A New AI-Developed Psychedelic and the Ancient Magic of Mushrooms
As one team of scientists works on an AI-developed drug, others study the age-old magic of psilocybin biosynthesis.
At one end, scientists use AI to shape a non-hallucinogenic compound, at the other, researchers unpack how mushrooms have produced psilocybin for ages. Between these scientific poles, lawmakers argue over access and limits, clinicians refine group ketamine care, Alaskans begin gathering signatures for a 2026 vote on natural psychedelics, and a Swedish pilot pairs psilocybin with standard treatment for people with anorexia. Dive into the latest psychedelic discoveries, track changes in the law, and vote if you’re in Alaska.
Regulatory
Pennsylvania panel hears testimony on psilocybin therapy
State House Democrats convened a policy hearing where veterans and advocates highlighted psilocybin’s clinical promise for treatment-resistant depression.
EU rules may block Germany’s cannabis telemedicine ban
Legal experts warn that a prohibition on remote prescribing would likely violate EU law permitting e-prescriptions after tele-consults.
Wisconsin Republicans Propose Banning Hemp THC Products
Republican lawmakers introduced bills to ban delta-8 and other cannabinoids by placing them under controlled substances rules.
Nigeria debates medical-economic cannabis legalization framework
Former senator Athan Nneji Achonu says the National Assembly is working on a bill to regulate cannabis cultivation and processing, framed to create opportunities in health, industry, and agriculture, to support medical research and treatments, without promoting recreational use.
Market
Mindstate’s AI-designed drug mimics psychedelic effects without the trip
Mindstate’s oral 5-MeO-MiPT formulation (MSD-001) produced psychoactive changes without hallucinations, confirmed with validated scales and brain imaging that showed patterns similar to classic psychedelics.
Neurotech opens prescriber access to pediatric cannabinoid NTI164
The program aims to provide specialist-supervised, near-term access for children with neurological conditions while gathering real-world data.
Canada’s legal cannabis contributed C$16B to GDP in 2024
A government-commissioned report estimates nearly C$29B in total output and over 227,000 jobs from the sector.
Scientific
Roots to Thrive: 12-week group ketamine protocol
Over 12 weeks, the community of practice model delivers three ketamine sessions led by a multidisciplinary team, with no serious adverse events reported.
MindMed’s LSD shows positive Phase 2b results for anxiety
The trial met its primary endpoint with dose-dependent anxiety reductions and led to FDA Breakthrough Therapy status.
Psychedelic biosynthesis evolved twice in mushrooms
Scientists found that Psilocybe mushrooms and fiber caps separately figured out different enzyme recipes to produce psilocybin, so evolution invented that ability at least twice.
Psychedelics in the treatment of anorexia
Lund University has begun a first-of-its-kind pilot study testing psilocybin that will administer two therapist-supported, closely monitored doses and track side effects, time to relapse, body mass index, well-being, and brain-network changes.
Social trends
Michigan Democratic senator says nothing can stop the mushroom festival
After organizers won a court fight that forced the University of Michigan to grant a permit, the fifth-annual mushroom festival “Ethnofest” drew about 100 people, campus police issued some warnings over cannabis use but reported no arrests, and the event went ahead despite last-minute cuts to sponsors and speakers.
Veterans urge California governor to sign bill speeding psychedelics research
Veterans Exploring Treatment Solutions urged Gov. Gavin Newsom to sign AB 1103, a bill that would let California’s research panel fast-track study approvals through 2028.
Alaska campaign launches to legalize natural psychedelics
Organizers aim to qualify a measure legalizing regulated access and non-commercial sharing of certain natural psychedelics for adults.