start. Law Enforcement (Marijuana/Drugs): In Ilocos Sur, police uprooted four marijuana plantations with about 4,000 seedlings and 660 mature plants during an operation under Oplan Deicesais 2026. Rural Raid (Drugs + Weapons): Plumas County deputies arrested a Portola man after a compliance check turned up suspected meth, psilocybin mushrooms, marijuana for sale, paraphernalia, scales, and firearm-related items including a silencer. International Crackdown (Captagon + Opioids): Nigeria’s NDLEA seized 47,200 Captagon pills (“Jihadi drug”) hidden in “Ghana Soap” blocks and millions of opioid tablets worth over ₦6.2 billion at Lagos airport. Local Safety (Cannabis + Knife): Coventry police charged a teen after finding a knife and cannabis at Pool Meadow Bus Station, as officers ran citywide patrols. Public Policy/Industry Pressure: A Wisconsin hemp retailer said his THC-related arrest was racially motivated and claims his delta-9 products were legal under the state’s 0.3% rule. Community Response (Drug Use): A report from Khulna, Bangladesh alleges drug trading across all 31 wards and lists 272 people tied to sales.

US Open Cannabis Smell: British No.1 Katie Boulter says marijuana odor from nearby Corona Park is a real distraction at Flushing Meadows, pulling players “out of the moment,” with other stars echoing complaints and the USTA saying it stays “vigilant” but can’t control outside activity. Courtroom Mental Health: In the Bronx, a judge found NYC mom Dimone Fleming not criminally responsible for the 2022 killings of her two sons, citing postpartum psychosis; the ruling closely tracks the legal fight now unfolding in the Lindsay Clancy case. THC Enforcement + Guns: Kansas officers say a traffic stop turned up raw marijuana odor, 291 THC vape cartridges, and a loaded handgun. Drug Driving Case: A California stop in Portola ended with felony charges after deputies found meth, psilocybin mushrooms, marijuana, scales, and firearm-related items. THC Extraction Explosion: Oklahoma investigators say a blast at a THC extraction facility killed two people and damaged dozens of nearby businesses. Hemp Law Clash (Missouri): A federal judge is being asked to weigh whether Missouri’s intoxicating hemp ban is too unclear to enforce, arguing the state uses overlapping “hemp” vs “marijuana” definitions. Local Retail Impact: An Illinois hemp retailer in East Dubuque plans to close after Nov. 12 federal hemp definition changes threaten its product model.

US Open Weed Smell Backlash: British players say cannabis odor from nearby Corona Park is distracting them on court at Flushing Meadows, with Katie Boulter calling it something that “takes you out of the moment.” Medicinal Cannabis Rules (Jersey): New legal controls for prescribing medicinal cannabis are expected by end of 2026, including who can prescribe, possible face-to-face consults, and record-keeping for adverse effects after a big jump in dispensed products. Synthetic Cannabinoids Crackdown (Ireland): Ireland set up a joint working group to respond to high-risk synthetic cannabinoids found in vapes, vape liquids, and edibles, aiming for faster enforcement and coordination. Legal Weed Industry Pressure (New York): A report says New York is rushing to tighten its legal cannabis system further, amid ongoing gray-market concerns. Local Enforcement & Courts: A North Carolina probe netted 1,600 THC vape cartridges plus arrests; in California, a DUI checkpoint warned marijuana impairment remains illegal; and a UK case saw a driver banned after a 130mph chase while high on cocaine and cannabis. Community Dispensary Pushback (Nevada County, CA): Soda Springs residents opposed a proposed cannabis dispensary after a local information session.

Legal Fallout in Florida: A leaked Hope Florida grand jury report tied $10M Medicaid settlement money to political activity aimed at defeating abortion and marijuana amendments in 2024, and Gov. Ron DeSantis says the leak is the real “crime” while Democrats push for resignations. Courtroom CBD/Cannabis: A Massachusetts sheriff extortion trial heard cannabis co-founder Frank Perullo say he felt it was wrong for Sheriff Steven Tompkins to buy into the dispensary company before it went public. Workplace Impact Study: A University of Georgia study links medical marijuana access to fewer health-related sick days and lower absenteeism in states with medical cannabis laws. Enforcement & Seizures: Police recovered nine sacks of smuggled Indian cannabis after a microbus crash during a chase in Bangladesh; in Ireland, a man was refused bail after €1.7M in suspected cannabis was seized from a van. Semi-Synthetic Cannabinoid Warning: Ireland reports HHC and other semi-synthetic cannabinoid vapes still showing up in shops and online despite new scheduling, with lab testing finding many products contain unexpected substances. Local Business/Compliance: A California firm urged a court to enforce a $1.98M arbitration award against Evermore Cannabis Company over dodged promised fees.

