AGP Executive Report

Maritime Crisis: Guyana’s MV Barima ferry disaster is still unfolding, with authorities saying the passenger manifest is unreliable after 32 of 67 rescued people weren’t listed—leaving rescuers unsure how many were aboard; Public Works Minister Juan Edghill also says the captain and first engineer tested positive for cannabis, prompting a criminal investigation and calls for families to help confirm who’s missing. Political Pressure: The AFC is demanding Edghill and the maritime boss be removed and pushing for an independent commission of inquiry, arguing an internal probe can’t be trusted. Cannabis Policy & Labor: The UFCW threw its weight behind the reintroduced Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act, saying it would bring federal workplace protections and help workers as legalization expands. CBD Research Funding: CurePSP announced its biggest grant cycle yet, awarding record Pathway and Pipeline Grants across North America and Europe to advance PSP and CBD research. Urban Enforcement: Durban intensified its crackdown on hijacked CBD buildings, including a Lancers Road raid with new smart policing gear, while also seizing allegedly unlawfully sold alcohol. Corporate Moves: Vireo Growth agreed to buy certain Cannabist assets across multiple states for up to $35M, expanding in limited-license markets. Testing Reliability: Oklahoma cannabis product testing is under fire after a lawsuit alleges inconsistent lab results and failures tied to pesticides, potency, and contaminants. Wellness & Branding: The Vessyl opened in Costa Rica as a 4D sound wellness resort, with founders tied to the modern CBD movement.

Cross-Border Crackdown (Nigeria): NDLEA says it intercepted 1.63 million tramadol 250mg pills in two Kano-bound trailers, hidden in fabricated compartments along the Togo–Benin Republic–Nigeria corridor, arresting two 22-year-old drivers and linking the haul to an earlier 558,900-pill seizure. Cannabis Smuggling (Hong Kong): Customs reports three airport cases, seizing about 7kg of suspected cannabis buds plus ketamine, cocaine and poison tablets, with three passengers arrested. Medical Cannabis Research: A Phase 2 trial (LiBBY) reports a THC/CBD oral treatment easing agitation in late-stage dementia, with most participants improving within weeks. Sports & Cannabis-Linked Testing (Pakistan): The ICC banned cricketer Mohammad Nawaz for three months after a cannabis-related prohibited substance showed in a World Cup test. Public Health Messaging: A new piece warns that mental-health risks are most strongly tied to frequent, high-potency cannabis use in adolescents and young adults. Policy/Industry Oversight (Australia): ECS Botanics calls for tighter regulation and prescribing standards to improve credibility in the medical cannabis sector. Travel Warning (UK): Border Force warns young travelers about “free holiday” scams used to recruit cannabis smugglers.

Medical Breakthrough: A Phase 2 trial presented at the Alzheimer’s Association conference reports a cannabis-based oral combo (2mg THC + 100mg CBD twice daily) eased agitation in late-stage dementia for most participants within weeks. Cannabis Policy Watch: A Q&A on marijuana rescheduling says even with Schedule III changes, state rules still control access—and warns the path to a national market isn’t automatic. Rescheduling Backlash: One industry-linked commentary argues the “bet” on an attorney general order could go badly if legal challenges derail expected benefits. Border & Airport Crackdowns: Hong Kong Customs seized about $7.9M in drugs at the airport, including cannabis buds, ketamine, cocaine and tablets, arresting three passengers. UK Travel Warning: Border Force says “free holiday” scams are driving a surge in cannabis couriers, urging travelers to refuse offers, guard their bags, and watch for social media grooming. Drug Enforcement (Nigeria): NDLEA intercepted 1.63M tramadol pills in two Lagos-to-Kano trailer seizures and arrested multiple suspects, including an 80-year-old alleged dealer and others tied to synthetic cannabis imports.

