Today’s marijuana is not the marijuana of the 1960s and ’70s. It’s far more potent, and a growing body of research is linking heavy use to serious mental health issues, including psychosis and schizophrenia.

Our guest on Grieving Out Loud, Kristen Gilliland, knows those dangers all too well. Her son experienced cannabis-induced psychosis and later died from an accidental drug overdose — a loss Kristen never imagined her own family would face.

That reality is especially striking given her background. Kristen holds a Ph.D. in organic chemistry and spent years as a professor teaching organic chemistry, neurochemistry, and the chemistry of drugs and poisons.

In this episode of Grieving Out Loud, Kristen opens up about what she wishes she had known sooner, what parents need to understand as marijuana becomes more accessible, and how she leaned on her scientific background to find purpose after losing her son.

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to check out the following:

Mother blames cannabis-induced psychosis for son’s death

A Mother’s Warning About Laced Marijuana

Teens Share What Really Works to Prevent Drug and Alcohol Use

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Behind every number is a story of a life cut short, a family shattered, and a community devastated.

They were...

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• sons
• mothers
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• friends
• wives
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• girlfriends.

They were More Than Just A Number.

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Wishing you faith, hope and courage!

Podcast producers:
Casey Wonnenberg King & Kayli Fitz