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JOHNNY’S STORY
By Laura Stack, Founder, Johnny’s Ambassadors
Johnny Stack was born on February 7, 2000 and died by suicide on November 20, 2019 at the age of 19. He was an incredibly intelligent, funny, charming, handsome young man, which you can see in his tribute video. We are a normal suburban family and did normal family things. He had a happy life, a 4.0 GPA with a scholarship to college, and a family who loved him very much. Unfortunately, we live in Colorado, which was the first state to legalize marijuana in 2014, when Johnny was 14 years old.
Three days before he passed, he came over for dinner. He lived in our condo a couple miles down the street and would often pop in for a home-cooked meal. “I need to tell you that you were right,” he says me. “Right about what?” I ask. “Right about the marijuana. You told me weed would hurt my brain, and it’s ruined my mind and my life. You were right all along. I’m sorry, and I love you.” He died by suicide three days later.
Johnny dabbed for years, starting at age 14 or 15. When I said “dabbed” just now, did you know what I meant? Not everyone does. Do you understand the difference between smoking cannabis flower and dabbing high-THC concentrates, such as wax, oil, shatter, or budder (not a typo)? Most of my friends look at me blankly when I say these words and say, “I’ve never even heard about this” or “I have no idea what you’re talking about.” If you don’t know what cannabis concentrates are, and you have children, grandchildren, sisters, brothers, nieces and nephews between the ages of 14 and 24, you are in the right place.
Teens and Today’s Pot
I am NOT talking about those of you who are supporters of legal recreational marijuana for adults over 21 years old–it’s your life–do what you want. I know some people who take it successfully for specific medical purposes, so we aren’t against that. I’m specifically talking about illegal, recreational usage by adolescents under 21, whose brains are still forming.
You may be thinking, “C’mon, Laura, it’s no big deal — it’s just pot.” “Pot’s legal, so it must be safe.” Or “I did pot when I was a kid, too, and look, it didn’t hurt me.”
Well, have you recently studied TODAY’S pot, and have you personally seen its effects on your children like I have?
Why is it so different? First, the tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a crystalline compound that is the main active ingredient of cannabis that gives the “high,” is extracted out of the cannabis so that it’s nearly pure. THC is the principal psychoactive constituent of cannabis. Then a butane torch is used to heat the crystals (similar to beeswax) or oil in a “rig” (just google it), or a vaping device with a heating element called a dab pen can be used. Forget the “grass” or “papers” that were rolled in the 70s and 80s. The pot we grew up with (10% or less THC content) is HUGELY different than today’s high-concentrate extracts (often 80% THC content or higher).
Brain development
The brain is still developing through a person’s 20s, and psychotic disorders typically develop in the late teenage years. During brain formation, heavy cannabis use has been shown to have a negative effect on the formation of neural pathways. It can also lead to heavier drug use. While the vast majority of marijuana smokers never experience permanent mental illness, researchers have found that the earlier and heavier someone starts dabbing, the more likely it is that they will develop a disorder at some point (often years later).
The harmful combination of a still-forming mind, high-potency THC products, and a high frequency of use = Cannabis-Induced Psychosis. Yes, that’s a real diagnosis (or High-THC Abuse — Severe). Repeated CIP incidents can trigger schizophrenia or other mental illness, and even when the cannabis is withdrawn, the psychosis doesn’t go away.
This is what happened to my beautiful boy. When he died, the toxicology report showed he had ZERO drugs in his system. His note said the mob was after him, the university was an FBI base, and the whole world knew everything about him. He wasn’t depressed, neglected, drugged, or unloved. He was psychotic, paranoid, and delusional, and he jumped from a 6-story building in his pain. He refused the anti-psychotic drugs that he now needed, because he thought he wasn’t sick (common to schizophrenia).
A formula for today
As parents, grandparents, friends, and counselors, we must first educate ourselves about the dangers of high-THC marijuana. Then we must warn our children when they are young (10-12 years old) and use hyper-vigilance in the early teen years. This is much easier to do before the age of 16 when they can drive, as you can’t lock them up or monitor them 24/7. They need to understand what this is, before “that friend” shows up at a party offering dabs.