Cross-border cannabis busts: Hong Kong Customs arrested two arrivals from Bangkok after finding about 21kg of cannabis in checked baggage, while Delhi airport officers seized 30.52kg of hydroponic weed in two Bangkok-linked cases and arrested three, including alleged receivers. UK travel crackdown: Britain’s Home Office and Border Force warned young travellers not to accept “free holiday” offers from drug gangs, citing a jump in air cannabis courier interceptions (142 in 2023 to 976 in 2025) and 600 arrests in the first half of 2026. Policy shock for wildlife: The Trump administration rolled back parts of the Endangered Species Act, drawing backlash from biodiversity advocates over weaker protections for threatened species and more room for economic arguments. Medical cannabis market move: Curaleaf says Spain’s medicines regulator approved two standardized THC- and CBD-dominant preparations under the country’s new medical cannabis law, with hospital pharmacy availability “in due course.” Industry/tech: CANU reported 519.49kg of narcotics plus 35 illegal firearms and 699 rounds seized in the first half of 2026.

UK Border Warning: The Home Office and Border Force warn young travellers not to accept “free holidays” or luxury trips from drug gangs, after UK airport cannabis interceptions jumped from 142 (2023) to 976 (2025) and 600 air couriers were arrested in the first half of 2026. Medical Cannabis Expansion: Curaleaf says Spain’s medicines regulator approved two standardized THC- and CBD-dominant preparations under the country’s new medical cannabis law, making it the first supplier via hospital pharmacies. Enforcement & Seizures: Hong Kong Customs seized about 7kg of suspected cannabis buds plus cannabis edibles and gummies worth $1.3m from an incoming passenger from Bangkok, and arrested him. Industry Deal Watch: Vireo Growth completed its $20m acquisition of PhytoNatural, adding a non-operational Pennsylvania medical cannabis retail permit for up to six dispensaries (pending approvals). Public Safety & Health: A UK op-ed urges parents to treat illegal “Spice” vapes as a serious threat to children, citing reports of synthetic cannabinoid contamination in school confiscations. Legal/Justice: Karnataka’s High Court quashed Siddhanth Kapoor’s 2022 drug-case FIR, citing unreliable testing and sample-handling lapses. Africa Spotlight: SAPS says a Johannesburg CBD security officer seen in a viral police-caravan video apologised and received a formal warning after inappropriate comments.

Deal Watch: Vireo Growth has completed its $20M acquisition of a Pennsylvania medical cannabis retail permit holder (PhytoNatural), setting up potential expansion to as many as six dispensaries pending approvals. Corporate Moves: FLUENT says it has mailed its circular and proxy materials for its all-stock transaction with Vireo, with a July 28 shareholder meeting on the agenda. Policy & Politics: Massachusetts certified nine ballot questions for November, including a fight over whether to repeal the state’s recreational cannabis legalization—signature challenges could decide the measure’s fate. Local Implementation: South Hadley, Massachusetts is debating whether to reverse its 2018 ban on recreational marijuana businesses, with tax revenue cited as a key driver. Enforcement & Risk: A Cheshire man was jailed after running a large-scale cannabis operation from his bedroom, following a Border Force intercept of cannabis extract liquid and discovery of edibles, dust, resin and vapes. Travel Warning: Thailand’s updated customs rules mean travelers with cannabis in luggage—even accidentally—could face up to 10 years in prison and steep fines. Medical Science: An international team reports the first major genetic cause of primary hyperhidrosis, pointing to nerve overstimulation tied to the Nav1.8 channel. Sports & Cannabis: Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz received a three-month ICC ban after testing positive for Carboxy-THC, with potential reduction after rehab.

