Op-ed published in today’s Stamford Advocate

I’m grateful to the CT Post for publishing an op-ed I wrote on public health safeguards for marijuana legalization. I have sent to politicians in Hartford, and can only hope they read it! 3 PUBLIC HEALTH STEPS NEEDED TO LEGALIZE ADULT-USE CANNABIS On July 15, 2015, my world was changed forever.  My beloved son Evan went to heaven.  He died …

Thanks Cyril D’Souza, MD for an informative event

Dr. Cyril D’Souza’s April 14 presentation on Cannabis Use & Addiction was informative and captivating. He presented a number of facts, based in large part on research studies he has conducted himself. As a Professor and Researcher at the Yale University School of Medicine, Dr. D’Souza has received NIH funding for studies out of New Haven that have received national …

The Developing Brain and THC – Thank You

Today is the first day of National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week, and it is appropriate that we use this day to review our last community event with Ken Winters, PhD called The Developing Brain and THC.  Ken’s presentation was in three parts: 1) brain development; 2) addiction and 3) cannabis/THC.     Key points included: The limbic system of the …

Our second Community Event on the Developing Brain

Back in 2018, we were honored to host Ruth Potee, MD’s talk about the adolescent brain.  She gave a provocative presentation—defining addiction as a pediatric disease.  The reason: first use of substances usually begins in the teen years, when the reward system of the brain is more vulnerable to “hijacking”. In a worthy follow-up to that session, I’m excited to …

Public Hearing on Marijuana Legalization last Friday

On Friday, February 26th the Judiciary Committee of the Connecticut General Assembly (CGA) conducted a Public Hearing on non-medical marijuana legalization, specifically on the Governor’s Bill SB-888: An Act Responsibly and Equitably Regulating Adult-Use Cannabis.  The testimony and Q&A went on for over 12 hours, given over 130 people signed up to testify. This was an opportunity for me to …

Disappointing Marijuana Proposal Announced this Week

Poor timing: During the week, the Governor’s Office released the Governor’s two-year budget that did not include big tax or spending increases. However, he decided to include a provision to legalize “recreational” cannabis. Because of public health risks due to COVID, increased mental stress especially among our young adults, and peak levels of drug overdoses–this is the worst time to …

Thank you Ben Cort, for Weed, Inc!

Weed, Inc: The Science Behind Today’s Marijuana took place last Wednesday, January 13 on Zoom. We had more than 220 attendees including many New Canaan High School sophomores and their health class teachers. Ben Cort, author, TED Talk speaker, and addiction recovery advocate, told us the shocking truth about potency of today’s marijuana products. He detailed the criteria for cannabis …

Community Event on Marijuana

On Wednesday, January 13, 7pm, the New Canaan Parent Support Group is hosting an informative community event on marijuana: Weed Inc with Ben Cort.  The Zoom session—with Q&A moderated by John Hamilton—with focus on the science and data behind today’s marijuana. Ben Cort is an author, TED Talk speaker, recovery advocate and CEO of a Colorado-based treatment center.  In 2007, …

Two interesting articles on marijuana

Grateful for this concise article on marijuana from Columbia University’s School of Public Health. Bottom line: more studies are needed! A second resource of facts citing peer-reviewed clinical studies, is this 4-minute video on marijuana from nutritionfacts.org. Hope these help, ahead of our Weed Inc with Ben Cort event coming up on January 13, 7PM. Please see the Events section …

Webinar on Addiction Stigma had great speakers

On Thursday, November 19 the Addiction Policy Forum hosted a webinar on stigma and addiction. The webinar’s title was “Substance Use Disorders and Stigma: Research, Racial Disparities and Promising Approaches”, and was held to reduce stigma around addiction and color–to ensure access to quality treatment and family support for all. The line-up of speakers was amazing: Nora Volkow, MD, Director …