Did You Know?

Frequent Cannabis Use by Young People Linked to Decline in IQ

In the time after first trying cannabis or first misusing prescription drugs, the percentages of young people who develop the corresponding substance use disorder are higher among adolescents (ages 12-17) than young adults (ages 18-25). For example, within 12 months since first cannabis use, 10.7% of adolescents had cannabis use disorder versus 6.4% of young adults.

Prenatal cannabis exposure and its correlated factors are associated with greater risk for psychopathology during middle childhood.

The number of fatal vehicle crashes in which drivers tested positive for cannabis more than doubled from 2007 to 2016.

Studies suggest that 9% of people who use marijuana will become dependent on it rising to about 17% in those who start using in their teens.

Experts estimate that between 8% and 13% of all schizophrenia cases are linked to marijuana / cannabis use during teen years.

More: https://johnnysambassadors.org/research/

In this episode, I interview Laura Stack, a well-known “Hall of Fame” speaker for the National Speakers Association. Before November 20, 2019, the speaking topic she was best known for was productivity. After that day, however, her focus shifted. It was on that day, she lost her son Johnny to suicide after he became psychotic from dabbing high-THC concentrates. In this conversation she shares her story, the science behind her work to prevent youth marijuana use, and the strategies she and “Johnny’s Ambassadors” are using to change these concerning trends.

About Laura Stack
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Laura Stack was best known in the business world for her professional moniker, The Productivity Pro. Her 30-year career as a keynote speaker, bestselling author of eight productivity books, and corporate spokesperson came to a screeching halt on November 20, 2019, when her 19-year-old son, Johnny, died by suicide after becoming psychotic from dabbing high-THC marijuana concentrates. Laura responded by forming the nonprofit, Johnny’s Ambassadors, to educate parents and teens about the dangers of today’s high-THC marijuana on adolescent brain development, mental illness, and suicide. Her platform now brings education, awareness, and prevention curriculum to parents, drug prevention conferences, community groups, and schools to stop youth marijuana use. She is a powerful speaker who brings Johnny’s personal warning and solid research together in her new book, The Dangerous Truth About Today’s Marijuana: Johnny Stack’s Life and Death Story. Described as a force of nature with unstoppable drive and unwavering purpose, Laura is determined to get teens to #StopDabbing. for more information on this episode go to https://www.sallyspencerthomas.com/hope-illuminated-podcast/98