AGP Executive Report

CBD Coverage: The FDA says it won’t interfere with a new CMS policy that lets Medicare and Medicaid cover certain hemp-derived CBD products, with limits of $500 per year and THC caps (0.3% delta-9 THC and 3 mg total THC per serving); inhalable products are excluded. Travel Rules: TSA updated its “What Can I Bring?” guidance for medical marijuana, telling air passengers they may bring state-licensed medication for use after arrival, and generally discouraging use during the flight. Policy Fight: In Congress, lawmakers are weighing a farm bill change that could block states from regulating livestock raising, directly targeting California’s Proposition 12 standards—an example of how federal rollbacks can reshape state health and consumer rules. Clinical/Health Context: A new survey of older adults finds complementary health approaches are mainstream, including cannabis and psychedelics, but many patients don’t discuss them with clinicians. Public Safety: UK officials warn of contaminated drugs, including nitazenes, after reports of extremely potent opioids circulating and causing sudden overdoses.

Medical Cannabis Policy: Minnesota’s Office of Cannabis Management held a Duluth listening session on the 2026 Cannabis Omnibus Bill, with officials saying the law supports small businesses and medical patients while warning that federal rules could soon cap THC/CBD products at 0.04 mg per container. Local Governance & Hemp Retail: Homewood City Council is set to discuss zoning and potential moratoriums tied to data centers and regulations for businesses selling consumable hemp products. Hemp Market Legal Fight: A report says Ohio hemp sellers argue state law can’t force in-state retail, highlighting ongoing friction over how hemp-derived products are sold and regulated. Industry & Access: Kentucky’s governor issued an executive order expanding medical cannabis eligibility, adding more qualifying conditions and continuing the push to broaden patient access. Research & Safety: New studies and public health coverage keep spotlighting cannabis risks for youth, including concerns about addiction and mental health impacts, as more states expand legalization.

Hemp CBD legal fight: A federal lawsuit says Ohio’s law reclassified hemp products as marijuana, effectively handing the market to state-approved dispensaries—sellers argue it violates the U.S. Constitution. Medical cannabis access: Kentucky’s executive order expands medical cannabis access by adding 15 new qualifying conditions, continuing the state’s push to broaden eligibility. CBD/brain research: New model findings suggest CBD may calm brain inflammation in Alzheimer’s disease models, adding to the growing preclinical interest in cannabinoids for neuroinflammation. Cannabis and health outcomes: A large BMJ study on GLP-1 drugs (Ozempic/Wegovy) reports lower rates of new substance use disorders and fewer overdoses among veterans with type 2 diabetes—relevant for addiction treatment conversations even though it’s not CBD. Enforcement pressure on hemp/CBD markets: Hong Kong Customs seized 16 kg of cannabis buds and 3.4 kg of cocaine at the airport, underscoring ongoing global crackdowns that can spill over into hemp supply chains. Policy ripple effects: Mexico World Cup travel guidance warns U.S. travelers that all marijuana—including medical—remains illegal in Mexico, with strict penalties.

Medical CBD/Alzheimer’s Research: A new mouse study reports inhaled CBD can dial down brain immune activity tied to Alzheimer’s-like inflammation, lowering pro-inflammatory signals—promising, but not proof for people. State Cannabis Access (Kentucky): A medical cannabis dispensary opened in Bowling Green, aiming to cut travel for cardholders and help patients complete applications faster after Gov. Beshear’s executive order expanded qualifying conditions. Regulation & Enforcement (Philadelphia): Philly City Council passed bills to tighten oversight of smoke shops, treating kratom and hemp-based THC as “intoxicating substances” needing permits, plus testing and age rules, and targeting landlords who rent to unlicensed operators. Cannabis Science (Fertility/Testosterone): A study found minimal impact of cannabis use on male fertility and another report suggests cannabis use may not reduce testosterone in young men, with possible increases tied to testicular hormone production. Cannabis Use & Mental Health: Research on college students flags problematic cannabis involvement as a real minority issue, while another genetic analysis links cannabis use disorder to psychosis pathways. Policy Watch (Minnesota): Minnesota’s Office of Cannabis Management is holding a listening tour for its cannabis market and is also exploring a possible psilocybin pilot for PTSD and depression.