Taken from https://poppot.org/2020/07/20/johnnys-story/
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Americans Against Legalizing Marijuana (AALM) have produced a White Paper accurately challenging the false narrative that legalization and commercialization of marijuana will bring social justice to minority communiaties.
Minority and poor communities have historically been disproportionately harmed by drug use, drug normalization, and drug addiction. Each of those and many other problems gets worse with pot legalization.
For complete paper AALM Announces the Publication of a Position Paper on Marijuana and Social Justice
Californians had high expectations when they overwhelmingly voted in 2016 to legalize adult-use cannabis with Proposition 64: the Control, Regulate, and Tax Adult Use of Marijuana Act. Over time, thousands of shops would generate millions of dollars in tax revenues. State government was committed to training and financial assistance for entrepreneurs, minorities, and marginalized people. Jobs would be created. Investors would be generous. What could possibly go wrong?
Turns out quite a bit. High taxes and stringent regulations are squeezing nearly every sector, say frustrated cannabis entrepreneurs, who warn that the burden is making their businesses unsustainable. Despite wide support on the state-wide ballot, city and county-level NIMBYism (not in my backyard) has restricted licensing and hobbled retail sales–hollowing out the promise of tax revenue and jobs.
- Competition from the new licit market has driven up prices and availability on the medical side.
- Social equity programs are toothless or don’t exist.
- And the illegal market thrives.
For complete article go to Four Years After Legalization, California Has Had Unexpected (and Often Disappointing) Results
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IS MARIJUANA GOOD FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE?
It is popular to say that marijuana was made illegal because of racism. The truth is marijuana was first banned in a military hospital in Mexico City in 1882, where it was used to treat pain, in an effort to prevent violence and disorder. Mexico then banned all production, sales and recreational use in 1920, and export in 1927. This was a result of Egyptian officials asking the international community to join in a treaty to make it illegal around the globe in 1925. It wasn’t until 1985, some 60 years later, that a book by a U.S. author referred to marijuana laws as racist.
Any claims that marijuana is illegal in America because of racism are in conflict with history.
Will more pot shops in our neighborhoods and marijuana in our homes really reduce incarceration rates and improve the quality of life for minorities? We don’t think so. Every brain matters, and marijuana is an equal opportunity destroyer.
URGENT ACTION NEEDED!
Tomorrow Wednesday July 15, industry-funded, pro-marijuana forces are putting on a virtual legalization event attempting to co-opt current social justice protests as a reason to commercialize marijuana. They have convinced groups such as the NAACP and others to join them for this “conversation.” Call the NAACP and ask them to withdraw from the Marijuana Policy Project event: (410) 580-5777. Tell NAACP:
- Don’t legitimize an organization that is all about money — not justice.
- Don’t speak at this event
- Marijuana commercialization won’t solve social injustice.
Thought Provoking Facts
The facts show that even under legalized marijuana, the poor and minority communities suffer the worst outcomes. For instance, after Colorado legalized recreational marijuana, minority teens were arrested in greater numbers for marijuanaviolations. Pot shops are disproportionately situated in impoverished communities, in Colorado, also. Clearly, making the residents more susceptible to high use rates and addiction. In Denver, as an example, pot shops are heavily concentrated in Hispanic communities. This sends the message to the youth that drugs are harmless, which we know is not the case. Combine struggling schools with drug abuse and student grades are sure to plummet. We know that amotivational syndrome, a harmful side effect of pot, will cause poor educational outcomes and lead to more school dropouts. More access to this psychoactive drug will increase violence, addiction and theft, all of which have high arrest rates.
The link between marijuana use and crime is also downplayed by those who promote legalization. Industry lobbyists also tell us the the black market will disappear when marijuana is legally available. However, in legalized states, we are seeing an increase in gang activity, crime and black market sales.
What Does the Evidence Show?
Contrary to the social justice claims of the legalization activists, prison populations are rising in states where marijuana is legal and sanctioned for recreational use. Project SAM depicts these trends very clearly in these illustrated graphs for Alaska, Colorado, Oregon, Washington and the District of Columbia.
