AGP Executive Report

Cannabis enforcement & civil forfeiture: An Ashburton grower, Haylee McGrath, pleaded guilty after police found a “sophisticated” home grow (65+ mature plants, cannabis butter blocks, and jars), and now police are pursuing civil court action to confiscate her house under New Zealand’s Criminal Proceeds (Recovery) Act. Pregnancy safety: A Q&A warns there’s no “safe” marijuana use during pregnancy, citing risks like low birth weight, preterm birth, stillbirth, and possible neurodevelopment issues. Medical cannabis access push: Kentucky lawmakers are weighing “Ryan’s Law” to help ensure eligible patients can get medical cannabis for pain in hospitals that currently block access. Sleep & wellness angle: A sleep-supplement roundup highlights magnesium glycinate and melatonin basics, while another piece promotes melatonin-free sleep patches marketed as helping users avoid grogginess. Policy & regulation watch: A Supreme Court ruling in the Monsanto v. Durnell dispute limits state cancer-warning label requirements for Roundup, a flashpoint that also reflects wider MAHA vs MAGA tensions. Public health & drugs: A national campaign warns families about illegal drugs being concealed in vapes, targeting youth and young adults.

Marijuana in pregnancy: A reader Q&A says there’s no safe amount of cannabis during pregnancy, warning THC can cross the placenta and raise risks like low birth weight, preterm birth, stillbirth, impaired lung development, and long-term neurodevelopment issues. Medicinal cannabis access & driving: A Kentucky veteran says he’s stopped CBD/THC treatment because roadside tests could cost him his license, while Kentucky lawmakers discuss “Ryan’s Law” to push hospitals to allow eligible medical cannabis for end-of-life and chronic pain. Legal/justice moves: In New Zealand, an Ashburton cannabis grower’s home is hit with a restraining order as police pursue civil asset seizure after a prior conviction tied to cultivating and selling cannabis and cannabis butter. Enforcement & seizures: Cyprus police intercepted 7kg of cannabis in postal parcels and arrested a man, also finding small amounts of cocaine and paraphernalia. Public safety campaign: A new national anti-drugs push warns families about illegal drugs being concealed in vapes marketed to teens. DEA rescheduling fight: Coverage notes the DEA hearing’s opposition side struggled, with parallel court action already underway.

DEA Rescheduling Hearing: Prohibitionists packed the DEA hearing to keep marijuana in Schedule I, but their own witnesses reportedly pushed the case toward Schedule III, setting up a major next-step fight. Medical Cannabis Access: Kentucky lawmakers are weighing a “Ryan’s Law” style bill to let medical cannabis be used for end-of-life symptom relief. CBD for Anxiety (India): Leiutis got CDSCO approval for a synthetic CBD oral solution for mild-to-moderate anxiety disorders alongside CBT, positioned as non-abusive. Dementia Agitation (Research): New findings keep pointing to THC/CBD combos easing agitation in late-stage dementia, adding to the growing clinical interest. Travel Warning: Thailand’s updated cannabis travel rules can mean serious jail time and fines even if you accidentally bring products. Public Health & Regulation: Deerfield is considering banning kratom sales, while Massachusetts reviews limits on synthetic kratom with high 7-OH levels.

Regulatory Win (India): Leiutis Pharma says India’s CDSCO has approved its partner Zenara Pharma to manufacture and market a proprietary synthetic CBD oral solution (150 mg/mL) for mild-to-moderate anxiety disorders, to be prescribed only by psychiatrists and backed by Phase III results plus a planned Phase IV. Policy & Access (US): A federal DEA rescheduling hearing on the Trump administration’s cannabis proposal has wrapped, with a judge setting post-hearing brief deadlines (due Aug. 17) before a recommendation. Clinical Reality Check: A JAMA review notes medical cannabis may help some people with chronic non-cancer pain, insomnia, and anxiety, but much of the support comes from small studies, and risks like cannabis use disorder and high-potency psychotic symptoms remain concerns. Patient-Provider Gap (Cancer): A VCU survey finds cancer survivors and care providers broadly align on cannabis use, but differ on risk awareness and how comfortable they are discussing it. Product/Use (Sleep): A small study on cannabis-infused tea reports improved happiness and sleep quality, with the highest dose (7%) showing the strongest results. Community (NJ): Dank Poet in Washington, NJ is hosting a blood drive on July 29 to support local patients needing ongoing blood supply.