Federal THC drink crackdown: A new U.S. rule could pull THC-infused beverages off shelves nationwide starting in November, redefining hemp by total THC (0.4 mg per container) and putting popular “high” drinks in the crosshairs. Florida marijuana ballot fallout: A leaked Florida grand jury report says $10M from a Medicaid settlement was “misappropriated” into political channels tied to defeating Amendment 3, though it found not enough to charge anyone. Hemp legality fight in Missouri: Missouri’s intoxicating hemp ban faces a court challenge over whether state definitions are clear enough, with businesses arguing overlapping “hemp” vs “marijuana” rules create confusion. Youth THC enforcement: Two Maryland high school students were cited for THC vapes, and Colorado’s CDOT report says distracted/impaired driving is down—while warning dangerous behavior still persists. CBD-adjacent policy support: Nevada City approved making entheogenic plants/psilocybin a low-priority enforcement target for adults 21+, shifting policing focus without legalizing use. Drug case highlights: A UK court sentenced a man for cannabis drug-driving after a crash; the Philippines reported July seizures worth 1.1B pesos including dried marijuana.

Florida Cannabis Politics: A leaked Leon County grand jury report says Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration “misappropriated” $10M from a Medicaid settlement via the Hope Florida Foundation, then funneled it into political committees that helped fight a 2024 ballot measure to legalize adult-use marijuana—though no charges were filed, and Republicans call it a hoax. Local Governance & Cannabis Disclosure: In St. Maarten, Parliament rejected a push to force release of the full Native Nations Cannabis agreement and related documents, while also voting down cannabis disclosure proposals during budget deliberations. Retail Compliance Training: The CSP C-Store Cannabis Board partnered with Element Training to expand hemp/cannabis education for convenience-store operators, focusing on product knowledge, ID checks, and age-gating rules. Enforcement & Synthetic Products: New York authorities executed search warrants at two Utica businesses, seizing suspected synthetic cannabis and flavored vapor products (plus kratom at one site) under an ongoing investigation with no charges filed yet. Drug Case With Cannabis Tie-In: A Connecticut teen was ordered held after a second drug case in two months, including cocaine trafficking and firearm charges, with the broader crackdown continuing across multiple states.

Cannabis Courtroom Update (Malaysia): A Perak Sessions Court acquitted an electrician accused of allowing cultivation of a 253.4g cannabis plant, ruling prosecutors failed to prove a prima facie case. Cannabis Banking (Bahamas/US-style tracking): Safe Harbor says it will highlight cannabis banking infrastructure at the PBC Conference, as Bahamas stakeholders prepare a seed-to-sale tracking platform using the METRC system. CBD/Influence-Peddling Probe (Brazil): Brazil’s Federal Police obtained messages linking a Lula aide to arranging a Health Ministry meeting tied to a cannabidiol supply effort, with investigators seeking to map relationships and dealings. Medical Cannabis Growth (Kentucky): Kentucky reports half of licensed dispensaries now open and 24,332 active cardholders, with the program adding patients and jobs as more retail sites come online. Pricing Reality Check (US): Vermont weed costs about twice as much as Massachusetts, with officials pointing to market structure and limited supply as the driver. Enforcement/Seizures (Ireland): Gardaí seized cannabis and amphetamines and froze two crypto accounts worth about $900k in an organised-crime-linked operation, with a man charged to appear in court. Tech + Regulation (Kenya): New courier rules require app platforms to verify sender/recipient details, record parcel contents, and retain delivery records for regulators and police.