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William Jones III fought against legalization in his hometown of Washington, D.C. He writes a compelling opinion piece to the Philadelphia Inquirer about why marijuana legalization will harm our inner city communities. Calling marijuana toxic and addictive, he makes a strong case that pot shops will destablize communities already suffering from education and health disparities.
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Other Voices on Marijuana and Social Justice
Abu Edwards, Director of State Affairs for Project SAM says state legalization will be a disaster for black communities. He clearly lays out how minorities are being used to further profit motives of big business rather than social justice. Of particular concern is how the children in his community are going to be led into a drug lifestyle by the aggressive advertising of this industry.
So, is it as the marijuana activists say, a choice between legal weed and social injustice? Dr. Kevin Sabet discusses the false dichotomy of legalization and criminalization in his TEDx PrincetonU talk. It is not a black and white issue, he advises there are many dimensions to consider, as this is an important social and public health discussion.
Take Action
You can equip yourself to debate the finer points of marijuana and social justice. We recommend taking the time to downloand and read these excellent materials.
First, take a look at this easy to navigate fact sheet, a downloadable one pager on Social Justice by Smart Approaches to Marijuana.
Read also this important PopPot perspective about the disingenuous social justice argument for pot, Social Justice, the Pretext Legalizers Use to Get Support.
Once again, we rely on the great work of Project SAM on this issue. Kevin Sabet and Will Jones, III co-authored this excellent article on Marijuana Legalization, The Social Injustice which debunks many of the racially based arguments for legalization.
Now that you know, take some time and help educate 5 people you think need to know.
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German and Islamic State link
In separate mafia raids, Italian police seized 84 million amphetamine pills with possible Islamic State origins that were hidden inside German-origin paper cylinders. Police found 14 tons of pills marked Captagon – a highly addictive amphetamine-based drug that has been widely trafficked by IS – that police said was of Syrian origin.
It is \”well known\” that Islamic State \”finances its activities largely by trafficking synthetic drugs largely produced in Syria, which has become the leading world producer of amphetamines in recent years,\” Italian police said.
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The Guardia di Finanza customs and financial crimes police said they suspected the involvement of the Camorra, the mafia organization that operates in Naples area, of being involved in the drugs, which were intercepted at the port of Salerno.
The Guardia di Finanza said it was likely that European drug traffickers had turned to Syrian suppliers after amphetamine drug production in Europe was largely halted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
And in another bust, Italy\’s anti-mafia police said on Tuesday they had disrupted a major international drug trafficking ring between Albania and Italy.
Two years of investigations revealed an alleged network of Italian and Albanian operators who smuggled drugs across the Adriatic to the southern Italian region of Puglia. Thirty-seven people were arrested in Tuesday\’s sting.
For complete story https://www.dw.com/en/dozens-arrested-in-anti-mafia-raids-in-italy-germany/a-54015083
Evil terrorists? No, they\’re just solitary drug-crazed losers
By PETER HITCHENS FOR THE MAIL ON SUNDAY PUBLISHED: 28 June 2020
Drug clue: Khairi Saadallah with what appears to be a joint
If I ever feel the need to have several nice cold buckets of slime tipped over my head, I point out that most of the supposed terrorist attacks in this country are, in fact, the work of solitary drug-crazed losers.
The drug involved is most often marijuana, though steroids are also increasingly implicated, as are some prescription medications.
But it is mainly marijuana, which is just now the subject of a huge billionaire-backed campaign to allow it to be advertised on TV and sold in supermarkets. Yes, that is what legalisation means.
Within seconds one choir of morons will be yelling that I am ‘an apologist for Islamic terror’. No, I am not. I hate terrorism of all kinds and wish we did not give into it so often.
As I turn to deal with them, a second choir of morons will begin to howl that marijuana has no links with mental illness or crime, is a valuable medicine, and how dare I damage its chances of being legalised?
They have half a point. It should not be legalised, and I will do all in my power to prevent that happening. But that is because there are mountains of evidence of its connections with mental illness and with violence. This danger is getting harder to contest every day.
So here comes the slime, the dimwit screeches and the self-interested squawks. Because the official claim that the dreadful slayings in a Reading park last weekend were ‘terrorism’ is so absurd that it simply has to be countered.
