Send a Text to the Moms

Guests : Laura Balboni Craciun, Policy Director National Shattering Silence Coalition, MA, and Arundati (Arun) Nagendra, Ph.D.

At the recent S&PAA conference (Mindy ) and at the Johns Hopkins schizophrenia symposium (Mimi and Randye) , as well as on our Facebook page, many families tell us their stories about cannabis - many now see it as causing, or at least triggering psychosis. That led us to this episode.

Although schizophrenia contains a spectrum of symptoms and influences, many now believe that marijuana was the last straw that “pulled the trigger” which resulted in psychosis and its aftermath - and that, if we’d known the dangers we could have done more to prevent our loved ones from serious mental illness episodes.

Do science and statistical evidence back this up?

What can the average advocate do NOW?

S&PAA Position statement re cannabis: (see more on website or SPAN website)

1. Oppose legalization of recreational cannabis use
2. Pair any legalization effort with stringent, practical harm-reduction practices.
3. Hold the cannabis industry financially accountable.
4. Implement public health initiatives that educate about the risks of cannabis use.
5. Conduct research into the effects of cannabis use.
6. Finance clinical assessment and intervention.

Links:

https://sczaction.org/

SPAN:

https://span-scz.org/

SAM -

https://learnaboutsam.org/

Johnny’s Ambassadors -

https://johnnysambassadors.org/research/

NSSC-

https://www.nationalshatteringsilencecoalition.org/

Oppose marijuana rescheduling to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) : https://www.votervoice.net/SAM/Campaigns/115038/Respond

NSSC-Darrell Hermann’s peer talk on psychosis recovery (including genetic vulnerability and cannabis at 51:00 during the Q&A).

https://youtu.be/hpR4Jv1o2Gk?si=IMn8rai6x0bokqL5

Cannabis and psychosis

http://www.schizophrenia.com/prevention/streetdrugs.html#

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/your-brain-on-food/202105/what-really-happens-in-the-brain-during-a-cannabis-high

Laura’s story in Newsweek:

https://www.newsweek.com/cannabis-tr

Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Want to know more?
Join our facebook page
Our websites:
Randye Kaye
Mindy Greiling
Miriam (Mimi) Feldman

Send a Text to the Moms

“Guest Mom” Laura Pogliano

The Johns Hopkins Schizophrenia Symposium brings together world-renowned experts in psychiatry, mental health, and neuroscience in order to present diverse aspects of the disorder, discuss their findings with colleagues, and be available to answer attendees’ questions.

This year, the speakers presented their cutting-edge and multidisciplinary approaches, including those that interfere among molecular pathology, digital science, public outreach, and clinical psychiatry.

Families were invited to attend - for FREE - and could attend a panel discussion the night before, plus the chance to participate in round-table lunch discussions with the speakers.

Through this symposium, they hope to translate the efforts of the lab bench to the bedside, and eventually to society by discussing and addressing schizophrenia and other mental illnesses from both clinical and scientific standpoints.

The symposium was open to all: researchers, clinicians, and family members of those diagnosed with schizophrenia.

It was amazing. Here Mimi and I review what we learned, along with friend of the podcast, Laura Pogliano. (she was also with us for Episode 25, with Bob Kolker who wrote Hidden Valley Road)

Links:

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/psychiatry/specialty-areas/schizophrenia/symposium

To support the symposium:

https://aspire.hopkinsmedicine.org/project/40520

Message from the Director:

We have assembled here in the Schizophrenia Center a broad and deep pool of expertise in the Hopkins tradition that integrates patient care, research, and public health.

My role is similar to an orchestra conductor, trusting my musicians and striving for balance among all the instruments. I see my job as one to support and facilitate the talent that surrounds me.

Thank you for your interest in our work.

Sincerely,
Akira Sawa, M.D., Ph.D.

Speakers:
Sabrina Berretta, MD
Raquel E. Gur, MD, PhD
Brandon Staglin, MS
T. Scott Stroup, MD, MPH
John Torous, MD

Mindy and her book: https://mindygreiling.com/

Randye and her book: https://www.randyekaye.com/

Miriam and her book: https://www.miriam-feldman.com/

Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Want to know more?
Join our facebook page
Our websites:
Randye Kaye
Mindy Greiling
Miriam (Mimi) Feldman

Send a Text to the Moms

No One Cares About Crazy People is a feature documentary film-in-progress about the tragedy, crisis and chaos of severe mental illness in America – and a burgeoning national crusade to do something about it

NO ONE CARES ABOUT CRAZY PEOPLE takes us inside the tragedy, chaos, and crisis of severe mental illness in America. It derives in part from Ron Powers’ acclaimed book of the same name, a hybrid narrative of tragic family memoir and searing social history.

Guest: Gail Freedman, Director & Producer

Your support is critical to help us complete this film and tell the powerful stories that can be a catalyst for new understanding and action. All gifts, grants and donations are fully tax-deductible.

Links:

https://noonecaresfilm.com/

Congrats Aiden Keltner, friend of the podcast! @amazinggraceshortfilm received 3 of the 4 Emmys we were nominated for including, Arts Entertainment Program, best director and best performer!

Amazing Grace Film

An aging single mother fights to hold onto the only life she’s ever known as her son with schizophrenia begins to lose his sanity.

Mindy and her book: https://mindygreiling.com/

Randye and her book: https://www.randyekaye.com/

Miriam and her book: https://www.miriam-feldman.com/

Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Want to know more?
Join our facebook page
Our websites:
Randye Kaye
Mindy Greiling
Miriam (Mimi) Feldman