AGP Executive Report

Travel Rules: TSA says travelers may bring compliant hemp-derived CBD and FDA-approved cannabis products, while THC products remain prohibited. Veterinary Care: Maryland has limited disciplinary action against veterinarians for discussing cannabis and CBD, and the FDA cleared a route toward conditional approval of a cannabinoid treatment for canine bone-cancer pain. Research: The University of Regina is studying CBD as a potential concussion treatment. Coverage Fight: A court challenge is seeking to block a federal plan for Medicare coverage of hemp-derived CBD.

Travel Rules: TSA now permits compliant hemp-derived CBD products and FDA-approved cannabinoid medicines in carry-on bags, but THC products remain prohibited; officers may refer suspected violations to law enforcement. Sleep Research: A 35-year study found recent and cumulative cannabis use linked to poorer objectively measured sleep in middle-aged adults, even though users did not report feeling they slept worse. Anxiety Research: A mouse study identified brain cells that may help explain why cannabinoids can intensify fear in stressful settings; the findings do not establish the same effect in people. Veterinary Medicine: The FDA has cleared a pathway for conditional approval of a cannabinoid drug for pain from bone cancer in dogs.

Veterinary Care: Maryland’s new law limits disciplinary action against veterinarians who discuss cannabis and CBD with clients. Lillie&Lee has also launched a THC-free CBD isolate for dogs, though the product announcement makes no claims of proven benefits. Research: The University of Regina is studying CBD as a possible concussion treatment. Separately, the FDA has determined that a cannabinoid drug for canine bone-cancer pain may qualify for a conditional approval pathway—a regulatory step, not approval to market the drug. Patient Studies: A review reports sustained improvements in inflammatory arthritis symptoms among cannabis-product users, but the findings are not specific to CBD.

CBD for Pets: Lillie&Lee launched a THC-free CBD isolate for dogs, positioning it ahead of a federal total-THC rule scheduled to take effect Nov. 12. The company says the product contains more than 99% CBD. New Products: Clean Remedies introduced three THC-free chocolate bars, including a 500-mg CBD option and a CBD-CBN blend. Research: The University of Regina is studying CBD as a possible concussion treatment, while the FDA cleared a pathway for conditional approval of a cannabinoid drug for canine bone-cancer pain. Patient Access: New Jersey signed reforms to its medicinal cannabis program aimed at expanding access; in New York, regulators approved a trial of a THC oral solution for sciatica-related chronic pain.

Cannabis Research: New York regulators approved a trial comparing oral THC solution VER-01 with placebo for sciatica-related chronic pain, with researchers assessing relief and long-term safety. University of Regina researchers are also studying cannabinoids for post-concussion pain, but the work is still underway. Patient Access: New Jersey signed reforms that raise medical cannabis purchase limits and extend physician authorizations from 90 days to a year. Veterinary Medicine: The FDA says cannabinoid drug CannEpil for canine bone-cancer pain qualifies for a conditional approval pathway; its sponsor is preparing for a November regulatory meeting, with a possible 2027 launch dependent on further requirements. Consumer Safety: A cannabis policy consultancy survey found state-issued QR codes increased respondents’ confidence in regulated products and helped them check compliance and lab results. Hemp Policy: A looming federal restriction on hemp-derived intoxicating THC products puts a reported $28 billion industry at risk, with potential fallout for retailers and manufacturers.

Federal Hemp Policy: A proposed federal ban on hemp-derived THC products threatens a $28 billion industry, with businesses and lawmakers fighting over the sector’s future. Texas’ Hemp Business Council has also published a voter guide on candidates’ hemp policies. Cannabis Rescheduling: Federal rules now put FDA-approved marijuana products and qualifying state medical products on a faster path to Schedule III and DEA registration, while adult-use cannabis remains Schedule I. CBD Access: Opponents of a proposed Medicare plan for hemp-derived CBD asked a court to block coverage. Medical Cannabis: Georgia regulators approved delivery for registered medical marijuana patients. Recent research reports also link cannabis products with sustained improvement in inflammatory arthritis and find medical cannabis may ease anxiety and depression in autistic patients.

Regulation & Access: Cambodia’s PM Hun Manet reiterated a hard line against cannabis cultivation and also rejected e-cigarette/vape production investment, citing control and youth public-health risks. Clinical Safety: UK data show nearly 2 million unlicensed medical cannabis items were prescribed privately in England over a year, prompting warnings about patient harm and online purchasing. Science & Risk: Researchers identified brain cells linked to cannabinoid-triggered anxiety in stressful settings, helping explain why some “good trips” turn scary. Policy & Youth: A Caribbean Senate debate over raising alcohol/tobacco/vaping and cannabis ages to 21/25 highlighted fears that edible-style products can expose young people to harm. Market Moves: Avecho says its CBD sleep capsule Phase III insomnia trial is progressing toward full enrolment and plans regulator talks in the US and Europe; Elixinol agreed to buy supplement platform Vitable to boost recurring wellness revenue. Corporate/Deal Watch: Curaleaf filed an updated offer for Aurora and urged shareholders to take no action pending review. Legal/Enforcement: Michigan’s court backed action against a marijuana farm for violating protected wetlands.

