About Us
Our Mission
Psychedelic Medicine Advocacy seeks to educate, advocate, and support research on therapeutic psychedelics for improved mental health and well-being.
Meet our Leadership
Melissa Lavasani
Co-Founder and President
Melissa Lavasani is a trailblazing leader in the field of psychedelic medicine advocacy. As the Co-Founder and President of Psychedelic Medicine Advocacy, she is dedicated to ensuring Americans are empowered to elect lawmakers that support safe, equitable access to these life-changing treatments. Melissa's passion for this cause stems from her own experience as a working mother using psychedelic medicines to overcome severe postpartum depression when the healthcare system failed her. This experience inspired her to propose Initiative 81, the Entheogenic Plant and Fungus Policy Act of 2020, which broke records as the largest ballot initiative win in Washington DC's history with 76% approval.
Prior to founding Psychedelic Medicine Advocacy, Melissa established the Psychedelic Medicine Coalition, a national association committed to creating and protecting access to psychedelic medicines through advocacy and education on a federal level.
As a devoted wife and mother, Melissa cherishes her free time, which she spends playing with her children, fly fishing, and showering love on her beloved pit bull, Gus. She brings the same compassion and dedication to her advocacy work, striving to improve the lives of individuals and communities through safe and effective psychedelic medicine. Melissa's bold leadership and unwavering commitment to this cause make her an inspiring force for change in the world.
Co-Founder and President
Melissa Lavasani is a trailblazing leader in the field of psychedelic medicine advocacy. As the Co-Founder and President of Psychedelic Medicine Advocacy, she is dedicated to ensuring Americans are empowered to elect lawmakers that support safe, equitable access to these life-changing treatments. Melissa's passion for this cause stems from her own experience as a working mother using psychedelic medicines to overcome severe postpartum depression when the healthcare system failed her. This experience inspired her to propose Initiative 81, the Entheogenic Plant and Fungus Policy Act of 2020, which broke records as the largest ballot initiative win in Washington DC's history with 76% approval.
Prior to founding Psychedelic Medicine Advocacy, Melissa established the Psychedelic Medicine Coalition, a national association committed to creating and protecting access to psychedelic medicines through advocacy and education on a federal level.
As a devoted wife and mother, Melissa cherishes her free time, which she spends playing with her children, fly fishing, and showering love on her beloved pit bull, Gus. She brings the same compassion and dedication to her advocacy work, striving to improve the lives of individuals and communities through safe and effective psychedelic medicine. Melissa's bold leadership and unwavering commitment to this cause make her an inspiring force for change in the world.
Ryan Rodgers
Co-Founder and Executive Director
As the Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Psychedelic Medicine Political Action Committee, Ryan believes it's time for Congress to recognize the healing power of these medicines and commit to funding research to continue progress. He strongly believes in the power of science to guide policy decisions and is dedicated to electing leaders who share this belief and will work towards making these treatments accessible to all.
With years of experience in both domestic and international politics, Ryan has advised government officials, political parties, and businesses on how to navigate complex situations and develop strategies that win. As the President of The Strategy Group Company, he has kept a pulse on industry trends and recognized the growing importance of innovative communication strategies to cut through the clutter.
Outside of work, he is an avid foodie, traveler, and proud owner of a Great Dane named Trafford. Ryan also enjoys staying active by playing soccer and cruising on his Harley, embodying the spirit of adventure and freedom that he believes is essential to living a fulfilling life.
Co-Founder and Executive Director
As the Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Psychedelic Medicine Political Action Committee, Ryan believes it's time for Congress to recognize the healing power of these medicines and commit to funding research to continue progress. He strongly believes in the power of science to guide policy decisions and is dedicated to electing leaders who share this belief and will work towards making these treatments accessible to all.
With years of experience in both domestic and international politics, Ryan has advised government officials, political parties, and businesses on how to navigate complex situations and develop strategies that win. As the President of The Strategy Group Company, he has kept a pulse on industry trends and recognized the growing importance of innovative communication strategies to cut through the clutter.
Outside of work, he is an avid foodie, traveler, and proud owner of a Great Dane named Trafford. Ryan also enjoys staying active by playing soccer and cruising on his Harley, embodying the spirit of adventure and freedom that he believes is essential to living a fulfilling life.
90% of Americans agree that we are in a mental health crisis.
Current treatments are not working
Together, we can create real change and improve healthcare for millions of Americans.
Across the nation there are:
121 suicides per day
Suicide was the second leading cause of death for people ages 25-34 in 2020
1 death every 11 minutes
Over 100,000 overdoses in the last year
1.2 million suicide attempts, 3.2 million made a plan and 12.2 million have seriously thought about suicide
83% of all Veterans have experienced PTSD as a result of their military service
Substance
Potential Therapeutic Uses
Psilocybin
PTSD, Depression, Anorexia Nervosa, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Addiction, Fragile X Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, Anxiety, Anxiety associated with terminal illness
5-MeO-DMT
Depression, Postpartum Depression, Bipolar Disorder II
Ketamine
Depression, Addiction, Anxiety, Chronic Pain
MDMA
PTSD, Anorexia Nervosa & Binge Eating Disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorder
LSD
Chronic Pain, Cluster Headaches, Anxiety, ADHD
DMT
Addiction, Depression, Anxiety, Stroke
Ibogaine
Addiction, Depression, Anxiety, PTSD
Mescaline
Addiction
It is time for a new approach to healthcare, and we believe that psychedelic medicine can be a vital part of the solution.
Psychedelics have shown therapeutic potential for mental health conditions. Rescheduling them would enable more rigorous studies, improve access to safe treatments, and potentially save countless lives. It's time to acknowledge their potential and make them available to those who need them most.
We support State and Federal movements focused on rescheduling these healing compounds.