Sports & Cannabis Enforcement: Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz was sanctioned by the ICC after a positive test for Carboxy-THC (a cannabis metabolite) following the T20 World Cup match vs the Netherlands. He received a three-month ban that can be reduced to one month if he completes a substance abuse rehabilitation programme, and his records from Feb. 7 to May 1 were disqualified. Medical Research: A new study presented at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference reports that a THC/CBD combo (2 mg THC/100 mg CBD) significantly reduced agitation in late-stage dementia patients over 12 weeks. Regulation & Access: India’s CDSCO approved Leiutis Pharmaceuticals’ synthetic cannabidiol oral solution for mild-to-moderate anxiety disorders, to be prescribed by psychiatrists alongside CBT. Local Cannabis Funding: St. Mary’s County, Maryland moved closer to distributing $1.5M+ in state cannabis reinvestment funds via a new community grants ordinance. Travel Risk: Thailand’s updated customs rules warn travelers that carrying cannabis in luggage—even accidentally—can trigger severe penalties, including up to 10 years in prison. Legal Challenge in Africa: Kenya’s High Court dismissed a Rastafarian petition seeking permission to use cannabis for religious purposes, saying the group didn’t prove it was essential to the faith. Cross-Border Crackdowns: Hong Kong Customs seized about 21kg of suspected cannabis buds from incoming passengers and arrested two men.

Cannabis Policy & Public Health: A Lancet Psychiatry review finds cannabis legalization alone doesn’t necessarily boost overall use, but commercial “for-profit” markets can drive higher consumption, stronger products, and more addiction risk. Medical Cannabis Research: A small Journal of Neurology study reports an oral THC/CBD spray improved restless legs syndrome symptoms and sleep parameters over one year. CBD & Wellness Claims: A Thailand study on cannabis-infused tea links higher-dose THC/CBD blends with better happiness and sleep quality. Enforcement & Smuggling: Hong Kong Customs arrested a Malaysian teen with 3kg of cannabis; Mumbai airport seized 515g of hydroponic weed hidden in shoe soles from Bangkok. Industry & Scaling: At IgniteIt in Chicago, speakers argue cannabis edibles can’t scale like “local kitchens” and need true CPG-style manufacturing consistency. Local Cannabis Retail: Watertown opened its first pot shop, highlighting New York supply and a push for minority- and women-owned licenses. Global Drug Trade: Europe’s anti-smuggling agency MAOC urged tougher maritime tactics to stop the “cocaine highway,” as seizures still lag behind what gets through. Safety & Risk: A new travel safety index ranks Sydney highly for travelers, while a separate report warns that legal doesn’t mean harmless when it comes to cannabis.

Medical Breakthrough: A first-of-its-kind Phase II LiBBY trial reports a THC/CBD oral oil significantly reduced agitation in late-stage dementia patients, with benefits holding at 12 weeks. Impaired-Driving Training: Vermont is recruiting volunteers to consume cannabis in controlled settings so police can better spot impairment signs, after crash data showed a rise in cannabis-only suspected incidents. Regulated Market Update: Alberta’s regulated online iGaming launch is live with major sportsbook and casino brands, but players noticed a key gap: no online poker at launch. Legal Fight in Africa: Kenya’s court rejected a Rastafarian bid for a cannabis religious-use exemption, saying the group failed to prove cannabis is necessary to its practice. Cross-Border Enforcement: Malaysian police say a teen arrested in Hong Kong with 3kg of cannabis buds was likely recruited as a drug mule. Industry Watch: Avicanna unveiled its QUIX™ rapid-onset medical cannabis portfolio, with initial SKUs planned for Canadian channels in Q3 2026. Business/Expansion: TerrAscend set its Q2 2026 earnings call for Aug. 6, while ZenaTech completed a drone-geomatics acquisition to expand Drone-as-a-Service into oil-and-gas environmental work.