DEA & Federal Compliance: The DEA opened a new Schedule III registration portal (Form 225) for state-licensed medical cannabis manufacturers, distributors, and analytical labs—potentially easing tax burdens tied to Section 280E and bringing more operators into a federal controlled-substances framework. Legal Fight Over CBD Medicare: Anti-marijuana groups and a cannabis biopharma company filed a fresh brief asking an appeals court to revisit a challenge to the Trump-era CMS hemp/CBD Medicare coverage plan, arguing standing and market harm. Medical Cannabis Access Worries: Dutch patients are bracing for supply disruption as the BMC won’t renew its contract with Bedrocan starting in 2027, with imports planned but some products facing expiry risk. Policy & Public Debate: Tennessee lawmakers held hearings on a limited medical marijuana program, with the state’s top law enforcement group strongly opposing it. Research Watch: A large review links cannabis use with higher odds of committing and experiencing violence, while observational data in inflammatory arthritis patients reports sustained symptom and quality-of-life improvements with generally mild side effects. Industry/Business: Capsoil acquired Red Mesa Science & Refining to scale its liposomal delivery ingredient tech for nutraceutical, cosmetic, and cannabinoid markets. Community & Prevention: A Lynnfield-area webinar series kicked off with guidance for parents on substance use and how to talk with kids about prevention.

Medical Cannabis Research: A UK registry study reports sustained improvements for inflammatory arthritis patients using cannabis-based medical preparations, with mostly mild side effects and fewer than 15% reporting adverse events. Industry Partnerships: Cannatrol teamed with Operation Green Healing for its Cool Cure limited edition, aiming to fund veterans’ wellness and alternative education. Product Launch: SOMAÍ launched its Soma OG medical cannabis flower brand in Switzerland via Dascoli Pharma, offering three indoor cultivars grown in Portugal. Regulation Watch (US): Missouri proposed cannabis facility rule changes covering ownership, transfers, recalls, and how past violations affect participation; public comments run Nov. 2–Dec. 2. Hemp Policy Pressure (US): A US federal “hemp THC” ban is still looming after a delayed start date, putting THC hemp product makers and retailers in limbo. Access Update (Georgia): Georgia’s medical cannabis commission approved delivery rules, with home delivery by mail/courier moving toward final filing steps. Local Enforcement: San Diego launched a consumer protection unit and filed lawsuits against major tech firms over child safety and privacy concerns.

Federal Hemp Legal Fight: A coalition urged the D.C. Circuit to revive a CMS hemp program case, arguing patients need access to federally legal hemp products. Michigan Consumer Protection: Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed bipartisan bills requiring education on the dangers of tobacco and cannabis use for families and schools. Georgia Medical Access: Regulators approved rule changes that could let Georgia medical cannabis patients get home delivery by mail or courier by late October. Hemp THC Ban Pressure: The $28B hemp THC market is scrambling after Congress moved to close a loophole, delaying the effective date and pushing for regulation instead of a ban. Clinical Signals in Autism: Minnesota reported that medical cannabis patients with autism saw reduced anxiety and depression symptoms over real-world follow-up. Science on Risk: A new review links cannabis use with higher odds of violence and victimization, urging clinical and societal attention. Veterans Scrutiny: VA records show rising cannabis use disorder diagnoses, but a new FOIA-based look questions how much is real change versus diagnostic coding shifts. Industry Deals: Curaleaf boosted its offer to acquire Aurora Cannabis, signaling continued consolidation. CBD for Pets: FDA cleared a CBD/THC oral solution for dogs with bone cancer pain to pursue a conditional approval pathway.

Medical Cannabis Marketing Scrutiny: Australia’s MOCA admitted it wrongly described its products as TGA-approved, even though most medicinal cannabis goods are not assessed by the regulator—raising fresh alarm about how clinics and online prescribers pitch CBD/THC care. Clinical CBD Progress: Avecho’s cannabidiol insomnia capsule trial moves into a second cohort after an independent board backed continuing enrolment, while Neurotech’s broad-spectrum cannabinoid autism study has dosed its first child in a pivotal “Beyond Harmony” push. Industry Pressure in Massachusetts: A new Q&A explains how Ballot Question 8 could repeal adult-use recreational marijuana sales in the state, despite record sales and a large business footprint. Regulation Updates: Missouri proposed rule changes for cannabis facility licensing and ownership, and Uganda’s government warned investors against diverting licensed medical cannabis and industrial hemp into illicit markets. Workplace Reality: A report notes more workers test positive for cannabis, even as some employers loosen screening—raising liability and workers’ comp concerns. Hemp THC Legal Fight (US): Congress moved to close a loophole that fueled the hemp-THC market, delaying the effective date and setting up a new regulatory fight.

