Turning pain into purpose is the essence of Kristen Gilliland's journey. As both a research scientist and a mother who lost her son, Anders to an accidental overdose, she brings an unprecedented depth of understanding to the conversation about marijuana and adolescent brain health.

Kristen shares how her background as a chemistry professor didn't prepare her for the reality of today's high-potency marijuana products. When one of her twin sons began exhibiting behavioral changes, she initially missed the connection to his marijuana use. Only after hearing another mother's similar experience did she begin researching the potential link between marijuana and her son's developing schizoaffective disorder.

The scientific evidence Kristen presents is sobering. Research shows 30% greater prefrontal cortical thinning in adolescent marijuana users compared to non-users—permanent damage that doesn't occur to the same degree when use begins after adolescence. To illustrate today's dramatically increased potencies, she explains how 1990's marijuana was comparable to a Bud Light, whereas today's products are like martinis, and modern concentrates equivalent to Everclear grain alcohol.

What makes this conversation particularly poignant is the revelation that Kristen's surviving twin son later developed schizophrenia as well, highlighting the complex interplay between genetic predisposition and environmental factors. This deeply personal experience fuels her newest venture—a nonprofit called 22 Forever that will develop brain health curriculum for fifth through eighth graders. Rather than using fear tactics, Kristen aims to empower young people with knowledge about how their thoughts, actions, environment, and substance use affect their developing brains.

Listen to this powerful episode to understand why prevention education focused on neuroscience and the understanding of epigenetics may be our best hope for protecting adolescent brain health. Share this episode with parents, educators, and policymakers who need to hear this critical message about marijuana risks that are often overlooked in today's push toward normalization.

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What happens when the "just weed" narrative collides with modern high-potency THC products and a developing teenage brain? Mary's story rips away the comfortable illusions about today's marijuana, revealing the catastrophic aftermath her family continues to navigate.

Mary describes the vibrant life they enjoyed before cannabis entered their world—Halloween costume contests, close sibling relationships, and genuine family connection. Then came the vapes, hidden in plain sight. For two years, her son used undetected, until returning early from summer camp having lost nearly 30 pounds, agitated and isolating. What followed was a parent's nightmare: watching helplessly as cannabis-induced psychosis and addiction took hold of her once-thriving middle child.

The medical system failed them repeatedly. Multiple hospital visits, psychiatric evaluations, and intensive outpatient programs missed or inadequately addressed the devastating impact of high-potency THC on her son's brain. "Nobody told us at that point that if he uses one more time, how detrimental it really is," Mary recalls, her voice heavy with the weight of what might have been prevented. Even more shocking was learning that THC remained in her son's system for a full 93 days after his last use—a testament to how profoundly these products affect the body.

Mary's journey illuminates the critical gaps in our healthcare approach to cannabis use disorders. Rehab facilities claiming "dual diagnosis" capabilities proved woefully unprepared for the complex intersection of addiction and cannabis-induced psychosis. The arbitrary legal boundary of turning eighteen turned treatment into a near-impossibility, as her son could suddenly refuse all medication despite severe ongoing mental health issues.

Through parent support networks, Mary found lifelines of hope and practical strategies. Her advice to other families facing similar battles resonates with hard-won wisdom: "Set healthy boundaries and stick to them... keep filling your loved ones with self-esteem and love."

As more states move toward legalization while potency continues to skyrocket, Mary's testimony stands as both warning and call to action. "It's the biggest regulatory failure of my lifetime," she says, "and my son is paying the price." Whether you're a parent, healthcare provider, or concerned citizen, this episode demands attention to the silent epidemic affecting countless families across America.

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What happens when marijuana—a substance many consider harmless—shatters a family's foundation? Christine's story takes us into the heart of this reality when her high-achieving eldest son developed cannabis-induced psychosis after using legally available THC products.

The devastation arrived suddenly in March 2023 when a roommate's concerned message led to the discovery that her son was experiencing bizarre delusions about triangles, God, and the devil. Despite raising three boys with strong values who excelled academically and musically, Christine found herself navigating unfamiliar territory. Her son had been secretly using THC products for over three years, products made legally available due to a loophole in the 2018 Farm Bill.

What makes Christine's story particularly valuable is how quickly she identified cannabis-induced psychosis as the culprit, while learning the roommate had recognized troubling changes in her son's thinking two and a half years earlier. Yet even with rapid identification, it took eleven months to secure appropriate treatment through Florida's Marchman Act, which allows court-ordered substance use treatment for adults. After eight and a half months of comprehensive treatment, her son has achieved remarkable recovery without requiring antipsychotic medications—a testament to the power of proper intervention.

Although Christine is overjoyed over her son's recovery, calling him one of the lucky one's she still devotes so much of her own time to powerful advocacy as she feels it is her mission to prevent this from happening to other families. She has taken the time to create educational resources for legislators, speaks at community events, educating community members, pediatricians, and law enforcement, and continues to fight for better regulation of these dangerous THC products. Her powerful message reminds us that cannabis-induced psychosis isn't new—medical documentation dates back to 1845—but today's crisis stems from unprecedented potency, availability, and normalization of these substances.

