AGP Executive Report

Cybersecurity & Identity Theft: A dark-web marketplace “Nexus” is said to be selling infrared/UV scans tied to 153M+ North American driver’s licenses, with the FBI reportedly opening an inquiry into IDScan.net, a system used at places like dispensaries and hotels. Drug Enforcement: Nigeria Customs seized N3.95bn of illicit drugs plus mercury, including synthetic cannabis and cannabis, and arrested suspects for NDLEA handover. Cross-Border Cannabis Case: Malaysia says a detained man in India helped uncover a wider hydroponic cannabis network, after Chennai Customs seized 3.45kg. Legal Cannabis Politics: Suffolk County Sheriff Steven Tompkins was acquitted of federal extortion charges tied to a cannabis retailer investment. Industry/Markets: Curaleaf announced executive participation in an investor conference in New York. Global Policy/Local Impact: UNCCD COP17 Mayors’ Forum in Mongolia pushed stronger city and regional roles in land and drought resilience. Entertainment With a Cannabis Angle: Netflix’s The Gentlemen returns for Season 2, centered on a cannabis empire.

Cross-Border Cannabis Enforcement: India’s Chennai Customs arrested a 62-year-old Malaysian after 3.452kg of suspected hydroponic cannabis (RM520k) was found in a false-bottom suitcase, marking a second similar Malaysian case in a month. International Port Crackdown Backdrop: As the USS Abraham Lincoln’s 5,000+ crew arrived in Pattaya, local authorities moved to curb prostitution amid heavy media attention—raising the spotlight on how vice tourism and enforcement collide. UK/Europe Drug Seizures: Greece probed a cocaine find after 35g of suspected cocaine (plus small cannabis) was seized from a passenger at Piraeus, leading to a second arrest in Rhodes and nearly €1m in cash and devices seized. Public Health & Policy: Jamaica’s Health Ministry urged action on 2026 school health survey findings, while Kratom Regulation: Naperville, Illinois voted to ban retail kratom sales starting Oct. 1. Tech Risk With Cannabis Links: A dark-web seller allegedly offered 153M+ driver’s license scans, tied to identity verification company IDScan.net—another reminder that regulated markets still depend on secure data.

Corporate Showdown in Cannabis M&A: Curaleaf and Aurora are trading barbs as Aurora urges shareholders to reject Curaleaf’s hostile bid, arguing it undervalues the company and risks shareholder rights. Market & Enforcement: California’s legal cannabis retailers remitted $261.7M in Q2 taxes while the state seized about $13.3M in illicit cannabis and tobacco from a Los Angeles warehouse. Product Push: Cronos expands SOURZ by Spinach® with a live-resin gummy multipack and adds new vape flavors, signaling continued competition in edibles and vapes. Science & Regulation Watch: SciSparc’s NeuroThera pursues FDA orphan drug designation for an adult Tourette Syndrome candidate, aiming to boost U.S. visibility. Public Health & Safety: Hong Kong Customs seized about 4kg of suspected cannabis buds at the airport and arrested a passenger; separate reporting also flags kratom policy moves in Montana. Global CBD Angle: A Brazil political case reportedly involves attempts to route cannabidiol purchases through a bidding waiver. Travel/Policy Crossovers: Pattaya braces for thousands of U.S. sailors after the USS Abraham Lincoln’s long deployment, with cannabis use barred during the port call.

DEA Rescheduling Hearing: The agency is arguing marijuana should move off Schedule I, while seven groups fight to keep it there, and the judge’s focus on what “marijuana” means could decide which medical-use test applies. Kratom Crackdown: Iowa officials warn of rising kratom deaths and poison control calls as newer, concentrated and synthetic products spread; Montana lawmakers are also weighing stronger limits or a ban. Thailand & CBD Angle: As the USS Abraham Lincoln docks near Pattaya, Thai officials say sailors will be barred from marijuana use and a prostitution crackdown is underway, putting local enforcement and cannabis rules in the spotlight. Medicinal Cannabis Business Watch: Australian medicinal cannabis names are in focus as Vitura Health tests a tighter prescribing/dispensing platform model, while Little Green Pharma reports revenue pressure and Bioxyne highlights record revenue and upgraded guidance. Hemp Tech: Oregon State University successfully tests a first-of-its-kind hemp harvest machine at the Klamath Basin Research and Extension Center. Industry Data Tool: High Times brings back its Trans-High Market Quotations as a real-time interactive price tracker powered by Hoodie Analytics. Policy/Politics: Congress passes a stopgap spending bill to avoid a shutdown before midterms, with hemp regulation disputes among the sticking points.

