AGP Executive Report

European Market: Cronos completed its €57.5 million acquisition of CanAdelaar, the Netherlands’ largest adult-use cannabis operator, giving the Canadian company a foothold in Europe’s biggest regulated adult-use market. CBD Research: Lexaria says a new animal study found improved blood absorption from one CBD formulation; the company has filed three related patent applications, but has not released full results. Global Medical Cannabis: MediPharm Labs shipped its first CBD metered-dose inhaler to Panama, extending its international reach. A Moroccan pharmaceutical company also unveiled what it called the country’s first locally produced medical cannabis drug. Clinical Caution: A review found limited benefit from medical cannabis for insomnia compared with placebo, underscoring that promising products still need strong clinical support.

Cannabis and Health: A review of nine clinical trials found medicinal cannabis offers limited, inconsistent benefits for insomnia compared with placebo. A new US study examines adults using cannabis to quit nicotine, raising concerns about potential trade-offs. Hemp Regulation: The federal hemp-definition change has been delayed until Dec. 11, offering sellers of hemp-derived products more time before tighter rules take effect. Global Medical Cannabis: MediPharm Labs has shipped its first CBD metered-dose inhaler to Panama, while Morocco has unveiled its first locally produced medical-cannabis drug.

Hemp Regulation: The US has delayed key federal hemp-definition changes until December 11, including the total-THC standard and per-container cap. A separate ban on synthetic cannabinoids still takes effect November 12. Medical Cannabis Markets: Glass House Brands secured GACP certification for two California farms, a step toward possible international medical-cannabis exports. MediPharm Labs also reported its first shipment of a CBD metered-dose inhaler to Panama. Public Health: Sint Maarten’s health minister is seeking PAHO guidance on cannabis policy, saying mental health and protections for vulnerable people must be considered alongside economic potential. CBD and Pain: Research on CBD salves remains limited. One small study found topical CBD improved pain compared with placebo, with results similar to diclofenac gel.

CBD Research: Avecho says its pivotal Phase III trial of a CBD insomnia capsule passed an interim review and has resumed recruitment, keeping alive its bid to bring Australia its first over-the-counter CBD medicine. Global Medical Cannabis: MediPharm Labs has shipped its first CBD metered-dose inhaler to Panama, while Tilray Medical won approval to conduct quality testing in-house at its Portugal facility. Nigeria’s Drug Laws: President Bola Tinubu has asked lawmakers to repeal the Indian Hemp Act as part of a wider overhaul of drug-control laws; the proposal consolidates enforcement powers and does not signal cannabis legalisation. Public Health: Cannabis-related hospitalisations in Victoria have risen 49% over a decade, according to a newly reported study.

CBD Exports: MediPharm Labs made its first commercial shipment of CBD metered-dose inhalers to Panama, extending its regulated-market reach to more than 10 countries and regions. Morocco’s Medical Market: Pharma 5 unveiled the country’s first locally produced cannabis medicine, an epilepsy treatment; five medical societies have approved protocols for prescribing CBD. Brazil’s Expansion: Ease Labs plans R$100 million in investment over three years and is exploring exports to Poland, Germany and the UK. Global Supply: Tilray Medical won approval to bring EU-GMP quality testing in-house, aiming to speed product release across regulated markets. Health Watch: A new study reports cannabis-related hospital admissions in Victoria rose 49% over a decade.

Cannabis-Related Hospitalisations: Victoria recorded a 49% rise over a decade, with psychotic disorders accounting for 40% of admissions; the sharpest increase was among women and girls. Medicinal Cannabis: Cann Group says its first product made from Australian-grown cannabis is packed and undergoing stability testing, with a potential launch ahead. European Hemp Rules: Hemp production and marketing remain a sticking point in EU talks on post-2027 agricultural market rules, as some countries resist a common framework. Tilray Results: Q1 revenue grew on its BrewDog business, but cannabis revenue fell and the company reported a net loss. Cannabis and Violence: A review of 63 studies found an association between cannabis use and higher odds of violence, but researchers cautioned that this does not establish cause and effect.

