AGP Executive Report

Hemp THC policy fight: A bipartisan U.S. bill would regulate hemp THC drinks like alcohol, setting a 5 mg THC limit and a 21+ sales framework, as lawmakers also move to delay or reshape a looming federal hemp ban. Legal pressure on states: Virginia hemp businesses asked a federal judge to block new THC restrictions that remove the “25-to-1” exception, arguing products could become unsellable overnight. Court and industry fallout: Ohio THC seltzer sales resumed after a judge’s ruling, while Pennsylvania’s AG backed a hemp product ban that the industry says goes too far. Enforcement headlines: Police in Maharashtra busted an interstate ganja smuggling network with five arrests, and Nigeria’s NDLEA/Army seized 604.5kg of cannabis in Edo. Local governance: Houston voters may get a ballot vote to make low-level marijuana possession the lowest HPD priority and ban no-knock warrants. Regulatory cleanup: California announced voluntary cancellation of paraquat-dichloride pesticide registrations.

Federal Hemp Policy: The U.S. Senate voted 61-32 to delay the federal crackdown on intoxicating hemp products by about a month, pushing the ban start from Nov. 12 to Dec. 11 as part of a stopgap funding bill—giving brands and retailers more time to pursue a regulatory fix. Court Fight (Virginia): Seven Virginia hemp businesses asked a federal judge to block new state budget restrictions that would remove an exception for consumable products with higher THC-per-package ratios, warning it could force layoffs and closures. Ohio Retail Update: Fifty West Brewing won temporary court relief and is restarting sales of its THC seltzer in Ohio after Senate Bill 56 moved intoxicating hemp products into the dispensary system. Local Governance (Minnesota): A St. Francis city council debate is heating up over whether to lobby federal lawmakers as a federal hemp restriction threatens low-dose THC products sold at a municipal liquor store. Enforcement & Seizures (Global): Nigeria’s customs reported major contraband seizures including synthetic cannabis and other drugs, while Hong Kong Customs arrested a passenger after finding about 4kg of suspected cannabis buds in concealed luggage. Industry Reality Check (Delaware): Delaware’s newer recreational marijuana market is still struggling, with social-equity cultivators reporting delays and failed investor promises that stall openings. Public Safety (Vaping): Malaysia’s World Youth Foundation urged a nationwide vape sales ban after misuse involving marijuana, meth, and synthetic drugs.

Hemp Policy Fight: The U.S. Senate voted to keep delaying the federal ban on intoxicating hemp THC products, pushing the deadline to Dec. 11 and buying more time for regulators—while Sen. Katie Britt and others argue the “hemp loophole” still puts kids at risk. Drug Enforcement: Nigeria’s NDLEA says it arrested an Italy-based businessman in Enugu after he allegedly swallowed 98 cocaine wraps, and it also reported multiple other cocaine and cannabis interdictions, including cannabis-infused cookies and gummies at Lagos’s Tin Can Port. Local Crackdown: Delta State police say they raided a suspected hideout in Owa-Abbi and recovered 21 bags of Indian hemp, arresting a 56-year-old suspect. Organized Crime: Ireland extradited alleged crime boss Daniel Kinahan from Dubai to face charges in Dublin, with prosecutors tying the case to international drug smuggling networks. Medical Marijuana Research: A University of Iowa study links state medical marijuana legalization to better business performance, suggesting a “culture” signal that attracts talent.

Hemp Policy Showdown: The U.S. Senate voted 61-32 to delay a federal ban on hemp THC products until Dec. 11, keeping the industry alive while lawmakers try to craft rules instead of outright prohibition. State Regulatory Pressure: Vermont regulators warn a new federal hemp definition could disrupt the state’s hemp/CBD business models, putting small and mid-size manufacturers on edge. Industry Market Timing: Virginia’s regulated cannabis retail market is set to launch July 1, 2027, after years of relying on a hemp loophole for THC demand. Enforcement Roundup (Nigeria): NDLEA says it arrested an Italy-based businessman after he allegedly swallowed 98 cocaine wraps at Enugu airport, and it also seized cannabis-infused cookies and gummies at Lagos’ Tin Can Port. Local Drug Busts: Delta State Police recovered 21 bags of suspected Indian hemp in an intelligence-led raid. Public Safety (Vaping): UK charity Hope UK says kids as young as 11 are using spice-laced vapes and wants earlier drug education in primary schools. Cross-Border Cannabis Case: Hong Kong Customs seized about 6 kg of suspected cannabis buds at the airport and arrested a passenger. Tax Crackdown (California): California’s tax agency reports $168M seized in illicit cannabis and tobacco since 2019, including nearly $22M in early 2026.

