Psilocybin heads for prime time while Pakistan passes policy and investors pile in
As Compas Pathways’ Phase 3 win pushes the magic-mushroom molecule toward FDA approval, Pakistan crafts its first national cannabis policy.
This week, the psychedelic pipeline stopped feeling theoretical: Compass’ Phase 3 psilocybin results have people talking about an FDA green light, while lawmakers from New Hampshire to Virginia and Texas keep rewiring the rules around who can sell, carry, and grow. Meanwhile, Pakistan rolled out a national cannabis framework, and in California, the courts drew a clearer line between “in the car” and “open container.” Money followed the momentum — Organigram dropped a €250M bid for Germany’s Sanity Group, Cronos pushed a new all-in-one vape, and U.S. markets kept printing milestones from Massachusetts to Missouri. In the labs, the field split into two bets: trip-free neuroplastogens like Enveric’s EB-003, and fast-acting trips like Helus’ DMT, showing antidepressant potential, while the public conversation swerved from commercialization warnings to falling teen-use numbers and cannabis-friendly golf tee times.
Regulatory
Fda may greenlight psilocybin therapy for depression this year
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration said Compass Pathways’ psilocybin therapy could receive FDA approval after two successful Phase 3 trials, signalling the first-ever approval of a psychedelic for treatment‑resistant depression.
Pakistan approves national cannabis policy
Pakistan’s cabinet adopted its first National Cannabis Control and Regulatory Policy to oversee the cultivation, manufacturing, and sales of medical and industrial cannabis, aiming to build a value chain and tap export markets.
Texas voters to decide adult‑use cannabis in a ballot question
A question on Texas’s primary ballot asks whether adults should be able to purchase, possess, and cultivate cannabis and whether past low‑level offenses should be expunged.
Virginia House and Senate pass cannabis sales bills
Virginia lawmakers approved bills to legalize and regulate adult‑use cannabis sales, enact resentencing provisions, and allow hospital‑based medical use, with sponsors arguing that a regulated market will replace the gray market.
New Hampshire House approves medical psilocybin program
The New Hampshire House approved HB 1809, creating a Department of Health–overseen program allowing providers to cultivate and administer natural psilocybin for patients with treatment‑resistant depression, PTSD, and other conditions while establishing an advisory board.
Market
Organigram buys Germany’s Sanity Group for €250 million
Canadian producer Organigram agreed to acquire German medical cannabis firm Sanity Group for up to €250 million, signalling confidence in Europe’s growing market.
Cronos launches all‑in‑one Spinach PUFFERZ vape
Cronos Group unveiled Spinach PUFFERZ™, an all‑in‑one vape with liquid diamonds designed for flavor and convenience, debuting in three Canadian provinces.
Massachusetts hits $9 billion in adult‑use cannabis sales
Since legal sales began in 2018, Massachusetts retailers have sold more than $9 billion worth of cannabis, with a snowstorm surge underscoring steady demand.
Missouri cannabis retailers record $1.5 billion in 2025 sales
Missouri’s regulated market generated about $1.3 billion in adult‑use sales and $255 million in tax revenue last year, reflecting strong consumer uptake and significant contributions to state coffers.
Scientific
Enveric’s EB‑003 shows non‑hallucinogenic neuroplasticity signals
Microdose reported that Enveric’s BRET assays demonstrate its compound EB‑003 engages antidepressant‑linked 5‑HT2A signalling pathways without causing hallucinations, bolstering its “neuroplastogen” approach.
Compass’ synthetic psilocybin meets key goals in the second Phase 3
Compass Pathways’ COMP360 psilocybin therapy eased depression symptoms in its second late‑stage trial, with nearly 42 percent of patients responding versus 27 percent on placebo, paving the way for an FDA application.
Experts debate Compass’ Phase 3 psilocybin data interpretation
Psychedelic Alpha gathered reactions from researchers and clinicians on Compass’ trial data, noting praise for the results and questions about effect size, durability, and real‑world applicability.
Helus’ DMT fumarate shows antidepressant potential
Helus Pharma announced that its phase IIa trial of DMT fumarate met primary and secondary endpoints, demonstrating significant reductions in depression scores and reinforcing the race to commercialize FDA‑approved psychedelics.
Social trends
Psilocybin trial participant decries commercialization of therapy
In a STAT First Opinion essay, writer Erica Rex argues that today’s for‑profit psilocybin ventures are discarding essential therapeutic components she experienced in a 2012 trial, warning that cutting corners could harm patients.
Youth cannabis use continues decades‑long decline
Federal survey data show that cannabis use by U.S. adolescents keeps falling, suggesting legalized markets have not led to increased youth consumption.
Cannabis meets the fairway in Eighth Iron golf events
Bud Lords reported on Eighth Iron founder Dominic Denucci’s mission to merge golf and cannabis culture through events in Las Vegas, raising compliance questions as cannabis‑friendly recreation enters new arenas.