Kentucky Medical Cannabis Expansion: Gov. Andy Beshear’s executive order nearly quadruples qualifying conditions for medical cannabis in Kentucky, expanding from 6 to 21 and highlighting potential relief for chronic pain and mental health conditions like PTSD. Minnesota Cannabis Legislation Pushback: Minnesota Senate votes show resistance to SF4401, with Sen. Steve Green and Rep. Bidal Duran voting Nay on a bill that would require studies on the regulated vs. illicit market and cannabis-related impaired driving. Federal Coverage Fight: A congressional committee move would block medical marijuana from being covered under workers’ comp for federal employees, keeping access and compliance uncertainty front and center. Hemp CBD Legal Pressure in Washington: The White House is urging Congress to keep hemp CBD products legal by amending a broad ban set to take effect later this year. Medical Retail Updates: NatureMed opened a second medical cannabis retailer in NKY, while Kentucky’s Beshear also continues adding qualifying conditions via executive action. Public Safety Reminder: Police in West Grey, Ontario report a rise in impaired driving charges and explicitly include cannabis among substances that can impair driving.

Medical Cannabis Access Expands (Kentucky): Gov. Andy Beshear signed an executive order expanding Kentucky’s medical cannabis qualifying conditions from 6 to 21, with advocates pointing to potential relief for chronic pain and PTSD. State Policy Push (Kentucky): Coverage also highlights Beshear’s broader effort to clarify who qualifies for medical cannabis cards, aiming to make access more “comprehensive.” CBD/Medical Research Signal: A separate report notes CBD shows early promise for Alzheimer’s, adding to the week’s research momentum around CBD-based treatment potential. Legal/Enforcement Context: In the background, courts and regulators continue to move on cannabis-related cases and rules, including a Kentucky medical cannabis eligibility update and ongoing legal disputes tied to cannabis operations.

Medical Cannabis Driving Reform Under Fire: A trauma surgeon warns NSW’s plan to let “medicinal” cannabis users drive on prescriptions (with a “three strikes” fine-first approach) will increase impaired-driving risk, citing a review that THC impairs multiple executive functions needed for safe driving. Hospital Care Expansion: Dartmouth Health will use $900,000 in federal funds to build an inpatient substance use treatment program inside the Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center birthing pavilion, adding withdrawal-management rooms and staff training. Older Adults Using Edibles: New research finds adults 60+ are adopting cannabis faster than other groups, with edibles a top choice for managing age-related conditions. Adolescent Brain Study: A new study links repeated cannabis use in teens—especially high-potency products—to lower dopamine-system maturation markers, raising concerns about reward and motivation development. Co-Use and Cognition: Another study in at-risk youth reports cannabis plus tobacco co-use is tied to worse cognitive performance, adding a potential early-intervention risk signal. Regulatory/Enforcement: Missouri AG Catherine Hanaway reached an agreement with CBD American Shaman to suspend in-state kratom and 7-OH sales after alleging deceptive marketing of “hazardous opioids.” Retail Security: A Maine cannabis dispensary was burglarized again, marking the third hit since late April, with police seeking suspects from surveillance footage.

NSW Medicinal Cannabis Driving Reform: NSW is moving to let registered medicinal cannabis users drive with a THC limit (50 ng/mL) via a medical defence, while still facing roadside bans and licence suspensions for higher levels; learners/provisional/commercial drivers are excluded. Public Health & Youth Vaping: Blackburn with Darwen council heard Healthwatch data showing 28% of schoolchildren admitted using illegal THC/Spice vapes, with many reporting vaping through friends. International Enforcement: Indonesia arrested an Australian over 59 ml of “medical” cannabis vape liquid, warning medical use isn’t a legal exception. Medical Access Expansion (Kentucky): Gov. Andy Beshear issued an order clarifying and expanding qualifying conditions for medical cannabis, aiming to reduce confusion. Law & Regulation Watch: California City approved a temporary moratorium on new cannabis businesses/expansions. Safety Training: Las Vegas police trained to spot marijuana intoxication with Planet 13, using controlled consumption and field sobriety tests. Research Angle: A Swiss study reported higher testosterone in young cannabis users, while fertility implications remain unclear.

