Sessions are 75 minutes with 60 minutes for slides and 15 minutes for Q&A. Each presentation is a general session (there are no breakout sessions). ALL TIMES ARE MOUNTAIN.

Day 1 – Tuesday, June 24, 2025

7:30 Registration and breakfast
8:00-8:15 Welcome by Laura Stack, Founder & CEO, Johnny's Ambassadors Youth THC Prevention
8:15-9:30 Dr. Christian Thurstone, opening keynote, Director STEP, Adolescent Substance Abuse Treatment Program, Denver Health
9:30-10:45 Dr. Ruth Ross – Toronto pharmacologist specializing in endocannabinoids and brain formation
10:45-12:00 Dr. Steven Laviolette - Addiction Research Group, Ontario, Canada
12:00-1:00 Lunch and action planning
1:00-2:15 Nikhil Rao, MD, MSc, Board Certified, Child Psychiatry, CCS Family Behavioral Health
2:15-3:30 Melissa Moore, National Marijuana Initiative Speakers Bureau, Certified Prevention Specialist
3:30-4:45 Debbie Berndt, Parent Movement 2.0, SAMHSA consultant, podcaster
4:45-5:00 Close with Laura Stack

Day 2 - Wednesday, June 25, 2025

7:30 Breakfast
8:00-8:15 Welcome with Laura Stack
8:15-9:30 Keith Hayes Jr. Director of Recovery at 5280 Recovery High School on Creating a Community of Sobriety
9:30-10:45 Laura Stack, Founder & CEO, Johnny's Ambassadors Youth THC Prevention, Train-the-Trainer session for high schooler audiences (fee included free in registration)
10:45-12:00 Kriya Lendzion, Counselor, Talking to Teens About THC Use
12:00-1:00 Lunch and action planning
1:00-2:15 Libby Stuyt, addiction psychiatrist on THC Potency and Addiction
2:15-3:30 Dr. Lynn Silver, MD, MPH, FAAP, Senior Advisor, Public Health Institute, capstone 
3:30-4:45 Grace Davis, Johnny's friend, who recovered from Cannabis-Induced Psychosis
4:45-5:00 Closing with Laura Stack

$349: LIVE EVENT (includes breakfast, lunch, all-day beverages, parking, and materials for both days). 

$149: LIVE STREAM (includes both days - per connection - includes recording)

** This investment is PER PERSON watching. If you want to register a group, you can send their names and emails to Laura@JohnnysAmbassadors.org, and we will send you an invoice to pay online with a credit card. No need to register them one at a time! **

Welcome and Kick-Off

Laura Stack was best known in the business world for her professional moniker, The Productivity Pro. Her 30-year career as a keynote speaker, bestselling author of eight productivity books, and corporate spokesperson came to a screeching halt on November 20, 2019, when her 19-year-old son, Johnny, died by suicide after becoming psychotic from dabbing high-THC marijuana concentrates. Laura responded by forming the nonprofit, Johnny’s Ambassadors, to educate parents and teens about the dangers of today’s high-THC marijuana on adolescent brain development, mental illness, and suicide. Her platform now brings education, awareness, and prevention curriculum to schools, parents, prevention conferences, and coalitions to prevent youth THC use. https://johnnysambassadors.org/speaking

Marijuana and Our Children: The Blunt Truth

Dr. Christian Thurstone is one of few physicians in the United States who are board certified in general, child and adolescent and addictions psychiatry. He is the medical director of STEP at Denver Health and an associate professor of psychiatry at the University of Colorado Denver. Dr. Thurstone is also the director of the University of Colorado's addiction psychiatry fellowship program, at the University of Colorado. Dr. Thurstone has completed medical training at the University of Chicago, Northwestern University and the University of Colorado. In 2010, he completed five years of mentored research training through the National Institute on Drug Abuse/American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry K12 Research Program in Substance Abuse. Dr. Thurstone also currently serves as a team physician serving the National Football League and is a past president of the Colorado Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Society. In June 2012, the United States Congress awarded him another title: U.S. Army Major. He is honored to treat American service members who need mental healthcare as an Army Reserves officer.

Endocannabinoids and the Effects of Cannabis Smoking

Ruth Ross is engaged in research into the molecular pharmacology of the cannabinoids and related lipid signaling systems. Her research is directed both toward gaining insight into the deleterious effects of cannabis smoking, the potential for cannabis a medicine and the development of small molecules targeting G protein coupled receptors. Together with medicinal chemists she is engaged in the development of novel small molecule therapeutics for major diseases including chronic pain, addiction, cancer and diabetes.