Workplace Safety & Testing: New Zealand’s workplace drug testing shows cocaine positives up nearly 70% year-on-year, while cannabis remains the most detected drug; the report also flags amphetamine-type stimulants rising as employers push for tighter risk management. Medical Cannabis Research: A new trial presented at the Alzheimer’s Association conference reports a THC/CBD oral formulation sharply reducing agitation in late-stage dementia, with most patients responding. Access Barriers in Europe: Germany’s weed.de survey finds 71% of patients struggle most to find a doctor willing to prescribe medical cannabis, with many reporting years of symptoms and failed attempts first. Legal & Policy Fight (US): MMJ International asks the D.C. Circuit to pause the DEA rescheduling move, arguing the government is rewarding companies that bypassed federal standards. Drug Enforcement (Asia): Hong Kong Customs found 3kg of cannabis buds in a 19-year-old Malaysian’s luggage, with Malaysian police saying he was likely recruited as a drug mule. Regional Crackdowns (India/Ukraine): India’s Navi Mumbai police say they busted a Thailand-linked hydroponic cannabis racket worth ₹1.33 crore; Ukraine reports 12 cannabis-related labs dismantled and 74 people charged in a nationwide operation. Tech & Youth Risk: Common Sense Media says Google’s AI Search features pose an “unacceptable” risk to kids, including responses that appear to encourage harmful behavior like cannabis use.

Kenya Cannabis Court Ruling: Kenya’s High Court rejected Rastafarians’ bid to use marijuana as a religious sacrament, saying they failed to prove it’s “necessary” to their practice, though the judge urged a wider national debate as the current law may be “untenable.” Medical Cannabis Research: A new study finds more U.S. teens seeking treatment for cannabis use disorder are facing longer delays getting care, even as overall teen cannabis use levels off. Industry Expansion: Greenlight hit Ohio’s legal dispensary cap with four new locations plus in-state manufacturing, while Curaleaf opened a new Florida dispensary in Edgewater, growing its Florida footprint to 74. Cannabis 2.0 Moves: TobaGrown acquired Manitoba extract brands HWY 59 and Banter to expand into extracts and offer extraction services locally. Business & Culture: RAW Rolling Papers bought RAW Genetics IP to expand into cannabis genetics and seeds, and Glass House updated its at-the-market equity program after NYSE listing. Clinical Trial Update: SciSparc’s NeuroThera started a Phase IIb trial site in Germany for its cannabinoid-based Tourette’s treatment.

Medical Cannabis Breakthrough: A U.S. Phase II LiBBY trial found a specialized oral THC/CBD oil formulation significantly reduced agitation in hospice-eligible late-stage dementia patients, with near-90% showing sustained improvement and safety comparable to placebo. Clinical Pipeline: MediPharm Labs also reported positive Phase II results tied to the same agitation-in-dementia focus, reinforcing momentum for cannabinoid-based care. Customs Crackdowns (Global): India seized ~1.5kg hydroponic cannabis hidden under a seat on a Phuket-to-Delhi flight, while Mumbai customs arrested a man over ~13.5kg hydroponic weed worth about ₹4.71 crore smuggled from Bangkok. Europe Port Update: Belgium reported fewer cocaine seizures but more cannabis at Antwerp/Zeebrugge, with Morocco, Canada and Thailand flagged as key sources. Regulatory/Policy Watch: California’s Department of Cannabis Control released its 2026–2031 strategic plan, aiming to strengthen the legal market as unregulated use remains a challenge. Industry & Culture: Sydney’s DIVINE PLAYHOUSE says it was forced to close and cancel events after a landlord breach notice and social media shutdowns.

Medical Cannabis Breakthrough: A U.S. LiBBY trial reported at the Alzheimer’s Association conference found a THC+CBD oral formulation cut late-life dementia agitation for nearly 90% of participants after 12 weeks, with far fewer improvements on placebo. Spain Medicinal Supply Expansion: Tenerife approved its first authorized medicinal cannabis cultivation project, backed by Nivaria Tech and cleared by Spain’s medicines regulator, aiming for multiple harvests per year. Product Push in Canada: Village Farms launched Super Toast Bites, adding Diamond Bites and Rosin Bites gummies with 10mg THC each. Retail Footprint Growth (U.S.): Verano opened MÜV Bradfordville in Florida, lifting its Florida count to 86 MÜV locations and 163 dispensaries nationwide. Policy Debate (Texas): The Texas Hemp Business Council released a comparative public health analysis arguing hemp-derived THC shouldn’t be treated like alcohol, tobacco, opioids, or fentanyl. Enforcement & Borders: Hong Kong Customs seized about 7kg of suspected cannabis buds from an incoming passenger, arresting and charging him with trafficking. Education Campaign (New York): New York rolled out “Cannabis Honestly,” a statewide campaign to help young people and the adults who guide them talk about risks.