Federal Rescheduling Fight: Wyoming AG Todd Blanche’s office objected to federal marijuana rescheduling, arguing FDA-approved products already fit current scheduling and that any change should be handled by the state legislature. Driving Access Reform: NSW moved to let registered medicinal cannabis patients keep driving if roadside THC stays under 50 ng/mL, with a new registration-based system and reduced automatic penalties. State Program Expansion: Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear signed an executive order adding 15 qualifying conditions to its medical cannabis program, expanding access for terminal illness, ALS, Parkinson’s, HIV/AIDS, fibromyalgia, severe arthritis, and more. Hospital Use Push: Pennsylvania lawmakers advanced a bill to allow terminally ill patients to use medical cannabis in hospitals and care facilities under strict storage and safety rules. Regulatory Uncertainty in Virginia: Gov. Abigail Spanberger vetoed Virginia’s adult-use retail framework, leaving possession without a legal sales market. Policy + Research Context: A Cornell-led survey found Americans widely view ultraprocessed foods as addictive and harmful, with bipartisan support for stronger safeguards—mirroring how public health consensus can shape regulation. Industry/Tech Signals: An AI life sciences paperwork startup, Collate, raised $95M, underscoring growing automation pressure across regulated healthcare workflows.

IRS Tax Guidance: Seven House Democrats are urging the IRS/Treasury to quickly issue tax guidance for state-licensed medical cannabis businesses after federal rules loosened, warning delays could block deductions. Medical Access Expansion: Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear signed an emergency order adding 15 qualifying conditions to its medical cannabis program, aiming to reduce reliance on opioids. Terminal Care Rule: Pennsylvania’s House passed “Ryan’s Law,” requiring hospitals to allow approved medical marijuana for terminally ill patients. Clinical Communication Gap: A Rutgers Health study finds most adults 65+ rarely discuss cannabis use with clinicians, raising concerns for safer care. Water & Cultivation Reality Check: A UC Berkeley-led PLOS Water study reports cannabis is the top water user in only 1.6% of northern California watershed-months, with residential and other agriculture driving more annual impact. Local Policy Fight: Los Angeles voters are weighing a ballot measure to apply city cannabis taxes to unlicensed dispensaries, alongside hotel tax proposals. Youth Vaping Warning: A UK study says TikTok content is normalizing illicit vaping among young people, complicating public health messaging.

DEA Challenge: Two hemp companies are suing over a DEA move that put a hemp-derived psychoactive compound into Schedule I, arguing the agency overreached beyond Congress’ hemp legalization. Medical Access Expansion: Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear signed an emergency order adding 15 qualifying conditions to its medical cannabis program, aiming to reduce confusion for patients and clinicians. Workplace/Policy Shift: A legal update says DOJ’s medical marijuana reclassification to Schedule III (for FDA-approved products and state-licensed medical programs) creates a dual federal framework that employers will need to navigate. Retail Rules in NJ: New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill signed a law letting some already-approved medical dispensaries expand into adult-use sales without another local approval round. Patient Delivery Tech: Texas Original launched a first medical marijuana vaporization device touting metered dosing and faster onset for TCUP patients. Industry in Motion: Endo Collective opened in Marietta, pairing a cafe with hemp-derived THC drinks, gummies, and tinctures. Research Watch: A study links cannabis and hops to similar genetic sex-switch mechanisms, with potential implications for plant science.

Medical Claims Lawsuit: A federal class-action in Illinois compares parts of the cannabis industry to Big Tobacco, alleging three Chicago-area marijuana makers marketed products as treating conditions like anxiety, pain, insomnia and autoimmune disorders while downplaying or failing to warn about risks. Regulatory/Market Watch: Kentucky’s first licensed medical marijuana dispensary opened in Hardin County, expanding access for chronic-illness patients under the state’s program. Youth & Enforcement: Texas prosecutors say THC vape pens are showing up in schools and driving harsher charges—nearly 250 vaping cases handled in the 2025-26 school year. Research Roundup: A small Swiss study links cannabis use in young men to higher testosterone, but researchers stress more work is needed on fertility impacts. Sleep Survey: A new US survey reports about one-third of adults say marijuana helps their sleep slightly or significantly better, with men and ages 25–44 most likely to report benefits. Industry/Policy Signal: Australia’s Fair Work Commission set a 4.75% minimum wage rise, a reminder of the cost pressures shaping healthcare and wellness markets.

