Making an Impact as a Psychedelic Advocate

As an advocate, you want to reshape the narrative around psychedelics to enable affordable access to healing while avoiding unnecessary regulation.

Our National Psychedelic Landscape Assessment (NPLA) sheds light on effective strategies for advocates that have worked across the US.

3 Key NPLA Takeaways for Advocates

1. Build broad, unified coalitions

Creating a movement requires building bridges between advocates and individual organizations. Fragmented visions for psychedelic policy confuse lawmakers and fail to make an impact. On the other hand, impactful groups create an ecosystem of collaboration between different organizations to serve as a united front for reform. When creating a coalition, make sure to:

  • Share your own narrative to add a human aspect to the movement

  • Engage advocates and organizations across your own party lines

  • Collaborate to create a unified vision for reform

2. Recognize impactful organizations

As an advocate, your impact often hinges on the caliber of the organizations you align with. Some of the most influential organizations operate quietly, focusing on coalition-building and behind-the-scenes influence rather than visibility, creating pathways for dialogue between legislators, stakeholders, and communities. Look for organizations that can amplify your efforts through:

  • Seasoned leadership with a strong track record in shaping policy

  • Skilled at fostering collaboration through conferences and shared initiatives

  • Robust networks that provide direct access to lawmakers and key influencers

3. Play the political game

Once aligned in a strong coalition, achieving policy successes will require not just will but also skill. Working within the political system is a complex game, and experienced lobbyists hold a substantial advantage by knowing how to navigate it. Hiring a lobbyist for your coalition is critical because they provide:

  • A steady presence at the state capitol to monitor developments

  • Established relationships that open direct channels to legislators and staff

  • Strategic expertise in drafting, negotiating, and advancing legislation

Download the NPLA

Our NPLA provides much more than tips for advocates. It’s an outlook of where we’re at with psychedelic policy combined with insights on where we’re going. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive the full report.