Federal Hemp Policy: The U.S. Senate passed a stopgap funding bill to keep the government funded through Dec. 11 and, crucially for CBD buyers and sellers, delay a federal ban on intoxicating hemp-derived THC products until Dec. 11, 2026—giving Minnesota’s hemp industry more runway while the House works out its version. Advocacy Push: Emily’s Hope urged Congress not to weaken the 2025 law closing the “hemp loophole,” warning that candy-like THC products sold without age checks could reach kids. Local Enforcement: In the Philippines, Bukidnon police uprooted 321 alleged marijuana plants and burned hundreds of hills on-site after a patrol in Malaybalay City. Regulatory/Legal Pressure: In Durham, a community group running a revitalized park says the council is threatening court action over its activities at Elvet Green. Civic/Community: Palm Springs activists renewed efforts to decriminalize certain psychedelic plants and fungi, seeking City Council support. Other Cannabis-Adjacent: Ohio’s THC beverage businesses won a short restraining order allowing sales to continue while lawsuits play out.

Federal Hemp Policy: The U.S. Senate passed a stopgap funding bill to keep the government funded through Dec. 11, avoiding a shutdown before the November midterms, and it includes a provision that delays a ban on intoxicating hemp products—while Democrats also secured language blocking money transfers to Border Patrol. Regulatory Timeline (USVI): In the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Office of Cannabis Regulation says licensed cannabis cultivation could start within weeks, with dispensaries potentially opening before year-end, but commercial sales hinge on a product-testing lab expected to be ready by October. Enforcement (Philippines): Bukidnon police in Malaybalay City uprooted 321 alleged marijuana plants and burned hundreds of hills on-site, citing a reported market value of P64,200. Enforcement (Canada): Ontario police shut down an illegal grow-op in Bracebridge, seizing 4,000+ cannabis plants and charging a suspect under the Cannabis Act. Local Crime/Drugs (Nigeria): Akwa Ibom police arrested 10 suspected cultists and recovered suspected cannabis sativa seeds along with weapons and cash during intelligence-led raids. Hemp Retail Politics (North Carolina): North Carolina’s House left a bill to regulate hemp-derived consumables off the calendar, keeping the state’s THC-hemp rules in limbo.

Hemp & CBD Policy Fight: Pennsylvania AG Dave Sunday and 34 attorneys general urged Congress to preserve the ban on intoxicating hemp products, warning the “hemp loophole” lets delta-8-style THC be sold in gas stations and head shops. Federal Action: CMS chief Mehmet Oz asked the Senate to reject a continuing-resolution amendment that would delay the hemp ban, saying it would roll back access for Medicare seniors who rely on hemp-derived CBD. State Market Access: New York Gov. Kathy Hochul signed a law letting licensed cannabis microbusinesses sell at approved pop-ups and farmers markets, expanding retail options beyond dispensary walls. Public Safety: The FDA warned that delta-8 gummies and similar “candy-like” hemp products are being packaged and labeled in ways that appeal to kids; poison center data shows many exposures involve children. Local Licensing Dispute: Oceanside, California denied an appeal from a retail cannabis applicant, after concerns about interview-panel conflicts and process fairness.

Federal Hemp Fight: The White House is pushing to pause a November ban on many hemp-derived THC products, after Senate Republicans hit a deadlock over a continuing-resolution provision that would delay the crackdown until Dec. 11—an effort that could directly benefit major hemp sellers. Retail Impact: Square says it will stop allowing CBD and other hemp-derived items on its platform after the federal redefinition tightens legality, directing businesses to remove affected products by mid-October. State Policy Watch: North Carolina lawmakers delayed a hemp vote until November, while Indiana AG Todd Rokita and other AGs argue the “loophole” must stay closed. Local Cannabis Money: Talbot County is seeking public input on how it will distribute its cannabis reinvestment funds under Maryland’s Community Reinvestment and Repair Fund. New York Market Access: Gov. Kathy Hochul signed a law letting licensed cannabis microbusinesses sell at farmers markets and community events via permits. Clinical Research: UCSF-led PSP Trial Platform enrolled its first participant in a multi-drug trial for progressive supranuclear palsy.