Federal Policy Shift: A new DOJ move downgrading medical cannabis to Schedule III is framed as a boost for medical operators (including possible federal tax benefits) while the bigger federal-state divide still leaves states navigating uncertainty. Japan Hemp Crackdown: Japan bans the hemp cannabinoid CBN after reports tied it to hazardous behavior and hospitalizations, with only narrow use allowed for intractable epilepsy. Regulatory & Market Pressure: D.C. medical cannabis faces a proposed tax hike of 70%+ that retailers warn could be “catastrophic” in an already oversaturated market. Local Governance: Palm Bay, Florida, votes to ban new medical marijuana dispensaries citywide after concerns about proximity to a daycare and impaired driving. Tribal Access: California AG says Indian tribes can’t participate in statewide marijuana commerce without their own state licenses, even as a bill expands intrastate sales. Industry Growth: Sweetspot opens a new NJ dispensary in Hamilton, adding to its East Coast footprint. Medical Program Metrics: Utah’s agriculture department and MCORE publish a 2025 medical cannabis market analysis showing higher adoption but persistent barriers like cost and admin friction. Enforcement Spotlight: Bulgaria seizes 250+ kg of marijuana and arrests four after finding a marked helicopter tied to trafficking.

Medical Cannabis Policy (US): Georgia signed SB 220, expanding eligibility and access for medical cannabis patients starting July 1, including removing end-stage/severe-condition limits and broadening product options. Workplace Rights (US): New Jersey’s appellate court held that people denied jobs after positive cannabis tests can sue employers under CREAMMA, creating a clearer private right of action. Rescheduling & Compliance (US): A separate report notes federal medical pot rules face a new challenge, while lawmakers push for prompt IRS tax guidance for marijuana businesses as rescheduling moves forward. Youth & Risk (Australia): A UniSQ study links frequent social media use in teens with higher odds of trying cannabis, with impulsivity/risk-taking driving much of the connection. Public Safety (US): Tests in one case highlight that cannabis edibles can impair drivers beyond legal drunk limits, and some labs can’t detect it reliably. Legal/Enforcement (UK/Elsewhere): Scotland Yard says it’s assessing Mo Farah trafficking allegations; in the UK, police also reported cannabis found in a driver’s car after a failed roadside drugs test. Industry/Access (US): Ascend Wellness backed a social-equity dispensary launch in Eatontown, NJ, employing 22 workers and aiming to expand community access.

U.S. Federal Shift: DOJ’s rescheduling of medical marijuana to Schedule III is pushing states to rethink prescribing, compliance, and insurance—while the bigger adult-use gap with federal rules still leaves a patchwork for patients and providers. State Access: Alabama’s long-stalled medical cannabis program is finally moving—Callie’s Apothecary opened in Montgomery and more dispensaries are expected soon, with non-smokable products only. Clinical/Research Angle: A new study reports a dose of medicinal cannabis can alter brain waves during sleep, adding to the growing body of sleep-focused cannabis research. Policy & Industry: Illinois lawmakers advanced a bill updating economic incentive listings and extending tax credits, including changes tied to cannabis social equity reporting. Enforcement Watch: Hong Kong Customs seized about 5kg of suspected cannabis buds at the airport and arrested a passenger after concealment in snack packaging. Global Market Context: ANDRITZ says needlepunch nonwovens demand is stable, supported by infrastructure and diversified end uses—useful background for hemp-adjacent materials businesses.

Policy Pressure on Hemp Beverages: An Illinois proposal could force hemp drinks behind the counter starting Nov. 12, 2026, threatening convenience-store sales and market growth. Medical Cannabis & Rescheduling: DOJ’s medical marijuana reclassification is helping businesses with some federal tax benefits, while a broader federal rescheduling hearing looms and leaves states still navigating patchy rules. Research Watch: A Swiss study challenges the simple “cannabis lowers testosterone” story by measuring 70 hormones at once and finding mixed effects across hormone pathways. Industry Events: Hemp Beverage Expo 2026 in Austin is positioning itself as the key meeting point for operators and advocates amid the looming Nov. 12 policy deadline. Public Safety Angle: A Colorado case highlights how proving drug impairment in crashes is harder than tracking alcohol, after a driver was found with high THC levels. Local Health/Community: Rand Water’s maintenance may disrupt Johannesburg water supply for up to five days in some areas.