Cross-Border Enforcement: Hong Kong Customs seized 9.8kg of suspected cannabis buds from two arriving passengers at the airport; both were charged with drug trafficking. Cannabinoid Health: CBN sleep products are gaining market share, but research points to modest benefits: trials found improved sleep quality, with one matching melatonin, while a new animal study raised concerns about dependence after repeated use. Rescheduling: A delay in the U.S. marijuana rescheduling review has not ended the process, two lawyers argue; they say GAO concerns relate to procedure, not the merits. Hemp Innovation: Hemp hurd fiber is showing promise as a sustainable peat alternative for container growing.

Cannabis & Health: Victorian hospital admissions primarily linked to cannabis rose 49% over a decade, with a sharper 75% increase among women and girls; psychotic disorders accounted for 40% of admissions. Clinical Research: Australia’s Neurotech International has dosed the first child in a pivotal trial of its cannabinoid-based autism treatment, moving the program into late-stage testing. Industry: Little Green Pharma completed its merger with Cannatrek, creating a larger group spanning cultivation, manufacturing, clinics and exports. Tilray reported record quarterly revenue, with growth across international cannabis, beverages and pharmaceutical distribution. Community Impact: Vermont’s Magic Mann says its local and Indigenous fund has distributed more than $175,000, including over $75,000 for Indigenous communities and initiatives.

Cultivation: A Minnesota cannabis grower has begun its first harvest, with a permanent indoor facility under construction and plans to expand its workforce as the project develops. Global Business: Tilray reported record first-quarter revenue, supported by beverage and pharmaceutical distribution and growth in international cannabis. Separately, Cantourage and Green Karat deepened their partnership after receiving EU-GMP certification. Medical Research: Researchers at the University of Regina are studying CBD as a possible concussion treatment, while a separate cannabinoid drug has cleared a US pathway for conditional approval to treat pain in dogs with bone cancer. Cannabis Enforcement: Authorities reported cross-border seizures in Nigeria and Hong Kong, including 32.74 kilograms of cannabis at Port Harcourt airport and about five kilograms of suspected cannabis buds in Hong Kong.

Cannabis Enforcement: Hong Kong Customs seized about 5kg of suspected cannabis buds at the airport and arrested two passengers arriving from Manila. CBD Research: The FDA has cleared a pathway for conditional approval of a cannabinoid drug for canine bone-cancer pain, while the University of Regina is studying CBD as a possible concussion treatment. Policy & Access: A pharmaceutical company and marijuana opponents have asked a court to block a proposed Medicare plan covering hemp-derived CBD, putting access and regulation in the spotlight. Hemp Innovation: Montana officials discussed industrial hemp for Sri Lanka’s textile sector, and research points to hemp hurd as a potential peat alternative in container growing. Industry: Tilray reported higher first-quarter revenue, while the Netherlands’ only legal medicinal-cannabis grower went bankrupt.

Illicit Cannabis: Nigerian Customs seized cannabis-infused cookies and gummies worth an estimated ₦3.67 billion, along with more than 600kg of cannabis concealed in shipping containers. CBD & Hemp Policy: A court challenge seeks to block the proposed Medicare coverage plan for hemp-derived CBD, as a looming federal ban on hemp-derived THC adds uncertainty for businesses. Research: A low-THC cannabinoid formulation is among treatments being studied for spastic cerebral palsy; researchers say more controlled studies are needed to establish its benefits. Global Hemp Trade: Montana’s governor discussed possible industrial-hemp links to Sri Lanka’s textile industry during a trade visit. Cannabis Business: Green Thumb Industries opened its 25th Florida RISE dispensary, in Cape Coral. Enforcement: New Zealand data show cannabis-use and possession charges rose 71% in 2025–26 compared with 2021–22, while the charge rate reached 32% through July.

