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. Remember, help is available.
MEET THE GUEST
Laura Stack
Laura Stack is the founder of Johnny’s Ambassadors, a nonprofit dedicated to educating parents, teens, and communities about the dangers of high-THC marijuana. After losing her 19-year-old son, Johnny, to cannabis-induced psychosis and suicide, she now speaks nationwide to raise awareness and prevent similar tragedies.
MEET THE GUEST
Vivek Anand, MD
Vivek Anand, MD, is a child and adolescent psychiatrist at Avera Medical Group University Psychiatry in Sioux Falls, SD, specializing in behavioral health and substance use disorders. With extensive research on addiction, including the effects of cannabis on adolescent brain development, he is dedicated to helping young patients and their families make informed decisions about mental health and substance use.
