Almost 500 people attended this week’s RCSI MyHealth Lecture on ‘Cannabis and Young Minds: What Parents and Families Should Know’.
The event explored the latest research on how cannabis affects brain development and youth mental health, and the significant toll it can take on families.
Laura Stack, founder and CEO of Johnny’s Ambassadors, shared the deeply moving story of her son Johnny, who died by suicide at 19 during a cannabis-induced psychotic episode. She now works to raise awareness of the dangers of high-potency cannabis products.
She was joined by an expert panel, including:
- Professor Mary Cannon, Professor of Psychiatric Epidemiology and Youth Mental Health at RCSI and Consultant Psychiatrist at Beaumont Hospital
- Professor Norman Delanty, Consultant Neurologist at Beaumont Hospital and Clinical Investigator with FutureNeuro Research Centre
- Professor Colin O’Gara, Consultant Psychiatrist and Head of Addiction Services at St John of God Hospital
Our nursing team were also present to support the event, offering information, materials, and one-to-one conversations with members of the public. As part of our Wellbeing Series, they have developed a practical resource titled Cannabis and Teens: What You Need to Know.