DEA Rescheduling: A DEA judge has wrapped up the federal cannabis rescheduling hearing and set a clear next step: post-hearing briefs are due Aug. 17, with transcript corrections also due then. Cannabis & Cancer Care: A VCU study finds cancer survivors and providers agree on some cannabis points, but there are gaps in risk awareness and how comfortably people talk about it. Sleep Angle: A small study reports cannabis-infused tea improved happiness and sleep quality, with the highest dose (7%) showing the biggest boost. Dementia Agitation Trial: A Phase II trial (LiBBY) reports a THC/CBD oral spray reduced agitation in late-stage dementia patients, with benefits lasting to 12 weeks. RLS Treatment: Spanish researchers say an oral THC/CBD spray improved restless legs symptoms and sleep measures over one year. Policy Watch: Arkansas medical marijuana sales dipped 2.6% in the first half of 2026, while patient cards rose 7.7%. Product Push: Avicanna announced a QUIX™ rapid-onset medical cannabis portfolio launching in Canada starting Q3 2026.

Dementia Care: A new trial presented at the Alzheimer’s Association conference reports a THC/CBD combo that cut agitation in about 90% of late-stage dementia patients, with researchers calling the response unusually strong. Hemp Retail Crackdown: Hawaii’s Department of Health enforcement is disrupting hemp shops, with some retailers saying dozens have stopped selling over THC-limit compliance and registration rules. Medical Cannabis in Pregnancy: A University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences study is tracking how pregnant women use medical cannabis (patterns, timing, products) to improve conversations about potential effects on moms and babies. THC Education Push: Researchers argue better cannabis education could reduce demand for high-potency THC products linked to higher anxiety/depression risks. Records Labeling Problem: Rochester Regional Health is changing how it labels marijuana test results after patients saw “illicit drug” on records despite using legal gummies. Policy & Legal Battles: A D.C. Circuit fight is brewing over a federal marijuana rescheduling order, while a separate case in Kenosha involves a mistaken arrest lawsuit tied to cannabis-use claims. Public Health & Justice: A Marshall Project analysis finds Black newborns are far more likely to be referred to law enforcement over alleged pregnancy substance use, often driven by unreliable drug tests.

Medical Records & Sleep Gummies: Rochester Regional Health is changing how it labels marijuana test results after patients saw “illicit drug detected” on records from legal sleep gummies, sparking backlash over stigma in medical charts. Cannabis + Mental Health: A new college study links more cannabis-related disruptions in daily life with higher bipolar-spectrum risk, while naturally higher positive emotions track with less cannabis use. Idaho Ballot Fight: Idaho’s secretary of state says the medical marijuana initiative failed signature requirements and flagged possible illegal petitioning for review. Clinical CBD/THC Research: NeuroThera Labs started a Phase IIb trial in Germany for SCI-110, a cannabinoid-based treatment for adult Tourette Syndrome. Kids Accident Alert: Dutch police report children got sick after finding cannabis-infused candy near a school; authorities warn families not to eat street-found sweets. Policy Watch (Kratom): Deerfield/Greenfield boards of health discussed banning kratom sales amid opioid-like effects and rising regulatory scrutiny.

Idaho Medical Cannabis: Idaho’s bid to legalize medical cannabis failed to qualify for the November ballot after organizers fell short of required valid signatures, with the campaign pointing to problems from a professional signature-gathering vendor. Georgia Access Update: Georgia’s “Putting Georgia’s Patients First Act” took effect July 1, dropping the “low THC” label and shifting to a milligram system, which advocates say could expand patient access. Medical Records Mix-Up: A News10NBC investigation found Rochester Regional Health labeled a legal cannabis user’s chart as “illicit drug detected,” prompting the health system to change how it handles test results. Youth & Cannabis Messaging: New York’s state Office of Cannabis Management rolled out “Cannabis Honestly” resources for teens and trusted adults, aiming to address misconceptions after legalization. Public Health & Harm Reduction: BC health officials warned that illicit drug supplies are increasingly contaminated, including higher fentanyl concentrations and more benzodiazepines showing up in opioids. Safety Watch: Doctors and experts flagged cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome and other serious risks tied to regular high-THC cannabis use, especially for adolescents. Policy & Research: A genetic study linked GLP-1 receptor activation with lower odds of depression and bipolar disorder, adding to the growing mental-health conversation around metabolic drugs.

