Laura Stack’s 19-year-old son, Johnny, died by suicide after five years of heavy THC use. What is the connection to youth THC use and suicide? In Colorado, the #1 cause of death in youth ages 15-18 is suicide, and the #1 substance found in their toxicology reports is THC (35%).
In this presentation, Laura Stack discusses Five Ways THC is Associated with Increased Suicidality, using her son as an example with ample peer-review research studies. She also discusses the Gifts of Grief and how she survived her son’s suicide.
“The Dangerous Truth About Today’s Marijuana” is a presentation every parent and high schooler should attend. It is a tragic and heartfelt story that can happen to any family. I asked an adult parent, “What is dabbing?” and he had no idea. I then asked my high school daughter, and she knew what it was and how popular it was for her age group. What is not known is how dangerous it is, and Johnny’s Ambassadors has taken on the mission to educate everyone on this danger. Everyone needs to know how dangerous today’s marijuana can be for our children!”
– Andy Tsui, Special Agent in Charge IRS Criminal Investigation, Executive Board Member of the Rocky Mountain High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Program
“Words cannot express how much we appreciated your presentation yesterday. The fact that you have been able to take what is arguably the most difficult experience anyone could have and turn it into a teaching tool with a cautionary word for others is so humbling for those of us who are in your presence. We will absolutely be in touch about having you join us again next year.”
– Kristen Arute, Program Director, Hingham Cares, Inc.
Five Ways THC is Associated with Increased Suicidality:
1. Cannabis-derived medications are known to increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior in patients taking these medications.
2. THC can trigger Cannabis-Induced Psychosis (CIP). Many studies have confirmed that the risk of suicide in patients with first-episode psychosis (FEP) is high (delusions, self-harm, command voices).
3. CIP (early age of onset, high frequency, high potency), can trigger schizophrenia. Suicide is the largest contributor to the decreased life expectancy in individuals with schizophrenia.
4. THC use can lead to the onset of mental illnesses, including depression and anxiety. There is a high rate of suicide in individuals with mental illness.
5. THC use can lead to the decrease of serotonin, a neurotransmitter found to be lower in the spinal fluid of persons who died by suicide
“Laura is one of the most effective speakers we have ever utilized. She speaks from the heart, coupled with knowledge and passion to connect with parents and students. This was our first in-person daytime event since the pandemic and to look at the faces in the audience, Laura has made an impact on so many students. Before the presentation, parents and even law enforcement were completely unaware of the dangers of high-potency THC and shocked at its effect on our youth.“
– Connie Bruno, Director, Program Development and Community Engagement
Manhasset Coalition Against Substance Abuse (CASA), Inc.
“Laura Stack is not only a dynamic, well-versed speaker, but her connection with the students and parents alike is impressive. I was fortunate enough to meet Laura through loss, and although nobody wants to meet anyone through loss, I feel it a privilege to be able to work with her through my foundation. We have created a bond, which I feel is incredibly beneficial to the students in my community, and I am thrilled to be able to offer Laura as a speaker and educator. She is truly second to none. I would recommend her program to any school, any student, or any parent wanting an in depth look at the current trends in youth marijuana use.”
– Andrea Leland, Executive Director, Tigger Stavola Foundation
“We brought Laura to Roanoke, VA, to speak in our high schools and community. The scientific studies she shared can’t be argued with, unless you are blinded by the industry. The raw emotion of a mother who’s lost her son touches your heart. From the very beginning of her student presentation, Laura states, “I am Johnny’s mother – I am not your mother – and I’m not here to tell you what to do.” Her message to them was clearly to wait until your brain is developed. When addressing her adult audience, Laura is fully transparent about trying marijuana in her youth. She gives excellent explanations with concrete visuals to follow as to why this is “not the same pot.” She and her husband John stayed afterward to talk with anyone who had questions or needed support. This is a must-see presentation for anyone connected to the developing brains of our future generations. The train has left the station. Laura helps her audience navigate the “Now what?”
– Nancy Henderson, Project Coordinator, Prevention Council of Roanoke