Providing Science-Based School Assemblies to Educate Students About the Impacts of Youth Cannabis (THC) Use
We teach middle and high school students what the active ingredient in marijuana (THC) does to their developing brains using a non-scary, non-judgmental approach. Our evidence-based, data-driven talk gives students the knowledge and skills they need to avoid using THC products (vapes, dabs, edibles, marijuana). Our youth substance use prevention presentations use current research as the foundation of all information presented.
“I was so impressed that Laura was able to keep the attention of our 600+ student body (grades 7-12) for an hour. The way she shared Johnny’s story was moving, but she didn’t stop there. She backed up the story with facts and research that made Johnny’s story applicable to us all. We heard students leaving the school say, “That was the best assembly ever!” Many other students commented on how informative it was. I am going to be a better teacher and administrator moving forward because I now know the real dangers of THC and the effect it has on users. It was a wake-up call that I am grateful to have had.”
– Ted Gilbert, Principal, Karl Maeser Preparatory Academy, Lindon, UT
“Laura is PHENOMENAL. The personal storytelling experience, as Johnny’s mom, with THC combined with science, captured our students from the minute she started speaking. Laura is a great presenter, and her presentation resonated with many students. I have never seen so many students stay after a presentation to talk with the presenter. There were so many hugs, some laughs, and some tears. Laura truly impacted our student body, and I would highly recommend her to come to all schools.”
– Lyndsay Vesia, SAC/School Counselor/Anti-Bullying Specialist, Jefferson Township High School
Title: The Dangerous Truth About Today’s Marijuana: Johnny Stack’s Life and Death Story
Description
Laura Stack’s son, Johnny, was a computer whiz with a perfect math score on the SAT and a 4.0 GPA. He started vaping THC at a party at 14 years old and died by suicide five years later after becoming delusional from dabbing. Soon afterward, Laura started a nonprofit organization, Johnny’s Ambassadors, to educate parents and teens about the dangers of youth THC misuse. Three days before his death, Johnny issued his own warning about his THC usage, “Marijuana ruined my mind and my life.” By weaving Johnny’s tragic tale throughout this science-based presentation, Laura educates teens on how THC can disrupt brain development. Laura’s presentation reviews the newest research on the potential harms of vaping, dabbing, and edibles in a teen-friendly way. They stay engaged and focused for the entire hour! Laura gives 200+ assemblies each year all over the U.S., up to three in one day.
Objectives
- Meet Johnny Stack – Who Was He?
- Define the Terminology: Cannabis, Marijuana, Hemp, Delta-9, Delta-8, THC, CBD
- Understand THC Potency – “Then” vs. “Now” Marijuana
- Learn how THC is Extracted and how Concentrates are Made in a Lab
- Calculate Dosage to Understand How Much THC is Going Into the Body
- Learn how THC Gives Users the High Feeling by Mimicking Natural Endocannabinoids
- Understand how THC Impacts Adolescent Brain Formation and Function by Binding to CB1 Receptors
- Review the Dirty Dozen Impacts of THC Use on the Teen Brain
- Learn What the FDA Has Approved as “Medicine” for Cannabis-Derived Products
- Uncover the Research Between Teen THC Use and Mental Illness, Psychosis, and Suicidal Thinking
- Understand What Happens When People Dependent on THC Try to Stop
- Practice What do To and Say When Offered THC at a Party
- Consider the Science When Making Decisions for Yourself in the Future
NOTE FROM LAURA ABOUT SCHOOL ASSEMBLIES: I speak to middle school and high school students about 50/50, in your auditorium or gym, with the entire school or one class as desired. They are essentially the same talk, with the middle school science taken down a notch. I use a science-based, research-based approach that is non-judgmental and non-preachy. I teach students why using marijuana products is bad for their brains and encourage them to consider the science when making decisions for themselves in the future. We discuss why today’s THC products are different; how concentrates, vapes, and edibles are made through extraction; how potency is calculated and what it means for dosage; how the adolescent brain forms; how THC makes people high; how THC mimics our natural endocannabinoids; what the Endocannabinoid System is and why it matters; where CB1 and CB2 receptors are located in the body; what happens when THC gets into the developing mind; the possible negative outcomes that can happen to teens who use; the research tying marijuana use to increased mental illness, psychosis, and suicidality; what they will experience if using and attempt to stop; what to do and say when offered marijuana at a party and they don’t want to use; what the FDA has approved as medicine and what is not; what to do if a friend is using and they see warning signs; and how to get help for themselves if needed. Throughout it all, I weave in Johnny’s story to anchor the science point and keep them engaged with the challenges he experienced. The talk is NOT a suicide prevention talk and is not upsetting. I am very trauma-informed and have not had youth leave my presentation from getting upset. This is a Youth Drug Prevention talk without the scare tactics. Please contact me at [email protected] if you have any questions about my approach!
Here is a sample of the results following a pre/post evaluation done with 489 students at a private high school in Indianapolis, IN. We want all students to DISAGREE with each statement, so the goal is following Laura’s presentation, students will more STRONGLY DISAGREE. You can see how the data tracks up (positively = more disagreement), which is exactly the result we want to prove the presentation has changed perceptions.
“Thank you so much for sharing your difficult but very important message with our students. You are a class act, and I really appreciate what you did for our students today!”
– George Pickup, Principal, Central Dewitt IA High School
“Thank you for coming to Hancock County. To be completely honest, as a building administrator, I was concerned that the topics would be dark and emotionally challenging for students; especially in light of the recent trainings on student social/emotional awareness. However, I was so pleased with the delivery and the scientific approach you brought to our students. Tragedy is so often accompanied by a sense of shyness to verbalize the “why.” Sometimes, asking “how” is never answered, and you answered it so perfectly. Explaining how Johnny’s journey started and how impactful his life was (and continues to be) is relative to our students. Comparing the older version of drugs to the newer versions is brilliant. Thank you so much!”
– Ginger Estes, Principal Hancock County High School
“Thank you again for coming to speak with our students—the assembly was a huge success! The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, and the information you shared was truly needed. I wanted to share a story about one particular student that really stood out to me. The day before the assembly, she told me she wasn’t planning to attend. She’s someone I’ve been working with recently, as she’s experimented with marijuana and I’m trying to help her steer away from that path. To my surprise, not only did she attend the assembly, but she came to my office during lunch afterward to tell me how much she enjoyed it. This student has been struggling in school, particularly with focus and staying attentive in class. She said your explanation about what marijuana does to the brain was eye-opening—she had never heard it explained that way before. When I asked if attending the assembly would influence her decision the next time she’s offered marijuana, her response was, “A thousand times yes.” She said the combination of your slides and how you presented the information really resonated with her and shifted how she views marijuana. This is just one of many positive comments I’ve received about the assembly. Your message clearly made an impact, and I can’t thank you enough for your efforts. Keep up the incredible work—you’re truly making a difference!”
– Ryan Farnsworth, Student Substance Abuse Advocate, Springville High School, UT