Medical Cannabis Access & Policy: Idaho’s medical cannabis initiative failed to qualify for the November ballot after missing signature requirements, dashing hopes for statewide access. Hemp THC Crackdown: Texas lawmakers moved toward a ban on hemp-derived THC products, citing poison control calls and underage exposure concerns. Clinical CBD/THC Promise in Dementia: A U.S. Phase II LiBBY trial reported significantly less late-life dementia agitation with a specific oral THC/CBD formulation versus placebo, with most participants improving after 12 weeks. Medical Records & Cannabis Labeling: A News10NBC investigation found patients’ charts labeled marijuana use as “illicit drug detected,” prompting Rochester Regional Health to change how it handles test-result labeling. Health Risks Debate: A large U.S. study linked cannabis use disorder with nearly 4x higher lung cancer risk, adding fuel to the ongoing harm-vs-benefit debate. Market & Retail Reality: Maryland’s social equity dispensaries are finally opening, but only a fraction of licenses are operating amid zoning and stigma hurdles. Safety & Public Health: Primary Care Alberta shared heat-safety tips and warned that alcohol can worsen heat risk; it also advised low-THC cannabis use with small starts.

Dementia Care Breakthrough: A first-of-its-kind U.S. trial (LiBBY) found a medical THC+CBD formulation cut agitation in late-stage dementia patients—nearly 90% improved after 12 weeks, with far fewer still showing agitation versus placebo. Policy & Public Health: Texas Hemp Business Council pushed back hard on calls to treat hemp-derived THC as a major public health threat, arguing the data don’t support an alcohol/tobacco-level comparison. Clinical Cannabis Pipeline: Neurotech shares jumped after the FDA granted Investigational New Drug status for its medicinal cannabis program targeting childhood autism (phase III “Beyond Harmony”). Enforcement Watch: South Africa’s SANDF intercepted a parcel of suspected marijuana hidden in Doritos bound for a military quarantine area. Youth & School Context: New York’s “Cannabis Honestly” campaign rolls out resources for teens and trusted adults after educators reported cannabis use spilling into school life. Safety/Scam Alert: Jamaica’s regulator warned cultivators to verify licensing info and avoid permit rumors, fake messages, and investment scams.

Medical Cannabis in Schools: New York’s Office of Cannabis Management rolled out “Cannabis Honestly,” state resources for teens and caregivers after educators reported more student marijuana use and confusion post-legalization. Medical Cannabis Access & Equity: Pennsylvania lawmakers filed a bill to prioritize medical marijuana licenses for small, diverse, and disadvantaged businesses, adding permits per region and re-awarding surrendered or revoked licenses. Older Adults Using Cannabis: A study in JAMA Internal Medicine found cannabis use among adults 65+ jumped nearly 46% from 2021 to 2023, with faster growth in states that offer medical programs. CBD for Pain Basics: A beginner guide explains how CBD oil may help chronic pain via the endocannabinoid system and stresses starting low with tested products. Research Pipeline (Cancer Care): Artelo Biosciences reported encouraging nonclinical results for ART27.13 in paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy, pointing to broader supportive-care potential. Local Policy Watch (Kratom): Naperville liquor commissioners recommended banning kratom retail sales after testimony on under-regulation and opioid-like risks. Public Safety/Criminal Cases: An Irish court partly suspended a sentence for a man who stabbed a childhood friend during cannabis-induced psychosis.

Cannabis policy & regulation: Pennsylvania’s governor race is sharpening the marijuana debate, with Gov. Josh Shapiro backing a state-run adult-use program while challenger Stacy Garrity says she’d veto it; meanwhile, the state budget just cleared without new taxes on skill games or recreational marijuana. CBD & health products: Chinese customs flagged “classic” supplement violations at a Shanghai expo, including banned additives (like food-grade gold) and prescription drugs sold as gummies/capsules. Medical cannabis in pets: A UK rescue story says a Labrador was critically ill on Ben Nevis after vets suspect discarded cannabis on the trail—then recovered. Public health & safety: Doctors say smoking cannabis can trigger hiccups, and a separate report notes misuse of pregabalin is being restricted in Pakistan due to dependence and addiction risks. Industry & operations: High-volume cannabis retailers are investing in commercial cash-handling systems to improve accountability and audit readiness. Crime & enforcement: Nigeria’s NDLEA seized “Canadian Loud” cannabis worth over N10.3billion and also arrested suspects tied to meth and heroin smuggling.

