On July 14, 2021, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer proposed a bill to end federal marijuana prohibition. The bill would decriminalize marijuana and allow the drug to be taxed and regulated, like alcohol or tobacco. House Democrats passed a similar bill on June 16.
Supporters of the bill focus on the tax revenue marijuana legalization generates but don’t recognize the negative impacts high potency THC has on youth. Legal marijuana products have THC levels as high as 55% and up to 99% for some concentrates.
Laura Stack, founder of Johnny’s Ambassadors, of Highlands Ranch, is fighting back against this bill in honor of her son, Johnny Stack. Johnny took his own life at age 19 after chronic use of high-potency THC products caused him to experience a cannabis-induced psychosis and take his own life. Johnny began using marijuana at age 14, and three days before his passing, he told his mom that marijuana ruined his brain and his life.
“Today’s high-potency marijuana causes higher rates of suicide and mental illness when used recreationally and illegally under 21 years old,” said Stack. “If marijuana had been less accessible when Johnny was entering high school, he might still be alive today. We need reduced access, not more.”
Stack recently released her book “The Dangerous Truth About Today’s Marijuana; Johnny Stack’s Life and Death Story” to help educate and raise awareness about Johnny’s story. Stack is a bestselling author, nationally recognized speaker and prevention advocate.
Amazon is running an eBook promotional offer to give away the book through July 30. Stack expects to see an increase in awareness about adolescent marijuana addiction and a decrease in mental illness and suicide with her book.
“After seeing first-hand what marijuana can do to a developing brain, I do not agree that marijuana should be federally legalized,” said Stack. “We need to educate the government, parents, and youth and raise awareness on the dangers of high-potency marijuana.”
In addition to the book, Stack provided testimony to the Colorado State Legislature this past session that helped pass House Bill 1317, which requires the Colorado School of Public Health to systematically review scientific research related to the potential physical and mental health effects of high potency THC. The bill adds new restrictions to access of high potency THC products for individuals ages 18-20 too.
Johnny’s Ambassadors developed a curriculum (https://johnnysambassadors.org/curriculum/) to be used nationwide for teens and adults to learn about the dangers of high-THC marijuana on brain development, mental illness and suicide in adolescents.
To continue awareness efforts, Johnny’s Ambassadors will hold its annual #StopDabbing nationwide walk on September 19, 2021. Register at www.stopdabbingwalk.com to help raise funds for research and curriculum development.