This belief actually leaves us in more danger, not less, because it means we look in the wrong direction and take precautions against the wrong menace.
First is the obvious question. What conceivable cause could have been helped by this frightful crime? None.
The drug involved is most often marijuana, though steroids are also increasingly implicated, as are some prescription medications [File photo]
Anyone identified with it would have earned nothing but hate and fury. Terrorists have purposes, and all too often attain them. This had no purpose. It is not even very clear what religion the alleged culprit followed.
Next we must come to this suspect. Of course he may be innocent of the accusation and we must wait for a trial to establish that.
But I am interested in the way that a large part of the Establishment have dealt with the fact that this alleged culprit has been described by friends as a marijuana user. There’s no serious doubt about it.
Photographs have been published showing him holding what looks very much like a marijuana cigarette, which we all nowadays knowingly call a joint or a spliff, as we have become used to the utter failure of the police to control or suppress this crime
For complete story Killer Weed
The end of vaping in Australia: Nearly all imports of e-cigarettes and refills will be BANNED from next week
- Importing e-cigarettes and refills containing nicotine into Australia to be banned
- From July 1 new regulations on vaporiser nicotine are to be brought into effect
- Many people bought the products from overseas after sale banned in Australia
By BRETT LACKEY FOR DAILY MAIL AUSTRALIA UPDATED: 22 June 2020
Vaping nicotine in Australia is set to end as the government moves to ban the importation of most e-cigarettes into the country.
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From July 1, it will be illegal to import e-cigarettes and refills containing nicotine liquids or salts.
E-cigarette users and retailers had turned to buying the products from overseas after their sale in Australia was previously banned.
\’The Minister for Health, the Hon Greg Hunt MP, requested the Department of Health to work with the Australian Border Force on a new approach to regulating e-cigarettes containing vaporiser nicotine,\’ the government\’s Office of Drug Control said in a statement.
Under the new regulations, Individuals would need to visit a doctor and be issued a prescription to purchase their nicotine containing e-cigarettes or refills.
Even valid prescription holders would still be prohibited from purchasing the devices from overseas themselves.
Vaporisers and refills containing nicotine would have to be imported by doctors or medical suppliers via a courier or cargo service with express permission from the Department of Health.
Importing the equipment through international mail would not be allowed.
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\”Popcorn Lung\” – all thanks to Vaping
The ban on importing nicotine e-cigarettes and refills would be in line with existing bans on their sale in each state and territory.
The prohibition would last for 12 months while the government conducts a public consultation on the regulation of nicotine products by the Therapeutic Goods Administration.
The regulation would see nicotine products added to the Poisons Standard making them prohibited permanently with the exception of tobacco cigarettes and products used to quit smoking such as gums and patches.
For complete story go to Vaping Review
New Report: California Regulations Fail to Protect Youth From Marijuana Industry
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(Alexandria, VA) – A new study compiled by the Public Health Institute, a California-based nonpartisan organization promoting strong public health policy, programs, systems, and best practices, found that regulations on the marijuana industry in California have fallen well short of protecting youths from the drug. The study also found several hypocrisies in marijuana regulations when compared to regulations and campaigns working to reduce youth tobacco use.
“This report is a damning indictment of the marijuana industry. It reveals how time and time again they have put profits ahead of public health,” said Dr. Kevin Sabet, president of Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM) and a former senior drug policy advisor to the Obama Administration. “California is failing to properly protect young people, uniquely at risk for serious harms, from Big Pot’s predatory marketing tactics.”
The report focused on comparing regulations put in place to discourage youth tobacco use to those put in place by the state on the marijuana industry. It found numerous instances where tobacco use precautions were thrown by the wayside when it comes to marijuana. One notable exception has been the approval on on-site consumption. The report states that local onsite consumption, associated with smoke-filled lounges and outdoor marijuana events, such as legal sales at concerts, fairs, or park events, may threaten decades of progress in smoke-free workplaces and outdoor spaces.