Hemp policy showdown: North Carolina Sen. Ted Budd pushed to keep the scheduled federal ban on intoxicating hemp-derived THC on track for Nov. 12, 2026, warning about “candy-like” marketing to kids as the White House reportedly seeks a 30-day delay. Legal pressure on states: Virginia hemp businesses sued to block a new law they say will make most products illegal, arguing a 2mg-per-product cap forces costly repackaging. Federal politics drag on: Senate recess plans and a spending stopgap are getting tangled over a hemp ban delay, with GOP infighting threatening a quick exit. Local governance: Iowa county supervisors were urged to consider ordinances limiting where marijuana/THC businesses can operate and how they can advertise. Industry risk: Colorado beverage makers joined a lawsuit against Ohio over THC drink rules, arguing state law blocks federally legal hemp products from market participation. Regulatory expansion abroad: Gandaki Province in Nepal authenticated a cannabis cultivation law for medicinal and industrial use, setting up a tightly controlled licensing system.

Hemp THC policy standoff: The U.S. Senate is negotiating a stopgap spending bill that would delay the federal ban/recriminalization of hemp-derived intoxicating THC products from Nov. 12 to Dec. 11, but the “lifeline” provision is becoming the final sticking point as some GOP senators push to keep the original schedule and state AGs urge Congress not to delay. State enforcement & market impact: California’s tax agency says it seized $168M in illicit cannabis and tobacco since 2019, including nearly $22M in the first half of 2026, as part of broader efforts to protect the legal market. Legal pressure on hemp rules: Virginia hemp businesses sued to block new THC limits tied to the state’s adult-use overhaul, arguing the definition could wipe out their business model. Regulatory ripple effects: Wisconsin THC producers are watching for federal rules after a delayed ban discussion, while New Hampshire AG John Formella joined a coalition urging Congress to avoid delaying hemp reforms. Local cannabis governance: New York Gov. Kathy Hochul signed a bill letting cannabis microbusinesses fully participate in farmers’ markets and pop-up showcase events.

Hemp/THC Policy Fight: North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein urged lawmakers to legalize marijuana and build a regulated THC market, calling the proposed hemp THC ban a “Wild West” fix that won’t protect kids or consumers. Local Cannabis Retail Rules: Pasco, Washington moved toward allowing a fifth cannabis retailer, approving an applicant while starting the code-change process that would require a public hearing and vote. Recreational Cannabis Oversight: Newton Falls, Ohio lifted its recreational marijuana store moratorium, arguing the temporary ban was meant to be time-limited and that local zoning/administration concerns have shifted. Legal Pressure on Enforcement: A lawsuit says the U.S. government used excessive force and delayed medical care after an ICE raid at a California cannabis farm, adding to scrutiny of federal actions against cannabis businesses. Community Safety Response: Ann Arbor, Michigan approved two crisis response programs aimed at handling substance use and mental health calls with clinicians alongside public safety teams. Market Context: Texas THC hemp products are again under a ban, effective July 31, after court action upheld state authority to restrict rules.

Energy & Margins: A new report says electricity rates are up 15% to 25% while wholesale cannabis prices have fallen 40% to 70%, squeezing indoor growers and forcing operators to lock in better power contracts. Local Zoning & Buffers: Golden Valley, Minnesota, is facing pushback after a Dairy Queen owner criticized a proposed dispensary next door, even as the city says the site meets its 500-foot rules. Regulatory Crackdowns: California’s tax agency says it’s cracking down on $168 million in illicit cannabis and tobacco, aiming to protect the regulated market. Hemp Policy Fight: South Dakota AG Marty Jackley joined a coalition urging Congress to keep the November 2025 federal hemp definition in place, warning that reopening loopholes could boost youth access. Federal Delay Watch: The White House is lobbying for a delay of a ban on intoxicating hemp products, with reporting suggesting the reprieve could benefit politically connected industry players. Municipal Cannabis Controls: Albuquerque’s plan to tighten cannabis and smoke shop distance rules was voted down, despite arguments linking clusters to violent crime. Legal Case Spotlight: Oklahoma prosecutors say a real estate broker pleaded guilty and implicated attorney Matt Stacy in a scheme to bypass medical marijuana ownership rules. On-the-Ground Enforcement: Ghana’s NACOC arrested 10 students over alleged cannabis-infused drinks and ice creams sold during a campus hall week.

