Almost 500 members of the public attended ‘Cannabis and young minds: What parents and families should know’, the latest in the RCSI MyHealth Lecture series which took place last night.

The event explored the latest research on how cannabis affects brain development and mental health in young people, and the devastating impact it can have on families.

Laura Stack, founder and CEO of Johnny’s Ambassadors shared the story of her late son Johnny who died by suicide at age 19 during a psychotic episode caused by his use of potent cannabis dabs and described her work to promote greater understanding of the dangers of cannabis among young people.

Laura was joined by Professor Mary Cannon, Professor of Psychiatric Epidemiology and Youth Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry, RCSI and Consultant Psychiatrist, Beaumont Hospital; Professor Norman Delanty, Consultant Neurologist at Beaumont Hospital, Clinical Investigator with FutureNeuro Research Centre and RCSI Honorary Clinical Professor; and Professor Colin O’Gara, Consultant Psychiatrist and Head of Addiction Services at St John of God Hospital.

The RCSI MyHealth lecture series aims to demystify common health concerns by drawing expertise and insight from RCSI researchers and international health experts at the cutting-edge of medical and healthcare developments.

The series was recently announced as a winner in the Best of Europe Region Awards 2024 by CASE, the Council for Advancement and Support of Education.

For those who weren’t able to join us last night, a recording of the discussion will be shared in the coming weeks.

Find more information on the RCSI MyHealth lecture series here.

If you or someone you know is affected by addiction, you can call the HSE Drugs and Alcohol Helpline on 1800 459 459.