Most residents of California are exposed to marijuana industry advertisements and there are only limited restrictions on advertising. This is significant, as a recent study found that living near a dispensary and viewing ads increased the likelihood of use and frequency of youth use. Furthermore, another recent study found roughly one in three youths (15-19) living in legalized states have engaged with marijuana ads on social media. Those who engaged with said promotions were five times more likely to report past-year use.
#AddictionForProfit #ChildrenandYouthFirst
The report also found several stark hypocrisies in regulation. While the state of California recently promoted a large-scale “Flavors Hook Kids” campaign, state laws and regulations over the marijuana industry failed to offer any restrictions on the production or sale of flavored marijuana products.
Additionally, the legal market has been allowed to produce products with more than 90% THC, while similar manipulation of nicotine content to increase addiction was a Big Tobacco tactic condemned in US. v. Phillip Morris. Higher THC content has been linked to greater risk of addiction, problematic use, and severe mental health issues–especially among younger users.
In its conclusion, the report’s authors state that “(a)s the legal marijuana industry consolidates and its power expands, communities may wish to consider precautionary incorporation of these policy lessons into marijuana regulation from the start, potentially reducing risk of failing in our responsibility to protect youths and health for decades to come.”
Finally, in order to put public health first, the report recommends California limit marijuana industry advertising, institute restrictions on potency, limit kid-friendly colors and flavors, end delivery services, and reduce the overall amount of marijuana storefronts.
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Media Contact: Colton Grace
P: 864-492-6719
Don\’t let marijuana industry exploit pandemic at the expense of children
The marijuana industry hasn’t let the COVID-19 pandemic distract it from its single-minded fixation on congressional approval of the so-called SAFE Banking Act. The proposal would spur billions of dollars of new investment in marijuana companies by granting them greater access to the banking system. It would also bring the marijuana industry a step closer to its ultimate goal: full-scale national marijuana legalization.
Last year, according to the Center for Responsive Politics, the marijuana industry spent $5.7 million lobbying Congress, and it’s maintaining an intensive full-court press in Washington this year.
On May 15, the House of Representatives narrowly passed a $3 trillion stimulus bill that included the SAFE Banking Act. Missing from the House legislation, however, were any provisions to protect children whose health and futures are threatened by mass marijuana commercialization.
Senate Banking Committee Chairman Mike Crapo, a Republican from Idaho, has said he’s uncomfortable moving the SAFE Banking Act forward without protections for youth, such as limits on marijuana marketing and potency, as well as other legal safeguards.
It’s a simple concept: If you want to be treated like a legitimate industry, agree to act like one. But the industry has resisted Crapo’s proposed protections.
The experience of Colorado, the first state to legalize recreational marijuana, demonstrates huge stakes for children, whose futures hang in the balance.
Colorado youth surveys show a significant increase in their access to and interest in marijuana. The most recent data show 10% of Colorado teens usually consume edible cannabis products, a dramatic increase from just 2% of teens two years prior. New ultra-potent pot products can easily hide nearly pure THC, marijuana\’s main mood-altering chemical, in child-friendly offerings such as edibles with sweet flavors.
Trying to capitalize on the COVID-19 crisis, the marijuana industry has argued that moving from a cash-based business will reduce the risk of infection from paper bills.
But in Colorado, the marijuana industry already has access to debit cards. Not only did the Colorado government declare recreational (not just medical) marijuana businesses “essential” during the pandemic, but it also urged marijuana stores to only accept electronic payments during the stay-at-home order. So what’s the problem that needs to be solved?
The deadly vaping crisis taught us what can happen when companies that make products that are dangerous to children prioritize revenue growth to satisfy investors. In short, children become collateral damage.
A growing body of research shows that marijuana can harm developing brains, yet it’s increasingly described as a cure-all for a range of conditions with little recognition of the distinct chemicals in the marijuana plant. Mass marketing and widespread public use normalizes marijuana to youth who have grown up in this era of commercialization.
After all, children have just one chance to grow up. Congress should make sure it puts children first, before marijuana industry profits.
Doug Robinson is chairman of Smart Colorado, a nonprofit organization focused on protecting the health, safety, and well-being of the youth as marijuana becomes increasingly available and commercialized.
For complete article go to Washington Examiner — Marijuana Industry Exploit Pandemic at Children’s Expense
