As more states legalize marijuana, its use is becoming increasingly normalized—even among teenagers. According to the latest data from the National Institute on Drug Abuse, one in four high school seniors reported using cannabis in the past year. But on today’s episode of Grieving Out Loud, a grieving mother is warning others about the risks.

Laura Stack wasn’t overly concerned when her 14-year-old son admitted to trying marijuana at a party. But what started as experimentation quickly spiraled into addiction. Laura believes cannabis-induced psychosis played a devastating role in her son’s death, and now she’s on a mission to educate others. Through her nonprofit, Johnny’s Ambassadors, she’s raising awareness about the dangers of high-potency marijuana and its impact on young minds.

In this emotional episode, hear Laura’s heartbreaking story and the urgent message she wants every parent to know. Plus, an addiction medicine doctor weighs in on why he believes marijuana is a gateway drug and how it affects the developing brain.

Help is available: https://emilyshope.charity/help/

If you liked this episode, listen to this one next: Grief, marijuana, and addiction: A conversation about cannabis use disorder

Cannabis-related news: 

Adolescents who use cannabis are at higher risk of psychotic disorders, according to new research

Teens more prone to cannabis use disorder than adults, new study finds

Marijuana gummies hospitalize 11 New York middle schoolers

Largest study on cannabis and brain function finds long-term impact on memory

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The Emily’s Hope Substance Use Prevention Curriculum has been carefully designed to address growing concerns surrounding substance use and overdose in our communities. Our curriculum focuses on age-appropriate and evidence-based content that educates children about the risks of substance use while empowering them to make healthy choices. 

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Wishing you faith, hope and courage!

Podcast producers:
Casey Wonnenberg King & Marley Miller