Teen Brain Formation and the Impacts of THC 

Dr. Laviolette’s Laboratory is focused on unraveling the mysteries of the emotional brain. Recently, Dr. Laviolette’s team has been examining how specific phytochemical constituents of cannabis, such as THC and cannabidiol, can differentially control brain pathways related to emotional processing, memory formation and cognitive dysregulation present in various neuropsychiatric disorders. Dr. Laviolette is the recipient of numerous national and international research awards, including, a C.I.H.R. New Investigator Fellowship, an Early Researcher Award from the Province of Ontario, the Young Investigator Award from N.A.R.S.A.D, a New Investigator Award from the Canadian Psychiatric Research Foundation, the Leader’s Opportunity Fund Award from the Canada Foundation for Innovation and a Faculty Scholar's Award from the University of Western Ontario. Dr. Laviolette currently serves as a member of the Scientific Advisory Board for Drug Free Kids Canada, is a member of the Canadian Institute for Military and Veteran’s Health Research and is the former Chair of the Review Committee for the Ontario Mental Health Foundation.

Cannabis Cessation Strategies and Withdrawal Management

Both cultural perception and accelerating legalization of cannabis has led to a landscape of increasing short and long-term morbidity especially amongst teens and young adults, who are at the highest risk of cannabis-associated neuropsychiatric sequelae. This has been further exacerbated by the rise of high potency products including wax, dabs, and synthetic Δ9-thc. Unfortunately, addiction medicine has not been able to keep pace with the meteoric rise in this problem and both tools and evidence are less well-explored than in alcohol and opioid use disorders. In this presentation, we will discuss some specific strategies around psychoeducation and motivational interviewing that can help us be more successful in building insight and buy-in for change. We will also explore important medication management strategies in treating both underlying illnesses (such as ADHD), use-associated symptoms (psychosis and nausea), and withdrawal symptoms and cravings, the latter in particular an often overlooked piece of the puzzle.

Objectives:

• Briefly illustrate the rising public health impact of cannabis on youth mental health
• Review the biology of cannabis intoxication, dependence, and withdrawal
• Develop effective strategies to counter cognitive and sociocultural resistance to the idea of harm from cannabis
• Review medication management strategies for dual diagnosis treatment and withdrawal management

Nikhil Rao, MD, MSc is board certified in general psychiatry, child and adolescent psychiatry, and obesity medicine. Dr. Rao has practiced across a range of environments including emergency, consultation, and general and specialty pediatric embedded services.  He currently works at a high acuity clinic serving youth with a broad mix of pathology. Dr. Rao has played an active role in promoting suboxone for adolescent opioid use disorder and is currently involved in research on cannabis use disorder management. He is currently working toward his board certification in addiction medicine.

This is NOT Your Grandpa’s Pot – Leading the Charge on Cannabis - Old Drugs, New Threats®

Taking a page out of the traditional tobacco industry, cannabis companies are continuously looking for new ways to hook the next generation of customers. Using fruity flavors, attractive packaging, catchy advertising, a strong online presence, and clever devices, companies are making billions while students and adults across the lifespan are seeing their overall wellness on the decline. This is an issue that is impacting all of us, and it’s going to take more than one agency or strategy to address it!

In this session we will break down the devices and industry tactics that are leading to a whole new generation to pick up these dangerous products. We will also look at what parents, schools and communities can do to prevent use, which starts with understanding what is being sold and promoted to youth near you.

Attendees will:

• Learn about industry tactics, social media influences, new devices, available products, and other cannabis use marketing trends.
• Receive an introduction on how to conduct a community scan, including templates and tools to report back information back to stakeholders.
• Understand principles of engagement & communication strategies to garner support for community initiatives.
• Recognize what works and what doesn’t in prevention to help parents, schools and communities address this growing and evolving threat.

Melissa Moore has worked in Public Health for over 20 years, leading substance abuse prevention and coalition efforts in multiple diverse communities. Emphasizing the need to go beyond education to address the factors that contribute to substance abuse, Ms. Moore has helped lead assessment, planning, implementation, and grant writing efforts to transform the way communities tackle this daunting burden. An expert in engagement and communication, Ms. Moore is always looking for opportunities to take great ideas and move them into tangible actions answering the age-old question, “We recognize this is an issue…now what can we do about it?”