Hemp THC policy fight: A looming federal “hemp THC ban” is threatening the $28B market for impairing hemp products like THC seltzers and smokable flower, with lawmakers pushing to regulate instead of eliminate and a delayed effective date giving the industry a short runway. Medical cannabis marketing crackdown: Australia’s MOCA admitted it wrongly described its medicinal cannabis products as TGA-approved, though most are not regulator-assessed—raising fresh alarm about how clinics pitch CBD/THC products. Veterans and high-THC harm: A Four Corners investigation says for-profit providers aggressively targeted veterans for DVA-funded care, including cases where patients were prescribed huge amounts of high-THC cannabis they never properly discussed with clinicians. Legal/consumer access pressure: Oregon retailers say federal changes could put hemp-derived CBD products out of reach, while North Carolina’s advisory council is weighing THC public-use rules. Courtroom ripple effects: Georgia’s Supreme Court revived a hemp grower’s fight after police allegedly destroyed legal hemp, overturning long-standing government immunity precedent. Public safety & misuse: Reports also highlight cannabis-related psychosis and violent incidents involving daily cannabis use, underscoring ongoing risks around THC products.

Hemp THC policy fight: A looming federal ban on “hemp THC” products (including THC seltzers and smokable flower) is threatening a roughly $28B industry, with advocates pushing for regulation instead of elimination as the effective date shifts to Dec. 11. Public consumption rules: North Carolina’s cannabis advisory council is drafting a THC public-use framework, comparing approaches from Virginia, California, and Colorado as it heads toward a Dec. 31 deadline. Youth health: A large U.S. study links teen cannabis use to slower cognitive development, while a separate report warns one in four school vapes tested positive for illegal substances amid a child vaping “crisis.” Medical/health innovation: St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton secured $2M for a Centre for Health Innovation and Research in Psychedelics to study carefully dosed, medical-grade treatments for conditions including addiction and PTSD. CBD industry support: Cannatrol’s Cool Cure Limited Edition program added Operation Green Healing as an exclusive nonprofit partner supporting veterans and military families.

Hemp THC Crackdown: Oregon retailers and suppliers warn a looming federal ban could wipe out much of the $28B hemp THC market, with operators scrambling as effective dates shift. Farmer Pushback: Minnesota hemp grower Winona LaDuke calls federal hemp rules “punishing” and says CBD-focused restrictions still threaten fiber growers and tribal livelihoods. Medical Access Moves: Georgia’s medical cannabis commission approved delivery rules, aiming to help rural and homebound patients, while Illinois cities like Peoria weigh how to regulate new drive‑thru/curbside options. Policy Feedback: Virginia opened a patient satisfaction survey for its medical cannabis program, seeking gaps and improvements from more than 114,000 prior patients. Public Use Rules: North Carolina’s advisory council is drafting a cannabis public consumption framework for Gov. Josh Stein, using other states as models. Youth & Safety: A large study links teen cannabis use to slower cognitive development, and a UK report says 1 in 4 school vape tests show illegal substances.

Regulatory Overhaul (Albania): Albania rolled out new rules for supervising, tracking, and inspecting licensed cannabis activities across the full supply chain, with the National Cannabis Control Agency using risk-based inspections plus tech-enabled monitoring and 24/7 surveillance access. Medical Access (Georgia): Georgia approved home delivery for registered medical cannabis patients, with USPS as a key delivery route and private carriers potentially joining if approved. Local Zoning (Illinois): Peoria is considering how to regulate drive-thru cannabis after a state law opened the door, with dispensaries likely needing special use approval changes and public hearings. Patient Feedback (Virginia): Virginia launched a medical cannabis patient satisfaction survey to identify what’s working, what’s not, and where gaps remain, closing Oct. 16. Industry/Business (Australia): Cann Group signaled a shift toward pharmaceutical-grade export growth as regulators tighten prescribing, advertising, and product quality scrutiny. Research Watch (Cannabinoids & Brain): A mouse study linked cannabinoid drug exposure to anxiety-related brain activity, pointing to possible targets for reducing anxiety effects. Community & Safety (US): A report said four students at Edison Middle School in Wheaton were treated after suspected marijuana gummy overdoses, prompting 911 calls and secure-teaching measures.

Medical Cannabis Outcomes: Minnesota officials report that among 1,800 autism patients in the state program, many saw clinically meaningful drops in anxiety, depression, and sleep issues after starting medical cannabis. Neuroscience & Safety: A Northwestern study links cannabinoid-triggered anxiety to specific brain neurons, helping explain why some users feel calm then suddenly panic. Patient Feedback Push: Virginia’s Cannabis Control Authority is rolling out a satisfaction survey to learn how patients use medical marijuana and where they get products, aiming to improve the program. Regulatory Watch: Michigan lawmakers are escalating scrutiny of kratom over rising poisonings, while federal cannabis rescheduling faces a pause after process concerns. Industry & Supply Chain: Ireland’s Dunbar Pharma, making plant-derived cannabinoid APIs, is named a finalist for a major start-up founder award. Local Cannabis Policy: Charles County, Maryland approved a temporary moratorium on most cannabis growing zones while it reviews where larger operations should go. Hemp Under Pressure: West Virginia’s Moon Flower warns federal THC restrictions could threaten its hemp business.