Whether you're a concerned parent, healthcare professional, or policymaker, this episode offers crucial insights into recognizing, addressing, and preventing the devastating impacts of today's high-potency marijuana products. Listen, learn, and join PAN's growing movement to protect families from unnecessary suffering through education and action.

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"From Colorado Crisis to Advocacy: How THC Almost Destroyed A Family and How One Tough Mom is Fighting Back 

When high-potency marijuana legalization swept into Pueblo, Colorado in 2014, physical therapist Aubree Adams never imagined her family would become ground zero for the devastating consequences. In this raw, emotional conversation, Aubrey reveals how "dabs" – concentrated THC products marketed as medicine – triggered psychosis, paranoia, and suicidal behavior in her teenage son, sending the family into a years-long nightmare.

Aubree takes us through the heartbreaking journey of watching her bright, adventurous Boy Scout transform into someone unrecognizable – cycling between recovery and terrifying psychotic episodes that treatment centers in Colorado either couldn't understand or wouldn't acknowledge. The crisis ultimately separated her family, drained their finances, and forced Aubree to walk away from a 20-year career she loved to manage the chaos at home.

What makes this story especially powerful is Aubree's transformation from a desperate , angry mother to the founder of Every Brain Matters, a national non-profit providing both recovery support and advocacy resources for families impacted by marijuana. She candidly discusses the challenges of speaking truth in a climate where marijuana harms are minimized, including facing harassment and threats from industry supporters. Yet through it all, she's built resilience and created pathways for other families to find healing.

The episode concludes with hope as Aubree shares her family's ongoing recovery journey – her son now three years sober, her husband returning to wellness after his own marijuana struggles, and her younger son becoming a powerful advocate despite his PTSD from the family trauma. For anyone concerned about today's potent marijuana products, skeptical of industry claims that "nobody dies from marijuana," or currently watching a loved one struggle with cannabis use, this conversation offers both validation and practical resources for finding support.

Join us for this deeply moving testament to a mother's love, the power of recovery, and the critical importance of honest education about marijuana's neurological impacts. Visit EveryBrainMatters.org to learn more about recovery meetings, advocacy opportunities, or to share your own family's story.

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When Marti Roveda woke to the unmistakable smell of marijuana permeating her home, she never imagined this moment would transform her life's purpose. Her 16-year-old son's addiction to high-potency THC products catapulted her into an unfamiliar world of treatment programs, relapses, and eventually, the agonizing decision to present him with an ultimatum: accept long-term treatment or leave home with nothing but a bag of clothes.

Throughout her family's journey, Marti discovered a critical gap in support for parents navigating adolescent substance use disorders. This realization sparked her transformation from corporate professional to certified peer recovery specialist and parent coach. She founded an online support community that's grown to over 100 members, creating a safe space where parents can break through the isolation and shame that so often accompanies addiction.

What distinguishes Marti's story is her evolution into a powerful advocate for other parents and family members. As a Board member for Georgians for Responsible Marijuana Policy, she continues advocacy efforts in her state encouraging our leaders to enact better drug policies that prioritize public health and safety over profits. "If you continue to do this," she warns those promoting high-potency products, "you're not going to have a workforce."

Marti's message resonates with painful clarity: today's high-potency THC isn't "just weed"—it's destroying young lives while families suffer in silence. Her story embodies the essence of fortitude—facing adversity with courage and strength—while offering hope to parents facing similar struggles. Whether you're concerned about marijuana legalization, supporting a loved one with substance use issues, or seeking resources for recovery, Marti's insights provide a roadmap for advocacy and healing. As Marti states; You don’t have to walk this path alone. I’m here to support you—helping you embrace both the struggles and the joys of parenting with equanimity. You can find her at equanimityparentcoaching.com

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Have you ever wondered what happens when marijuana legalization directly impacts your family? Meet Laura Stack, a Colorado mother who transformed her son's tragic suicide into a powerful movement for change and youth protection.

Laura Stack, founder of Johnny's Ambassadors, joins the Fortitude Podcast to share her heartbreaking yet inspiring journey after losing her 19-year-old son Johnny to suicide following years of high-potency marijuana use. With raw honesty, she reveals how Colorado's marijuana legalization in 2014 led to her son's first exposure at age 14 and traces his path toward mental health deterioration.

The statistics Laura presents are alarming: suicide is the leading cause of death for Colorado youth aged 15-18, with THC present in 35% of these cases—more than alcohol or any other substance. This episode pulls back the curtain on how Laura channeled her grief into actionable change, leading a parent coalition that successfully passed Colorado House Bill 1317 regulating marijuana concentrates. The results speak volumes: medical marijuana cards among 18-year-olds dropped from 6,000 to fewer than 1,000 after implementation.