Cannabis Use Guidance: Scientists say “lower dose and frequency” generally means lower risk, but there’s no standard unit because today’s products aren’t consistent—so “how much is okay” depends on the person. US Policy & Health: A Chicago study links hotter days to more ER visits and notes cannabinoid-related effects can worsen during heat spikes. Legal Market Culture: New York’s legal cannabis is leaning into community identity, with a family-owned brand pitching “good weed, made by real people” as the next phase of legalization. International Medicinal Cannabis: Costa Rica opened its first medicinal cannabis manufacturing lab, aiming to move from raw exports to finished oils, syrups, pills—and potentially create hundreds of jobs. Regulatory/Compliance: Thailand’s Pattaya is setting rules for visiting US sailors, including bans on marijuana use and access to cannabis shops, as local enforcement ramps up. Industry Expansion: Grön launched its Pearls edibles in four new US states, betting on consistent dosing and multi-state rollout. Enforcement & Risk: Separate reporting flags kratom’s rising health concerns and federal scheduling pressure on certain kratom-related compounds.

Medicinal Cannabis & R&D: Neurotech (ASX:NTI) is drawing attention for its cannabinoid medicine path in paediatric neurological conditions, aiming for a registered product rather than Australia’s usual special-access route. Telehealth & Market Access: Vitura Health (ASX:VIT) keeps spotlight on Australia’s medicinal cannabis growth via its prescriber-pharmacy-supplier marketplace, while regulators tighten scrutiny on telehealth prescribing. European Supply Strategy: Little Green Pharma (ASX:LGP) stays focused on Europe-linked supply and pharmacy distribution, with pricing pressure and prescribing scrutiny still shaping results. Cultivation Licensing Race: Cann Group (ASX:CAN) highlights how licensing and capital intensity remain the gatekeepers for pharmacy-grade supply as it issues fresh equity. Regulation Watch (US): California’s Newsom signs AB 2249 to strengthen rules on cannabis packaging and labeling that appeal to kids. Global Enforcement: Eurojust-backed action dismantled a €25m “crime as a service” drug network moving cocaine, cannabis and hashish across Europe. Policy & Safety (US): DEA rescheduling hearings continue as the agency argues marijuana should move off Schedule I, while opponents fight to keep it there. International Business: Vantage Point Global opens Costa Rica’s first medicinal cannabis manufacturing lab, targeting finished products for local and European markets. Criminal Justice: A UK prison death investigation notes an EncroChat dealer found hanged, with concerns raised about welfare checks.

Federal cannabinoid policy shift: Endovia Health Sciences says the DEA’s recent rescheduling hearings signal marijuana moving from Schedule I to Schedule III, a potential regulatory turning point for cannabinoid medicines and wellness products. US drug crackdown: The DEA/DOJ placed three potent kratom-related, opioid-like compounds into Schedule I on an emergency basis, citing rising dependencies and sales in gas stations and smoke shops. Nigeria airport bust: NDLEA seized ₦6.2bn+ in Captagon and opioid tablets at Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed International Airport, arresting a cross-border kingpin after drugs were hidden in “Ghana soap.” Cannabis legalization ripple effects: A McGill-led review finds legalization can increase adult cannabis use and emergency visits, while alcohol impacts vary by policy type and age group. Industry expansion: Curaleaf opened a new Florida dispensary in Cutler Bay, and High Tide plans three more Canna Cabana locations in Ontario and Saskatchewan. Hemp beverages move: Kick Fizz Hemp Beverages launched in North Carolina via Tryon Distributing. Local cannabis politics: Rhode Island’s messy retail rollout is now a key issue in the attorney general race.

Cannabis Stocks Watch (Australia): Neurotech (ASX:NTI) is drawing fresh attention as a cannabinoid-based drug developer runs paediatric trials focused on autism, shifting the debate away from cultivation hype and toward clinical progress. Medicinal Supply Chain (Australia): Cann Group (ASX:CAN) is working through a mismatch between built capacity in Mildura and slower-than-expected market demand, while Little Green Pharma (ASX:LGP) continues to lean on Europe exports as domestic growth remains constrained. Drug Enforcement (Nigeria): NDLEA says it seized ₦6.2bn+ in Lagos, including 47,200 Captagon pills hidden in “Ghana soap” and 3.9m opioid tablets recovered from abandoned consignments, arresting a cross-border kingpin. Cannabis in Public Life (US): At the US Open, players including Katie Boulter complained about cannabis odour drifting onto courts, calling it distracting. Cannabis Policy Politics (US): Rhode Island’s attorney general Democratic primary is turning personal, with attacks over lead-safety certification tied to a rental and claims about cannabis retail licensing delays. International Cannabis Case (India): Mumbai airport customs arrested two women, including a senior citizen, over alleged smuggling of 2.48kg hydroponic cannabis from Bangkok.