21st Century Understanding of Marijuana & Prevention Using The One Choice 5 (OC5) – An Effective Prevention Framework

Parents can be confused and overwhelmed when it comes to Prevention. The One Choice 5 offers a straightforward framework to help you integrate prevention into your thinking and parenting. Substance Use disorders are now understood to be a pediatric-onset disease, underscoring the importance of both prevention and parental influence as one of the strongest protective factors against substance use. There are important generational differences in THC use, both in the substances themselves and how they are used. Come find out the latest, so you can teach the parents in your community. You will be surprised by much of it, and you will leave equipped with knowledge and helpful resources to support the youth in your life.

Attendees will:

• See how the OC5 effectively frames the imperative of reducing under-age substance use in an approachable and actionable way
• Hear information that really changes the way parents think
• Get tips and techniques for yourself and to share with others
• See how you can use the One Choice 5 with your community

Debbie Berndt has worked with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), a division of the US Department of Health & Human Services as a Marijuana Subject Matter Expert on several of their projects and now hosts the podcast, What Parents are Saying, part of the nationally recognized Talk. They Hear You. prevention campaign for parents. She is also the Director for Parent Movement 2.0 and Substance-Free Athletics, both educational programs designed to assist in reducing underage substance use through highly targeted curriculum and messaging. She is also a co-creator of The One Choice 5 Framework for Parents.

Tackling Youth THC Abuse

Keith Hayes is the Director of Recovery at 5280 High School, a public school in Denver Public Schools that specializes in project based learning and comprehensive wellness. 5280 also has a thriving program for students in recovery from addiction. 5280 High School is creating bold, balanced students all of whom are dedicated to living life in recovery

The Dangerous Truth About Today’s Marijuana: Preventing Youth THC Use

Most teens know fentanyl can kill you, and alcohol can poison you, etc., but there is so much misinformation out there about THC, many teens believe vaping THC is “natural,” or marijuana is “harmless.” We need to dispel the myths about THC to teens and educate them about the possible harms to prevent its use.

In this session, you will be pretending you are an audience of high schoolers. Laura will train-the-trainer using slides she will GIVE you to take back to your communities! This is normally a $299 licensing fee, but you will receive it FREE as part of your registration. If you are watching on the livestream, you will need to self-certify you watched the training to receive the PowerPoint. Our pre- and post-testing proves this curriculum increases the perception of harm and reduces the chances of use in Laura’s teen audiences.

Learning objectives:

• Define our terms: Cannabis, Delta-9, Delta-8, THC, CBD
• What is the difference between THC products today vs. when your parents were teens?
• Why is THC in particular harmful to the developing teen brain?
• What does research show are the negative outcomes that can happen with youth THC use?
• What do you do if someone offers you THC or substances at a party?

For 30 years, Laura Stack was best known in the business world as “The Productivity Pro.” Her career as a keynote speaker, bestselling author of eight books, and corporate spokesperson came to a screeching halt on November 20, 2019, when her 19-year-old son, Johnny, died by suicide after becoming psychotic from dabbing high-THC marijuana concentrates. Laura responded by forming the nonprofit, Johnny’s Ambassadors, to educate parents, teens, and communities about the dangers of today’s high-THC marijuana on adolescent brain development, psychosis, and suicide. Her platform now brings prevention education to schools and drug prevention conferences to stop youth marijuana use. https://johnnysambassadors.org/speaking

Catching Them Upstream: Early Intervention into Youth THC Use

THC products trending among youth are becoming increasingly potent, appealing, and easier to conceal, resulting in increasing rates of cannabis use disorders, overdoses, physical illnesses, and mental health consequences. Intervening in the early stages of adolescent THC use can prevent years of struggle and tragedy. Participants will learn how to artfully weave together psychoeducation, motivational interviewing, and “teen whispering” skills to catalyze self-awareness and change in young people who are using THC. This session is designed to be relevant for counselors, parents, and other adults mentoring and guiding youth. We will discuss issues related to partnering with parents and the ethics and legality of addressing substance use with minors. This session includes and is appropriate for anyone counseling adolescents in clinical or educational settings.

Attendees will:

• Strengthen communication skills for discussing THC use with youth in ways that spark receptivity, self-reflection, and informed decision-making
• Gain motivational approaches that inspire youth to make changes in their use
• Be able to identify signs and symptoms of Cannabis Use Disorder and strategize comprehensive steps for addressing problem use
• Acquire practical handouts and interactive activities suitable for counseling, educational, and family settings

Originally inspired by her own personal journey through teen addiction, Kriya Lendzion LCMHC, LCAS, CPS, has worked in the fields of prevention, early intervention, and treatment of addictive disorders for over 30 years. In her roles as a school counselor, adolescent mental health therapist, addictions clinician, and prevention specialist, she has partnered with parents, schools, and community organizations across the globe to help youth avoid and shift self-destructive substance use. 