Beyond policy, Laura and host Chrissy Groenwegen discuss the emotional weight of advocacy work as their organizations receive dozens of desperate parents weekly seeking help for children suffering from cannabis-induced psychosis. Their conversation illuminates patterns among affected youth who share similar profiles: promising, talented kids whose lives derailed after cannabis exposure.

Listen now to understand the hidden dangers of today's high-potency products and discover how parents are fighting back against what Laura calls "this poison addiction industry preying on our children." Share this episode with parents, educators, and anyone concerned about youth mental health and substance use.

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When Linda Wolf realized her son Kobe was experiencing psychosis, walking the streets and claiming to control volcanoes, she faced a nightmare no parent is prepared for. What she couldn't understand was why nobody had warned her this could happen from "just weed."

Linda and Kobe join the Fortitude podcast to share their remarkable journey through cannabis-induced psychosis, multiple hospitalizations, and ultimately recovery. Their story reveals a truth many refuse to acknowledge: today's high-potency marijuana can trigger devastating mental health crises in vulnerable users, particularly young people.

"I scoured the internet looking for somebody else who had gone through this," Linda explains, describing the isolation she felt until connecting with other parent advocates. Meanwhile, Kobe offers rare insight from the user's perspective, detailing how marijuana use that began in high school gradually evolved into daily consumption and addiction before triggering psychosis. "The psychosis I experienced was very severe—I wasn't aware of what was causing it because I wasn't aware of anything," he reveals.

Now 23 and cannabis-free, Kobe is transforming his harrowing experience into purpose by studying psychiatric nursing. "I want to help people going through what I did," he says, "because I think there's a lot more people that have the potential to go down the same path I went down."

This mother-son conversation offers both warning and hope—showing how cannabis can devastate lives, but also how families can recover with proper support, boundaries, and persistence. If you're concerned about a loved one's marijuana use or struggling to understand cannabis-induced mental health issues, this episode provides invaluable perspective from those who've lived it.

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What happens when the "harmless" marijuana of the past transforms into today's high-potency nightmare? Amy, a Connecticut mother, never imagined her son's college experience would spiral into cannabis-induced psychosis and a 13-month battle with reality itself.

Amy's story shatters common misconceptions about marijuana. Her academically successful, athletic son Ethan once promoted drug abstinence to "preserve his developing brain." Yet at college, where cannabis was legal and normalized, everything changed. After his first "green out" psychotic episode, Ethan called home terrified, convinced he was "stuck in the fourth dimension" with body parts "twitching and moving." Despite attempts to stop, addiction had already taken hold.

The family's desperate search for help reveals a troubling gap in our healthcare system. Doctors dismissed cannabis as the cause of Ethan's psychosis. Police responding to wellness checks couldn't recognize the severity of his condition. Amy found herself frantically researching, connecting with support groups, and essentially "becoming an addiction counselor and psychiatrist" while fighting to keep her son alive.

Only when Ethan was hospitalized at Yale, which researches cannabis-induced psychosis, did they find knowledgeable care. Amy's journey transformed her into a powerful advocate challenging the narrative that marijuana is harmless. Through her work with Parent Action Network, she's now educating legislators about the devastating reality of today's cannabis products.

Ready to make a difference? Join our advocacy efforts by signing the letter supporting Representative Mary Miller's amendment to close dangerous Delta-8 THC loopholes. Your voice matters in protecting families from the heartbreak Amy continues to navigate each day.

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How does a substance once seen as taboo become a source of heartache within a family? Meet Kathy from Florida, who shares the poignant transformation her family went through when marijuana entered their lives. Her story offers a heartfelt perspective on the shift from a peaceful life with her husband and three sons to grappling with the challenges of her son's marijuana addiction. Kathy's journey compels us to question societal perceptions and the evolving potency of today's cannabis products.

Exploring the ripple effects of addiction on family dynamics, we discuss the tough choices Kathy's family made, such as encouraging their son to live independently. These decisions highlight the struggle between supporting a loved one and safeguarding the family's well-being. Our discussion challenges the perception of marijuana as harmless, drawing attention to the frustrations with medical professionals and the troubling ease with which medical marijuana cards are obtained. We underscore the complex landscape of addiction and the need for collective advocacy and education to foster change.

Kathy's emotional narrative underscores the importance of community support, therapy, and advocacy in navigating the trials of addiction. By sharing her story, Kathy inspires a deeper understanding of the emotional toll addiction takes on families and the resilience required to cope. Join our conversation to explore these crucial topics and learn more about our upcoming webinar on marijuana withdrawal, which promises to continue this vital discussion.

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Cindy Gresham bravely opens up about the unimaginable loss of her daughter, Haley, shedding light on the hidden dangers of marijuana vaping and its impact on youth mental health. As she recounts Haley's journey from a vibrant teenager to someone struggling with substance use, Cindy's story becomes a platform for advocacy and change. Through the foundation she established, Haley's Helpers, Cindy is determined to prevent other families from facing similar heartbreak by promoting awareness and education about the risks associated with high-potency THC products.

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