Progress Takes Precision
For the last several months, I’ve been setting aside time to really dig into the U.S. psychedelic movement—its history, policy, and the nuances of its evolving landscape. A big part of my work as a strategic communicator is making complex ideas digestible, so I appreciate when others do the same. That’s why The Trip Report by Zach Haigney has been such a great resource.
I’ve noticed discussions in this space tend to fall into one extreme or the other—too broad or overly technical—which can make it hard for people outside of certain knowledge confines to engage. Zach’s writing cuts through that disconnect; he knows his shit, he uses straightforward language anyone can follow, and he keeps it short.
A few weeks after the 2024 presidential election Zach published "An Open Letter to the Incoming Trump Administration," outlining five practical actions the incoming Secretary of Health could take to act on their stated interest in moving psychedelic reform forward. The entire piece took me around five minutes to read, and I came away feeling like I could hold my own in a conversation on the topic.
It’s this kind of crisp, thoughtful communication that helps transform theory into action. Whether addressing policymakers, funders, or the public, the way we communicate determines how (or if) things move forward.
The rollout—and repeal—of Oregon’s Measure 109 made this especially clear. Major communication breakdowns made it so that even those within the knowledge confines lacked clarity about how the measure worked, how it would be implemented, and how long it might take to show results. So, naturally, anyone outside of those confines was highly susceptible to misinformation, the sway of public opinion, and general skepticism.
Progress takes precision.
You can’t just have a good idea; you need a clear, actionable plan with well-communicated steps. Or someone to write it for you. 😉
Once you have a sharp, compelling case, the next challenge is ensuring it reaches the right audience. Who in the psychedelic space is getting this right? Which organizations or brands are particularly good at reaching new ears and staying part of the conversation?
If you’re working at the intersection of psychedelics, policy, and communications, I’d love to hear your take.