The Intersection of High THC, Psychosis, Violence and Suicide

This talk will cover how the increasing concentration of THC in cannabis is resulting in increasing problems with cannabis use disorder, psychosis, violence, and suicide, especially in those whose brains are still developing.

Attendees will:

• Understand how today’s marijuana is not like the marijuana they may have experienced in the past.
• Report what levels of THC are supported by the literature for certain medical conditions and what levels have not been supported by research.
• Describe the effect of THC on the developing brain.
• Discuss the role high potency THC cannabis plays in addiction, anxiety, depression, suicide, psychosis, violence, cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, and cognitive impairment.

Dr. Stuyt is a board-certified Addiction Psychiatrist and has worked in the addiction/behavioral health field since 1990. She was the Medical Director for the Circle Program, a 90-day inpatient treatment program, funded by the state of Colorado, for persons with co-occurring mental illness and substance abuse who have failed other levels of treatment since 1999. She retired from this position in 2020 and is currently motivated to educate as many people as possible on the un-intended consequences seen from the commercialization of marijuana in Colorado, focusing primarily on the deleterious effects of high potency THC on the developing brain and mental health.

What Parent and Community Members Can Do To Advance Public Health and Protection of Youth Through Cannabis Regulation Law or Regulation in Their Cities or States

Lynn Silver is a pediatrician and public health expert who serves as senior advisor at PHI, coordinating the prevention policy group. She works to enhance and strengthen PHI’s portfolio of programs in prevention of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) in the US and globally. Her current work includes research, advocacy and technical assistance on food policy to prevent obesity and chronic disease, marijuana regulatory policy, and strategies to increase the funding base for prevention and health equity. Her focus is on developing and evaluating the effectiveness of policy and environmental change approaches to prevention. Her efforts have included promoting policy and environmental changes to create healthier food environments, reduce tobacco and harmful alcohol use, increase physical activity, and reduce harmful use of marijuana products, and improve care for key noncommunicable diseases.

Silver has worked as a consumer advocate, academic, researcher and public health official. Previously, she served as health officer in Sonoma County, assistant health commissioner in New York City and as a professor of public health and advocate in Brazil for 15 years. In New York City’s Department of Health, she led the implementation of forward-thinking strategies to promote population health, including the first laws in the US eliminating use of trans-fats in food establishments and requiring calorie labeling at chain restaurants, both of which spread nationally and internationally.

Silver received her MD and MPH degrees and pediatric training at the Johns Hopkins University. Dr. Silver serves on the Board of the Center for Science in the Public Interest and on the State of California’s Proposition 64 Youth Fund Advisory Group. She received the National Unsung Heros of Public Health Wavemaker award in 2011 and has published extensively in the scientific literature and popular press on public health issues. She has serves as consultant to the World Health Organization, the World Bank, the Low Income Investment Fund and others. Her work has received support from a wide range of private foundations as well as NIH, HHS, HRSA, CDC and other public funders. She is married with 2 daughters and three stepsons and lives in Berkeley, California.

Johnny and Me: My Recovery from Cannabis-Induced Psychosis

Grace Davis, a graduate of the University of Northern Colorado, credits Johnny as a pivotal influence in her decision to complete her degree and quit cannabis. She recognizes that her cannabis/THC use contributed to the progression of her bipolar disorder, which can present with symptoms overlapping psychosis and other mental health conditions.

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, students with bipolar disorder are 70% more likely to drop out of college than peers without psychiatric diagnoses. Despite these challenges, Davis earned a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology while completing both the Interdisciplinary and Upper-Division honors programs. She is an award-winning student and undergraduate researcher.

A former advocate and teacher in Douglas County schools, Davis recognizes the importance of drug-free initiatives and accessible mental health resources for youth. She is passionate about reducing mental health stigma and fostering resilience through education, advocacy, and open dialogue. In addition to speaking, Grace co-facilitates the TOGETHER: Preventing and Recovering from CIP program for Johnny’s Ambassadors.

Davis and Johnny first met as children at Camp Id-Ra-Ha-Je (“I’d Rather Have Jesus”) in Bailey, Colorado. In the spring of 2019, they reconnected while living on the same dorm floor at the University of Northern Colorado. When Johnny confided in her about his mental health struggles, including psychosis and suicidality, she repeatedly advocated for and supported him. Her reports requesting mental health interventions for Johnny were not ethically addressed by those who received them.