CBD Legal Risks: Former basketball player Jarred Shaw remains hospitalized in Indonesia while seeking release from prison. He was convicted after receiving CBD gummies from Thailand; authorities also found THC candies at his apartment. U.S. Policy: A December federal ban on hemp-derived cannabinoids could wipe out most of the industry’s 50,000 operators and put 225,000 jobs at risk, according to an industry report cited by hemp advocates. Separately, a U.S. appeals court is moving ahead with challenges to marijuana rescheduling, with arguments potentially scheduled before summer. Market Stakes: Massachusetts voters will decide in November whether to repeal recreational cannabis sales, putting an estimated $8 billion industry at risk. Cannabis Research: New mouse research points to brain cells that may help explain why cannabinoids can heighten anxiety in stressful settings.

Massachusetts Ballot: Voters will decide whether to repeal adult-use cannabis sales, a move that could dismantle an $8 billion industry and erase hundreds of millions in tax revenue; medical cannabis and limited possession would remain legal. Hemp Policy: A federal ban on hemp-derived cannabinoids scheduled for December could threaten most of the country’s 50,000 hemp operators and 225,000 jobs, according to an industry report. Medical Cannabis: Cantourage’s Canadian partner Green Karat secured EU-GMP certification, opening a route to supply medical cannabis products across Europe and the UK. Market Watch: Tilray’s quarterly revenue rose 20%, led by beverages, but cannabis sales fell to $56.1 million. Cannabinoid Research: The FDA cleared a conditional-approval pathway for a cannabinoid treatment for canine bone-cancer pain. Community Investment: Vermont cannabis retailer Magic Mann says its local and Indigenous fund has distributed more than $175,000, including over $75,000 to Indigenous communities and initiatives.

International Enforcement: Malaysian police say they seized 95.2kg of cannabis and 210kg of methamphetamine in raids targeting a smuggling syndicate, including a drug mule allegedly bound for London via Singapore. Cannabis Earnings: Tilray reported record quarterly revenue of $257.1 million, up 23%, as international cannabis sales grew 21%; a $40 million net loss and price pressure weighed on results. Regional Policy: Trinidad and Tobago’s Senate approved raising the legal age for cannabis use to 25. Hemp Market: A proposed US federal ban on intoxicating hemp-derived THC products could put $28.3 billion in revenue and 225,000 jobs at risk, according to industry estimates.

Global Policy: Trinidad and Tobago’s Senate approved raising the legal age for cannabis use to 25, alongside higher limits for alcohol, tobacco and gambling. The bill passed 15–12, with government senators supplying every vote in favour. Hemp Crackdown: Italian hemp growers arrested in a raid over low-THC “cannabis light” were released after a judge rejected the arrests, noting the claim of narcotic content relied on a preliminary field test. Cannabis Business: Tilray reported record quarterly revenue, but a market analysis said cannabis sales fell as beer and distribution helped lift the total. Medical Research: New York regulators approved a medical cannabis trial using oral THC for sciatica-related pain, while the FDA cleared a conditional-approval pathway for a cannabinoid drug targeting canine bone-cancer pain. A University of Regina study is also exploring CBD as a concussion treatment. Hemp Industry: A proposed US federal ban on hemp-derived THC products threatens a $28-billion market, while industry groups and businesses press for policy changes. Cannabis Science: Recent studies examine why cannabis can trigger anxiety and paranoia, including research identifying brain cells involved in anxiety after cannabinoid exposure.

Cannabis Research: New York regulators approved a clinical trial comparing an oral THC solution with placebo for sciatica-related chronic pain. University of Regina researchers are also studying cannabinoids, including CBD, for post-concussion pain. Veterinary Medicine: The FDA says CannEpil, a cannabinoid drug for canine bone cancer pain, may pursue conditional approval; its developers plan to meet with the agency in November. Hemp Policy: A proposed federal ban threatens to upend the $28 billion hemp-derived THC market, while industry opponents and a pharmaceutical company are challenging a plan for Medicare to cover hemp-derived CBD. Texas’s hemp council has also published a voter guide on candidates’ positions.