When Hope Turns to Heartache: Maria's Battle with Medical Marijuana for Autism

09/23/24 • 53 min

What happens when a single mom and sole caregiver to her adult, non-verbal autistic son trusts the advice of her doctor to use medical marijuana to treat her son’s sleep issues? Join us as Maria recounts the emotional turmoil highlighting the frustrations encountered when cannabis-induced psychosis is not adequately recognized by medical professionals. An experience she can only describe as an absolute nightmare, Maria shares how she struggles to navigate the aftermath of the impact medical marijuana had on both Matt’s physical and mental health.
We unravel the complexities of marijuana’s impact on mental and physical health when a pre-existing medical condition exists. This story underscores the importance of understanding the dangerous misconceptions touting marijuana as a natural benign product and the dire need for better medical diagnoses and treatments for affected individuals.
Join us as we follow Maria through her evolving journey of advocacy and support. From connecting with the Parent Action Network to raising awareness about the unpredictable dangers of regulated legal marijuana products, this story is a powerful reminder of the true cost of misinformation.

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Previous Episode

How Delta-8 Shattered a Teen's Future

What happens when a single decision turns a family's life upside down? Get to know Kelly and Travis from Georgia as they recount their once vibrant and hopeful lives before a Delta-8 product changed everything. Their son, filled with excitement for his senior year and the thrill of becoming a new uncle, unknowingly consumed a dangerous substance that left him with severe brain damage. Kelly and Travis share their emotional journey, emphasizing the urgent need for policy changes.
Discover the painful aftermath of Delta-8's devastating impact on their son and their family's daily struggles to adapt to a new normal. Kelly opens up about the ethical and legal challenges that made this harmful product accessible, highlighting an urgent call for action to protect public health. Their story underscores the importance of understanding the dangerous loopholes in current regulations and the dire need for better medical diagnoses and treatments for affected individuals.
Join us as we follow Kelly and Travis through their evolving journey of advocacy and support. From connecting with the Parent Action Network to raising awareness about the unpredictable dangers of unregulated THC products, their story is a powerful reminder of the true cost of misinformation. Hear about upcoming events aimed at addressing broader impacts and gain insights from former Congressman Patrick Kennedy’s new book on mental health courage. Kelly and Travis's bravery and dedication to making a difference offer a beacon of hope amidst their ongoing challenges.

Next Episode

From Loss to Legislation: Darryl Rodgers' Journey for Marijuana Awareness and Change

What if a single choice could change everything? Join us for a heart-wrenching exploration of the impact of marijuana on youth through the story of Darryl Rodgers and his son, Chase. Once a vibrant Eagle Scout and athlete, Chase’s promising future took a drastic turn due to marijuana use, ultimately leading to a devastating car accident. Darryl courageously shares their family’s journey, shedding light on the emotional toll and the fight for awareness in a landscape where marijuana remains illegal in North Carolina.
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In this episode, we spotlight the inspiring efforts of those striving to make a difference in marijuana awareness, including organizations like Parent Action Network. Learn about how you can get involved in the movement for change. We extend our deepest gratitude to Darryl for sharing his powerful story, highlighting the resilience and determination found in advocacy. Join us for a compelling conversation that urges us all to rethink our views on marijuana and its impact on society.

Fortitude: Turning Tragedy into Action - When Hope Turns to Heartache: Maria's Battle with Medical Marijuana for Autism

Transcript

Speaker 100:00:00.020

Greetings everyone . I'm Chrissy Groenwegen , the director of the Parent Action Network , the grassroots division of Smart Approaches to Marijuana , dedicated to amplifying the voices of families whose lives have been devastated by the harmful effects of marijuana . Thank you for joining me for another episode of Fortitude . I like to tell the story about why I gave the name Fortitude t