Virginia and South Carolina are two of the latest states to consider legalizing easier access to marijuana. While these moves tend to be seen as financial windfalls, there is growing pushback from many doctors, parents, and former addicts.

Laura Stack told CBN News marijuana stole the life of her son Johnny. She recalled he was a happy, intelligent child who grew up in a Christian home. However, he began using marijuana at age 14 when his home state of Colorado legalized its recreational use. It was a move that changed his life forever, leading to ultimate tragedy.

“He took his own life when he was 19 years old five years later, after he became psychotic, very delusional, and paranoid, and suspicious, from using the marijuana,” she said.

Laura didn’t realize that most of today’s marijuana contains at least 10 times the psychoactive compound THC than it did 20 years ago.

“In my head, I said, ‘It’s just weed. I used it when I was a girl. I’m fine. It’s no big deal,’ and I was so wrong,” she said.

SOURCE CITED: CBN
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SEE ALSO: Mind-Boggling: Rise in Psychiatric Disorders Linked to Increased Cannabis Use

August 31 is recognized as International Overdose Awareness Day the world’s largest annual campaign to end overdose, remember those we have lost to an overdose, acknowledge the grief of the family and friends left behind, and renew our commitment to end overdose and related harms.

The campaign raises awareness of overdose, which is one of the world’s worst public health crises and stimulates action and discussion about evidence-based overdose prevention and drug policy.