Hemp/THC Policy: North Carolina lawmakers advanced a bill to cap hemp-derived THC drinks/edibles at 0.4mg and raise the purchase age to 21, pushing the state further into tighter regulation. Sleep & CBD: A new piece compares CBD sleep support with THC and melatonin, noting CBD may help most when anxiety or pain is part of the problem, while melatonin mainly acts as a timing signal. Cannabis Retail Ops: High-volume dispensaries are investing in commercial cash-handling infrastructure (counting, authentication, reporting) to scale reliably and support banking relationships. Psychedelics Access: Minnesota lawmakers are weighing how to implement a psilocybin therapeutic access program as other states expand. Drug Enforcement (Heroin): Nigeria’s NDLEA reports multiple airport interdictions, including a South African woman allegedly using her 3-year-old son as cover to smuggle 5.75kg of heroin. Cannabis Culture/Legal Debate: A High Times feature revisits what legalization built, what it broke, and where it’s headed next.

Policy Watch (Hemp THC): North Carolina lawmakers are moving to cap hemp-derived THC consumables at 0.4 mg in drinks/edibles and raise the purchase age to 21, with the Senate already passing HB 328 and the House still to vote. Public Health & Safety: A Tewksbury Board of Health is preparing a public hearing on kratom rules after concerns about synthetic versions sold as gummies/pills. Medical Cannabis & Justice: A Rotorua woman, Jennifer Devery, was sentenced for supplying cannabis oil, describing sales to people dealing with cancer, arthritis, and kids’ illnesses. Cannabis in the Real World: One year after federal raids on Glass House Farms, Carpinteria residents marched again to protest immigration enforcement tied to the cannabis operation. Research Roundup: A new small study suggests psilocybin (magic mushrooms) may help some people with long-term anorexia after three oral doses in a controlled setting. Community & Care: Oregon Guard soldiers volunteered at a Salvation Army Hope House, a reminder that recovery support extends beyond any single substance.

Cannabis Sentencing: Rotorua woman Jennifer Devery was sentenced for supplying cannabis oil, running sales via Facebook and citing grief and cancer-related demand as she faced charges tied to about 521 customers. Kratom Regulation: A Massachusetts board of health is moving toward a public hearing on a local kratom rule after concerns about synthetic versions sold in gummies and pills. DEA Scheduling Move: The DEA proposed Schedule I action targeting concentrated synthetic 7-OH products while exempting natural leaf kratom with only trace 7-OH. Teen Use Warning: Berrien County health experts urged parents to talk to teens about marijuana, flagging high-THC edibles and early addiction risk. Cancer Risk Debate: New reporting highlights research linking heavy marijuana smoking to higher risks of lung and head/neck cancers, while noting dose and risk thresholds aren’t fully clear. Enforcement Crackdown: New Jersey authorities raided smoke shops selling illegal flavored vapes and intoxicating hemp/“diet weed,” shutting down multiple retailers. Medical Cannabis Access: Georgia’s medical cannabis expansion reportedly took effect, with new dispensary openings already underway. Public Safety/Policy: South Carolina’s THC “loophole” debate continues, with critics warning it undermines DUI reduction efforts.

DEA & Kratom Policy: The DEA moved to place highly concentrated synthetic 7-OH kratom products (and three 7-OH-related derivatives) into Schedule I, while exempting natural leaf kratom with only trace 7-OH. Cannabis & Cancer Risk: New research reviews suggest heavy marijuana smoking may raise risk for small cell and non-small cell lung cancer, and daily users show higher odds of head and neck cancers. Youth & THC Products: Berrien County health officials urged parents to talk with teens as edibles and high-THC “gummies” lower perceived danger and may raise addiction risk. Retail Enforcement: Morris County, NJ raided smoke shops selling illegal flavored vapes and intoxicating hemp/“diet weed,” shutting down stores and launching arrests tied to the THC/THC-like market. Forensic Housing Gap: Ontario’s review board kept a man in hospital for decades due to lack of community housing, highlighting how discharge delays can worsen health over time.