Airport Drug War: Nigeria’s NDLEA says it stopped a cross-border trafficking operation at Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed International Airport, seizing 47,200 Captagon “Jihadi drug” pills hidden inside Ghanaian bathing soap blocks and recovering 3.9 million opioid tablets (Tramaking and Tapentadol) from abandoned consignments—total haul value put at over ₦6.2 billion, with a suspected kingpin arrested after arriving from Accra. Global Enforcement: Separate reports also flag cannabis smuggling attempts abroad, including Mumbai airport customs arresting two women (one a senior citizen) over 2.48 kg of hydroponic cannabis allegedly brought from Bangkok. Sports & Cannabis Culture Clash: At the US Open in New York, players including Katie Boulter say cannabis odor from nearby Corona Park is distracting during matches and practice, even though adult use is legal. Community Safety Push: In India’s Uttarakhand, women in Thani village have started night patrols with sticks to deter drug trafficking and people seeking narcotics. Policy/Market Watch: A US startup says it wants to begin experimental moon mining for helium-3 by 2028, seeking international help—another reminder of how high-value “new resources” keep pulling global attention.

US Open Cannabis Smell: British No.1 Katie Boulter and other players say cannabis odor from nearby Corona Park is distracting them at Flushing Meadows, even as smoking is banned on-site and New York allows adult use. Criminal Justice & Cannabis Corruption: A former California councilman, Ricardo Pacheco, was sentenced to 18 months after admitting he buried nearly $63,000 in cash tied to bribes involving a police-union contract and commercial marijuana permits. Border Enforcement: Bangladesh border guards seized 20kg of Indian cannabis in Jashore and also recovered smuggled goods in separate drives. UK Drug Crackdown: UK Border Force reported a record 1,298kg ketamine seizure in early 2026, alongside major nitrous oxide and cocaine interceptions. Community Harm-Reduction Push: Canada’s North Okanagan partners are running an Overdose Awareness Day roadshow with naloxone training and overdose prevention resources. Policy/Industry Watch: The SEC floated a new crypto fundraising framework, but it arrives after the market moved on—an indirect reminder of how fast regulation can lag.

US Open Cannabis Smell: British No.1 Katie Boulter says cannabis odor from nearby Corona Park is “distracting” during her US Open preparations, with other players echoing the complaint as Flushing Meadows’ adult-legal cannabis wafts into outside courts. Border Crackdowns (Bangladesh): Bangladesh Border Guard seized 20kg of Indian cannabis in Jashore, alongside smuggled goods, in separate anti-smuggling drives. Border Crackdowns (UK): UK Border Force reported a record 1,298kg ketamine seizure in the first three months of 2026, plus major nitrous oxide and cocaine interceptions. Drug Trafficking (Greece): Greek police dismantled a Western Attica network, arresting three and alleging cannabis, cocaine, and other substances were supplied and distributed via a home base and courier-linked parcels. Cannabis & Recovery Debate: A new commentary warns “California sober” isn’t a standardized, safety-tested treatment as the cannabis market reshapes how addiction medicine defines recovery. Local Governance (South Africa): Makhanda’s MBRA says it will keep using strategic litigation to push accountability, infrastructure, and safety priorities in 2026/27. Industry/Business (CBD): Growthpoint secured net-zero carbon certification for a Cape Town CBD office after refurbishment, highlighting demand for lower-carbon workplaces.

Cannabis Policy & Markets: Canada just overtook California as the world’s biggest legal cannabis market by monthly retail sales, hitting a record $517.8M in June as dispensaries expand faster than liquor stores in some communities. Medical Cannabis & Research: A preprint study from Colombia reports medical cannabis improved pain, insomnia and mood/behavior symptoms in 91% of older adults, with symptom severity dropping for most participants. Regulation & Product Safety: Ireland’s HSE lab found many vapes and liquids still contain HHC or other semi-synthetic cannabinoids despite scheduling changes, raising concerns about what’s actually in products sold online and on high streets. Industry & Leadership: Jamaica’s JBDC named Daenia Ashpole as CEO starting Sept. 1, bringing prior leadership experience including work at the Cannabis Licensing Authority. Law Enforcement: Hong Kong Customs seized about 32kg of cannabis buds worth ~$7.5M at the airport, arresting a British transit passenger. Drug Trends: UK Border Force reported a record 1.3 tonnes of ketamine seized in the first three months of 2026, alongside major nitrous oxide and cocaine interceptions.

