Saving Our Youth from the Harms of THC
My son started using marijuana at the age of 15.
Before any judgment begins, yes, we always had conversations about drugs. My son grew up in a home without drugs, alcohol, or smoking.
In 2015, he left for college in Oklahoma, and unbeknownst to me, obtained a medical marijuana card online.… Read the rest
My 23-year-old son struggles with Cannabis-Induced Psychosis. He began smoking THC regularly at age 15. I thought cannabis was safer than alcohol so was not alarmed at first. Then, his school performance declined, and despite our pleas to stop, he became increasingly erratic and addicted.… Read the rest
When people ask me about my son before he started using THC, I try not to get emotional. But the truth is, my kid is gone. It’s been 28 months since he went into psychosis, but it feels like a lifetime.… Read the rest
Even though THC in marijuana has not been proven to help with any psychological condition, my son obtained a marijuana card at age 18 to try to help his anxiety. He had just graduated high school with honors, participated in Cross Country and Track, volunteered at a local hospital, and worked full-time during his gap year due to the pandemic.… Read the rest
Not my son!! How could this happen? I raised my son to have a healthy fear of drugs and alcohol. We raised our kids in a sober home. I was the director of Celebrate Recovery for years.
One Easter also happened to be 420 Day.… Read the rest
My son came home for summer break before his senior year of college, and it was a great time camping and boogie boarding. But one thing was different—I’d find him in our backyard getting high every night. I told him I was worried, and he said, “Mom, I promise.… Read the rest
My name is Dr. Patricia Jones Blessman. I am a retired licensed clinical psychologist. In the fall of 2019, as Illinois was rushing headlong towards marijuana legalization, my godson’s mother called from the hospital. She described symptoms that sounded like an acute psychotic crisis.… Read the rest
As a child and through high school graduation, my son was social and a natural leader—the nucleus of his friend group. He excelled in both academics and sports. In his senior year, he placed at the state level in wrestling and earned a scholarship to college.… Read the rest
It’s important for every parent to know: Cannabis-induced psychosis is not just a bad high—it’s brain damage.
My son started using high-potency THC in 10th grade, without my knowledge. He was a varsity hockey player, extremely social and so funny, academically strong, even taking college courses.… Read the rest
My son was a bright, kind, athletic, hard-working, compassionate, and caring young man. In college, he started vaping high potency THC cannabis products. Soon, he wouldn’t leave his dorm room or attend classes, he withdrew from friends and family, and he started experiencing delusions and paranoia.… Read the rest