AGP Executive Report

Sleep Research: A Cochrane review says current trials are too limited to show whether medical cannabis, including CBD-THC products, improves insomnia or daytime functioning. Health Risks: Victorian hospital admissions primarily linked to cannabis rose 49% over a decade; psychotic disorders accounted for about 40% of cases, with the sharpest increase among females. CBD & Hemp Rules: Federal changes due Dec. 11 will tighten which cannabinoid products qualify as hemp. CBD itself is not banned, but products containing THC could be affected. Cancer Care: A federally funded study reports medical marijuana improved cancer-related symptoms and helped reduce opioid use.

Hemp Rules: Looming federal restrictions would limit hemp products to 0.4 mg of THC compounds per container from Dec. 11, putting many current products — and North Carolina’s hemp industry — at risk. Cannabis and Health: A decade-long study found cannabis-related hospital admissions in Victoria rose 49% from 2013 to 2023; psychosis accounted for 40.1% of cases. Cancer Care: In a federally funded survey, most cannabis-using cancer patients reported relief from symptoms including insomnia and pain, while about 30% said they used cannabis instead of opioids. Sleep Products: CBN sleep aids have shown modest benefits in limited trials, but a new animal study found signs of physical dependence after repeated exposure.

Cannabis-Related Harms: A Monash study found cannabis-related hospital admissions in Victoria rose 49% from 2013 to 2023. Psychotic disorders accounted for 40% of cases, while admissions among women and girls climbed 75%. Cannabinoid Treatment Research: Neurotech International has dosed the first child in a pivotal trial of its cannabinoid therapy for autism. Researchers at the University of Regina are also studying CBD as a concussion treatment, and the FDA has cleared a pathway for conditional approval of a cannabinoid drug for canine bone-cancer pain. CBD Access: The TSA updated its policy to allow travelers to bring some CBD products on flights, while New Jersey signed reforms aimed at expanding access to its medicinal cannabis program.

Cannabis-Related Health: Victoria hospital admissions primarily caused by cannabis rose 49% from 2013 to 2023, a Monash study found. Psychotic disorders accounted for 40% of admissions; women and girls saw admissions rise 75%. CBD Research: University of Regina researchers are studying CBD as a potential concussion treatment, while the FDA has cleared a pathway for conditional approval of a cannabinoid drug for canine bone-cancer pain. Access and Oversight: A Melbourne health hub will offer addiction care, amid wider concerns that consumer demand and commercial platforms are changing how medicinal cannabis and other treatments are accessed, sometimes without adequate medical oversight.

Patient Access: Families face uncertainty after a medicinal-cannabis supplier shut down, while Illinois added sickle cell disease and ovarian syndrome with chronic pain to its medical cannabis eligibility list, bringing the total to 58 conditions. CBD and Cannabinoid Research: A University of Regina team is studying CBD as a potential concussion treatment, and the FDA has opened a path to conditional approval for a cannabinoid drug targeting canine bone-cancer pain; neither is an established treatment. Travel Guidance: TSA updated its policy to allow some CBD products on flights. Health Watch: Recent reports link long-term cannabis use with sleep disruption and warn that high use may worsen anxiety.

Medical Cannabis Access: Families are worried about treatment disruptions after a medicinal cannabis firm folded, while Illinois added sickle cell disease and polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome with chronic pain to its medical program’s qualifying conditions. CBD Travel: TSA updated its policy to allow some CBD products on flights, offering a practical change for eligible travelers. Cannabis and Sleep: A long-term study linked recent and lifetime cannabis use with poorer objectively measured sleep, though users did not necessarily notice the difference. CBD for Pets: Lillie&Lee launched a THC-free CBD isolate for dogs ahead of new federal hemp rules. Veterinary Guidance: A new Maryland law limits board action against veterinarians who discuss cannabis and CBD with clients.

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.