Canada Cannabis Boom: Canada set a new monthly record for legal cannabis sales in June at CA$517.8M, edging out California (US$372.4M) to become the world’s largest legal market by monthly retail revenue, with dispensaries increasingly outnumbering liquor stores in some communities. Medicinal Cannabis Dealmaking: UK medicinal cannabis supplier Grow Group has hired City advisers to find new owners as it moves through a sale process, with products also sold in Australia and Germany. CBD-Adjacent Research: A new study highlights early promise for CBG in reducing schizophrenia-like memory deficits, though researchers stress more evidence is needed before any medical claims. Drug Enforcement Watch: Hong Kong Customs seized about 32kg of suspected cannabis buds worth roughly $7.5M at the airport and arrested a British transit passenger; in New Zealand, prosecutors allege Vietnamese syndicates launder cannabis profits through businesses used to sponsor visas. Public Health & Safety: Vermont reports teen mental health improving alongside lower vaping, drinking, and cannabis use, while UK Border Force data shows record ketamine seizures and rising concern about misuse.

Cannabis Compliance & Retail Training: CSP C-Store Cannabis Board teamed with Element Training to expand hemp and cannabis education for convenience-store teams, covering product knowledge, ID checks, and age-gating rules as retailers face inconsistent state-by-state requirements. Airport Drug Crackdown: Air Canada suspended two ground employees after RCMP alleged they helped move luggage through secure areas to import cocaine and export cannabis from Montréal-Trudeau; the probe began after CBSA intercepted 62.5 kg of cocaine, with 56 kg of cannabis seized during the investigation. Major Smuggling Conviction: A British-Ghanaian man was convicted in a £13.8m cannabis smuggling plot through Birmingham Airport, with couriers traveling from Thailand via Paris and cannabis concealed in suitcases. Policy Watch: A U.S. study found unintentional recreational-drug ingestions by young children surged from 2000 to 2024, with sharp increases tied to edible marijuana and psilocybin products. Global Drug Policy: Czech experts warned after the government dismantled its long-standing drug-policy coordination office, fearing a collapse of respected harm-reduction efforts. Vaping & Waste: California advanced a bill to ban disposable vape devices with non-rechargeable batteries (cannabis devices exempt), citing toxic litter and battery hazards.

California Vape Crackdown: California lawmakers advanced a bill to ban disposable vape pens (with tobacco) unless they’re refillable/pod-based and use rechargeable batteries; cannabis devices are exempt. Overdose Awareness: Rhode Island marks International Overdose Awareness Day with overdose deaths down but warns stimulant overdoses are rising and cannabis use among middle schoolers has nearly doubled since 2022. Cannabis Policy & Courts: A NORML op-ed argues federal data shows “problematic cannabis use” admissions are driven by the criminal justice system and that medical patients are often misclassified. Gun Rights Fact Check: A Mississippi “medical marijuana card” claim is challenged in a fact-check about whether it blocks gun ownership. International Drug Trade: Italy reports “frozen hashish” hitting Naples at high THC and high prices, while South Korea says ketamine seizures have jumped 50-fold in five years. Europe Drug Policy: Czech experts warn a dismantled drug-policy coordination office could destabilize long-running addiction strategies. Cannabis Banking: Safe Harbor will highlight scalable cannabis banking infrastructure at the PBC Conference as federal rescheduling activity remains pending.

WHO Update on Cannabis Risks: The WHO has revised its assessment of non-medical cannabis risks for the first time in a decade, warning that higher-THC products and new use patterns are driving more treatment requests—especially among adolescents and young adults. Health & Safety in the Heat: New research from Chicago links extreme heat to more emergency visits, including kidney issues and mental health harms tied to cannabis effects. Cannabis Withdrawal Reality Check: A new study on “scromiting” (cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome) says sustained abstinence is the only reliable long-term fix, with abrupt quitting risking withdrawal and relapse. Hemp-Derived THC Under Fire (Wisconsin): A Janesville arrest of a hemp-derived THC retailer has reignited debate over Wisconsin’s tight Delta-9 THC limits and the federal farm bill loophole. Medicinal Cannabis Business Watch (Australia): Little Green Pharma is getting fresh attention as Australia’s medicinal cannabis market shifts toward execution, capital discipline, and supply-chain readiness. Regulatory/Policy Signals (Sint Maarten): The tourism minister says Airbnb short-term rental tax rules have been stuck in legal review since late 2025, while also backing a visitor tax. Border Enforcement (Korea): South Korea’s customs says a second mail-screening line has uncovered 10 more drug cases and led to arrests.