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 …
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 …
On our 26th wedding anniversary, my husband Rich answered the phone and it was the Norwalk Police Department. Our son Adam had been arrested for possession of heroin. We both were in complete shock! Thus, my journey into the world of addiction began. Heroin, I had foolishly believed, was the drug choice of junkies and homeless people—not a well-adjusted kid from Wilton. Here I …
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 …
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, …
I was the ultimate enabler – the one who made everything “okay” again – even if okay only lasted for a little while. Over several exhausting years, my life was running interference for my son Andrew and protecting him from the world. I waited and hoped he would grow out of whatever phase he was in. During this time, as I tried …
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 …
As I watched my son Robbie be handcuffed and taken away to jail, I was jolted. It was 2 a.m., and my firstborn —with a college degree and all the potential in the world — was arrested after totaling his car. This would be his 2ndDUI — a mandatory felony conviction. He had been a “party hearty” type of personality, meaning he drank, used substances and led a functional life of education and …
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 …
On Wednesday, November 18, our virtual Pathway Session on insurance highlighted steps family members and loved ones can take to fully utilize their benefits. Scott Leshin, CEO and Founder of SJ Health Insurance Advocates, went through an “Insurance 101” presentation and then answered questions from parents and recovery coaches. Among the points addressed were: Most plans are “self-funded” by larger …