Florida Politics & Cannabis: A Florida grand jury report says the DeSantis administration “misappropriated” $10M from a Medicaid overbilling settlement into the Hope Florida Foundation, then funneled money toward political committees tied to the fight against a 2024 recreational marijuana ballot measure—though CBS reports no charges were filed. Drug Enforcement: In Arkansas, Ouachita County deputies seized about 20 pounds of marijuana and 18 plants in a Bearden search. Mass. Legal Cannabis Courtroom: A Massachusetts sheriff’s alleged pot “shakedown” case continues, with testimony from a former cannabis company employee about a partnership and whether a license depended on the sheriff’s favor. THC Product Crackdown: Kansas police seized about 209 pounds of kratom and large amounts of THC products from a Hays smoke shop after community tips. Retail/Facility Security: Illinois authorities investigated a bomb threat that led to an evacuation at an Ascend Wellness cannabis plant in Barry; no explosives were found. Local Policy: Clarksville, Tennessee’s planning group is pushing an ordinance to restrict future smoke/vape shops near schools, parks, and churches, aligning with state distance rules for THC/CBD products. International Drug Bust: Australia’s Strike Force Ledoc seized $1.5M in drugs in Sydney’s west, including cannabis and THC gummies, and charged two men.

Federal Rescheduling Watch: The DEA has released 2,533 pages of testimony from its marijuana rescheduling hearing, with a judge now set to recommend what happens next—potentially reshaping federal tax treatment and investment rules for Michigan’s mostly adult-use market. Public Safety on Hemp: Pennsylvania police chiefs back AG Dave Sunday and other attorneys general in urging Congress to preserve 2025 federal hemp reforms, warning that “intoxicating hemp” is a community and road-safety issue. Global Health Update: WHO released its first updated review of cannabis risks for nonmedical use in a decade, citing higher-potency products and rising treatment demand—especially among adolescents and young adults. Enforcement Snapshot: A major Philippines airport mail bust found P36.16M in suspected drugs (including marijuana kush and ketamine) hidden in 13 unclaimed parcels. Local Legal/Driving: A UK driver was fined and disqualified after a roadside cannabis test showed levels above the legal driving limit. Industry/Science: SciSparc added AI professor Carmel Domshlak to its advisory board as it pushes into agentic AI and cybersecurity.

Hemp Ban Fight: Pennsylvania lawmakers are pushing to regulate intoxicating hemp products (beverages, vapes, flower) instead of an outright federal ban, arguing the current “loophole” leaves gaps in testing, labeling, and age limits. Synthetic Cannabinoid Crackdown: Oneida County, New York issued a public health order targeting synthetic marijuana (K2/Spice/Deuce), requiring accurate product descriptions and manufacturer info, after synthetic cannabinoids drove about 21% of local overdoses this year. Illicit Market Busts: Police in the Philippines seized mail-hub shipments worth about P36.1M, including suspected marijuana, ecstasy, meth, ketamine, and ecstasy tablets. Local Crime & Safety: Niagara Falls police stopped a speeding car and seized a fake Glock pellet gun plus cocaine, ecstasy, psilocybin, and marijuana. Regulatory Pressure on Industry: Massachusetts cannabis businesses urged the Cannabis Control Commission to update outdated testing rules (last updated in 2021) and refresh protocols more often as rescheduling talks move forward. Legal Fallout: A Hoboken lawsuit seeks testimony from a former health official in a medical cannabis licensing dispute tied to alleged corruption.

Pilot Drug Testing: India’s DGCA is weighing a major upgrade to aviation safety rules—moving from testing 10% of pilots annually to random annual testing for every commercial pilot, after an Air India Phuket-Delhi incident where a captain reportedly tested positive for marijuana. Local Cannabis Policy: Nevada City, California is set to loosen its cannabis code—more temporary events, more retail flexibility, and allowing consumption lounges for existing retailers under state rules. Courtroom Cannabis Cases: At St Albans Magistrates’ Court, a Watford teen pleaded guilty to possessing a knife and cannabis, while another defendant admitted stalking a woman using calls and emails. Legal Win for Homeowners: Humboldt County reached a settlement ending a harsh cannabis-related fine system that hit homeowners with $10,000+ per day penalties, with Institute for Justice calling it unconstitutional. Veterinary CBD/Research: Endovia Health says the FDA has opened an Investigational New Animal Drug file for its CannEpil program, starting the regulatory path for a veterinary cancer-pain treatment. Hemp THC Product Push: Wiz Khalifa launched “Kush & Orange Juice,” hemp-derived THC canned drinks (5mg or 10mg) sold online to select states. Drug Enforcement Abroad: Nigeria’s NDLEA arrested a 101-year-old woman in Ogun State accused of selling “skunk” cannabis in small sachets, and Hong Kong Customs seized 35kg of cannabis buds at the airport.