Hemp Ban Fight: Louisville’s Cornbread Hemp says a federal hemp ban tied to a 0.4 mg THC-per-container cap could shut it down and cost 105 jobs, while Kentucky lawmakers push bills and the Senate considers a short delay to Dec. 11. State Policy Clash: North Carolina House leaders tabled a controversial HB 328 hemp/THC restriction after heavy protests from hemp workers and retailers, with the fight shifting toward a later vote. Local Cannabis Rules: Pasco, Washington narrowly backed a fifth cannabis retail license under its Social Equity program, while Banning, California moved toward a temporary moratorium on new industrial cannabis warehouse applications. Workplace Rights: A legal explainer from the Southeast ADA Center highlights how medical marijuana use intersects with ADA protections as federal marijuana scheduling changes roll out. Insurance Push: The CLAIM Act would create “safe harbor” for insurers covering cannabis businesses, aiming to reduce the insurance lockout problem. Texas THC Crackdown: Texas THC product limits continue to ripple through smoke shops and hemp users as legal battles play out.

Federal Hemp Policy Push: Attorneys General William Tong and Tim Griffin (with 34 AGs) urged Congress to preserve 2025 federal hemp reforms and keep intoxicating hemp loopholes closed, warning rollback would disrupt businesses and put products back in kids’ hands. Texas Legal Fight: Texas smoke shops are already feeling the impact of a new ban on many hemp-derived THC products as a federal lawsuit challenges the crackdown as violating commerce protections; separate reporting highlights retailers losing sales and facing fines or jail exposure. Minnesota Senate Lifeline: The U.S. Senate included a short-term delay in a spending bill, giving Minnesota THC-in-hemp drink and edible makers a reprieve while lawmakers work on a longer regulatory framework. Industry Advocacy: The Cannabis Media Council called on the industry to help shape cannabis marketing’s future with responsible, fact-based messaging. Local Retail Watch: Pittsfield, Massachusetts, weighs a proposed North Street cannabis dispensary after a zoning board delay. Other CBD-adjacent: Washington approved an emergency declaration for wildfire response; Rhode Island scheduled hydrilla treatments at Worden Pond.

Federal Hemp Policy: The U.S. Senate cleared a stopgap spending bill that delays a looming federal ban on intoxicating hemp THC products, giving Minnesota’s THC drinks and gummies makers a short reprieve while lawmakers work on longer-term rules. State-Level THC Fight: Texas’s delta-8/other intoxicating hemp THC crackdown is already reshaping smoke shop sales, with retailers reporting big losses and a new federal lawsuit challenging the ban. North Carolina Industry Pushback: Hemp business owners rallied in Raleigh against House Bill 328, warning proposed THC limits would effectively shut down stores and upend jobs. Local Cannabis Governance: Pasco City Council narrowly approved an additional cannabis retail license after adjusting its density cap from four to five. Regulatory Pressure Beyond CBD: A North Carolina hemp court fight and a separate Bombay High Court ruling both show regulators can face pushback when compliance is found but suspensions linger. Public Safety & Access: A new precinct-wide valet trial in Melbourne’s CBD aims to make parking easier for visitors.

Federal Hemp THC Policy: Senate leaders added provisions to delay the planned federal recriminalization of hemp THC products in a key spending bill, giving the industry a short runway to push for a broader federal framework. Texas Enforcement Backlash: Texas Rep. James Talarico warned the state’s THC crackdown could drive consumers back to the black market, after enforcement began on many synthetically derived hemp THC items. Legal Challenge in Virginia: Seven Virginia hemp businesses sued state officials in federal court to block new THC product limits that would effectively make higher-THC hemp products illegal starting Aug. 15. State-by-State Retail Rules: Virginia and Texas moves add pressure on retailers, while New Mexico and other states continue wrestling with how to regulate intoxicating hemp and cannabis products. Workforce Development: Connecticut’s Social Equity Council partnered with SCSU to fund an online cannabis industry education program aimed at careers across the regulated adult-use market. International Enforcement: Hong Kong Customs seized about 33 kilograms of suspected cannabis buds at the airport and arrested an incoming passenger.