Marijuana is often portrayed as harmless, with countless individuals and media outlets emphasising its perceived benefits. However, the PBS documentary: Experts are sounding the alarm about the dark side of cannabis sheds light on an alarming concern overshadowed by the growing cannabis industry. This investigative feature explores the devastating impact of high-potency marijuana on mental health, particularly in young adults, and its link to cannabis-induced psychosis.
Through real-life stories and expert research, the documentary reveals how today’s marijuana—with THC concentrations reaching up to 100% in some products—is a far cry from the mild, recreational substance of decades past. Join us as we uncover the dangers of high-potency marijuana and the tragic consequences experienced by those featured in HIGH RISK.
Johnny Stack’s Story A Tragedy of Cannabis-Induced Psychosis: The documentary opens with the heartbreaking story of Johnny Stack, a once-aspiring, academically gifted teenager who spiralled into despair after falling victim to cannabis-induced psychosis. Johnny, who achieved a perfect SAT maths score, began using marijuana at the age of 14 during a high school party. Over time, he progressed from occasional use to consuming extremely potent THC products.
At the age of 18, Johnny obtained a medical marijuana card under dubious circumstances, as he had no chronic conditions or disorders. This escalation marked the beginning of a sharp decline in his mental health. “It was like an alien came and took my child,” recalled Laura Stack, Johnny’s mother. She described the harrowing transformation in her son’s personality, moving from kind-hearted to toxic and aggressive.
Despite multiple hospitalisations for cannabis-induced psychosis, Johnny repeatedly relapsed, convinced that his brain had healed. Tragically, his final psychotic episode involved extreme paranoia about the Russian mob and FBI surveillance, leading him to take his own life by jumping from a six-storey car park. He left his mother with these haunting final words, “Marijuana has ruined my mind and my life, and I’m sorry, Mama, I love you.”
Grace Davis Offers a Peer Perspective: Grace Davis, Johnny’s university friend, provides another perspective on the prevalence of marijuana use among young adults. She speaks candidly about the normalisation of cannabis use on college campuses, the ease of access through social media, and her personal struggles with addiction.
Grace shared how Johnny’s high tolerance for potent cannabis products contributed to his psychosis. She witnessed his paranoia firsthand, including beliefs that the “Russian mob was coming to get him” and that “the FBI was tracking his phone.” Despite her warnings to Johnny, she herself fell into daily use, leading to lasting paranoia even after two years of sobriety. “I know it wouldn’t have been this bad without marijuana,” Grace admits.
Bryn Spejcher’s Harrowing Experience: The documentary also focuses on Bryn, a Californian audiologist whose life took a tragic turn after experiencing cannabis-induced psychosis. After taking just two hits from a high-potency bong, Bryn fell into a psychotic episode marked by intense hallucinations and violent behaviour. This resulted in the tragic death of her friend Chad, whom she stabbed 108 times. Bryn’s case challenges the misconception that cannabis-induced psychosis only affects regular or heavy users.
Marijuana’s Escalating Potency
One of the most shocking revelations in the documentary is the dramatic rise in the potency of marijuana in recent decades. THC levels have surged from less than 3% in the 1980s to nearly 100% in modern concentrates like dabs, waxes, and shatter. Experts explain how these ultra-potent products are linked to severe mental health consequences, particularly in adolescents and young adults.
Dr. Sam Wang, a paediatric emergency doctor, emphasises the extraordinary risks for developing brains. The prefrontal cortex, which governs critical decision-making and emotional regulation, is highly susceptible to damage from THC. Dr. Wang warns, “Nearly 50% of individuals with cannabis-induced psychosis may go on to develop schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.”
Colorado Lessons in Legal Marijuana
The documentary uses Colorado, the first state to legalise recreational marijuana, as a case study. While the move was initially celebrated for generating significant tax revenue, unforeseen public health challenges quickly emerged. For example, cannabis-related emergency room visits became daily occurrences, with cases of “cannabis hyperemesis syndrome” (extreme nausea and abdominal pain) becoming alarmingly common.
Efforts to address these issues culminated in Colorado House Bill 1317, which introduced mandatory warning labels about mental health risks, restricted medical marijuana cards for young people aged 18–20, and allocated funding for public health research. Although initial proposals to cap THC levels faced resistance from the marijuana industry, these regulatory measures marked a significant step forward.
The Shadow of Synthetic Cannabinoids
Adding to the complexity, synthetic cannabinoids like Delta-8 and Delta-9 present another layer of danger. These substances often bypass state-level restrictions, leading to more widespread accessibility and severe mental health outcomes. Lawmakers and healthcare providers express frustration over the regulatory challenges, with Wyoming officials describing the mental health crisis and soaring suicide rates linked to Delta-8 products.
Advocacy and Education Efforts
Following Johnny’s tragic death, his mother Laura founded Johnny’s Ambassadors, a nonprofit organisation dedicated to raising awareness about the dangers of high-potency marijuana. She now speaks at schools, warning that cannabis is a contributing factor in adolescent suicides. Laura implores parents, “Education and regulation are essential to prevent further tragedies like Johnny’s.”
The documentary closes with Grace’s heartfelt letter to Johnny, encapsulating the devastating personal loss caused by cannabis-induced psychosis. She writes, “Your love could swell my mind whole… but then you died, and so did I.”
Shedding Light on High Potency Marijuana Dangers
HIGH RISK highlights an undeniable truth that challenges the narrative of marijuana as a harmless drug. The rise of high-potency THC products demands greater public awareness and stricter regulations. By documenting real-life tragedies, backed by scientific research, the documentary underscores the severe mental health risks posed to young adults.
Johnny Stack’s story, Grace’s testimony, and Bryn’s loss serve as poignant reminders of the human cost of ignoring these warnings.