FDA Greenlight for Cannabis Autism Research: Neurotech shares jumped 30% after the US FDA granted Investigational New Drug status for its medicinal cannabis program targeting childhood autism, clearing the way for a phase III trial pathway. Policy Push in the Global South: India’s cannabis reform debate heats up as a court review of key NDPS Act provisions could force policymakers to update outdated prohibition rules. Regulation Roadshow in Jamaica: Jamaica’s government rolled out a Cannabis Permit Road Tour to expand permit categories and bring more cultivators and investors into a more legitimate, regulated market. Corporate & Finance Watch: Tilray set its July 28 results date, while Chicago Atlantic secured second-lien financing tied to retail properties leased to cannabis operators. Enforcement & Cross-Border Crime: Police charged more suspects in a botched Sydney kidnapping/murder case where cannabis was seized in related searches; elsewhere, Interpol-linked arrests in Casablanca targeted a German fugitive over drug trafficking and arson. Product & Community Angle: Green Coast Pet promoted CBD for dogs, and a Phoenix-based cannabis founder launched a $2.2M charitable endowment supporting people impacted by cannabis-related offenses.

Regulation & Access: Jamaica is rolling out a nationwide Cannabis Permit Road Tour with the Cannabis Licensing Authority to expand permit categories and help cultivators apply, aiming for a more transparent, inclusive sector. Product & Science: Artelo Biosciences says its peripherally restricted cannabinoid receptor agonist ART27.13 showed pain relief in a nonclinical paclitaxel neuropathy model, supporting broader use in cancer supportive care. International Enforcement: India’s Delhi airport customs seized 6.37 kg of suspected hydroponic weed hidden in aircraft lavatories, seats and baggage, arresting three passengers. Hemp & Education: A new feature digs into hemp’s long history and why its reputation keeps getting in the way of mainstream research. Public Health Watch: A kratom explainer highlights why effects can range from stimulant to opioid-like sedation, and why regulation and product strength vary widely. Industry Moves: Curaleaf says it’s first to secure registration for standardized cannabis preparations in Spain, reinforcing its push into regulated international markets. UK Cannabis Smuggling Crackdown: The UK’s NCA warns air couriers after Thai-linked enforcement shows a sharp rise in cannabis passenger arrests and tougher financial penalties. Local Spotlight: A Derbyshire case outside a pub saw a pedestrian hit and a driver arrested on suspicion of GBH and cannabis possession.

Cross-Border Crackdown: The UK’s NCA says cannabis couriers are being hit with tougher Thai Customs fines after arrests spiked at airports, with 2026 already seeing hundreds of air-passenger arrests. Airport Intercepts: NDLEA reports a South African woman in Abuja allegedly used her three-year-old son as cover while smuggling 5.75kg heroin, and it also seized a massive Lagos cannabis haul worth N10.3bn. Smuggling Tactics: In India’s Chhattisgarh, police say cannabis was hidden inside scooter frames in a 44kg interstate haul. Organised Crime Pressure: Ireland’s Gardaí seized 11 military-grade firearms plus heroin, cocaine and cannabis worth over €700,000 in raids across Laois and Kildare. Policy & Culture: Nepal’s cannabis policy push is raising alarms that poorly documented local landraces could be lost before science can study them. CBD/Industry Angle: A new cash-handling push shows dispensaries investing in commercial cash systems as cannabis retail scales. Hemp Fashion: Another Tomorrow teamed with a regenerative hemp farm near Paris for a limited regenerative hemp dress collection.