People from all backgrounds and all walks of life have been impacted by today’s marijuana. Teenagers, children, parents, teachers, activists– all of them have their stories.
We want to share the powerful voices in our community to humanize the data behind marijuana prevention and inspire you to speak out and have an impact in your own community.
Randy and Heather tragically lost their son, Randy, to cannabis-induced psychosis and suicide. Randy began using marijuana at just 15 years old, completely unaware of how addictive and harmful it could be. Over time, it drastically altered his personality, ultimately leading him down a painful road that ended in his death at age 21 on July 17, 2021.
Laura is the founder and CEO of Johnny’s Ambassadors, an organization dedicated to educating the public about the dangers of high-potency THC. Laura is a powerful advocate for awareness, prevention, and education to protect young people from the harms of early marijuana use.
Jake White
Jake is the Co-Founder & CEO of Vive18 which exists to save young lives from addiction (and boredom) with relevant, engaging, high-energy drug prevention programs.
Check out his story to learn more about Jake.
Kyle is a dedicated visual arts teacher at Mountain Range High School in Westminster, Colorado, with over 20 years of teaching experience. Drawing from his journey of overcoming addiction, Kyle fosters deep, meaningful connections with students struggling with vaping and substance abuse.
Winnie’s son was a normal, healthy teenager involved in clubs and sports, and an excellent student. However, when he started using marijuana, his family began to notice mental health symptoms develop to the point where he was diagnosed with schizophrenia and attempted suicide. While he thankfully survived, he continues to deal with the ramifications of his suicide attempt and marijuana usage.
Morgan McCoy is a Florida mom and medical marijuana user. After her 6 year old ate a relative’s THC gummy, believing it was candy, and was sent to the hospital, Morgan has spoken out for tighter restrictions on marijuana packaging and advertising.
“Had the packaging been what it should be… my daughter wouldn’t have looked twice at it.”
When Whitney’s son Sammy tragically died after a terrifying THC-induced psychotic episode, she began to advocate for education surrounding marijuana and the potential mental health effects it can cause.
She created the Sammy Project, a travelling photo exhibit to honor her son destigmatizing mental health and helping participants take agency over their own struggles.
One Chance to Grow Up protects kids from THC through transparency, education, empowerment, and policy. We don’t take sides on the politics of legalization but instead serve as a reliable resource for parents, media, policymakers, and all who care about kids.
Started by concerned parents we’re a 501(c)(3) nonprofit supported by charitable contributions. One Chance to Grow Up is a project of the Colorado Nonprofit Development Center. EIN: 84-1493585