About the Session: Parent Action Network (PAN) is a program of Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM) that raises the voices of families harmed by legalization and commercialization of marijuana, particularly today’s high potency THC products. We arm parents with the science-based facts, train them to tell their stories, and put them in front of the people who write the laws.

Legalization means commercialization: more potent products, more stores, more advertising, more access, and more daily use. The mental health data has followed, and it is disturbing, especially regarding today’s youth. Marijuana and mental health are now tied together in thousands of peer-reviewed studies which confirm that today’s high potency THC is linked to psychosis, depression, suicide, and addiction and that teens who use these products have a significantly greater risk of developing a psychotic disorder.

During the presentation, Crissy will discuss the industry tactics, the true science-based data, the impact these policies have had on youth and families across the country, and why raising voices and advocating for better policies is so important.

About the Speakers: Crissy Groenewegen is the Director of Parent Action Network (PAN), the grassroots division of the national nonprofit Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM). With a background in counseling, education, and prevention, she previously served as Executive Director of a small prevention nonprofit in Dutchess County, New York, before joining SAM. A skilled prevention specialist, she is experienced in building the capacity of grassroots community groups and movements.

As PAN’s Director, Crissy is passionate about the network of parents and families she has built, who are trained to tell their stories effectively and educate our nation’s leaders and other stakeholders. Together, they advocate for safe policies in response to the commercialization and normalization of today’s high-potency THC products.

Crissy has spoken at conferences across the country about PAN’s mission to equip families with the tools and resources they need to tell their stories and drive change. She has presented at national events including the National Federation of Families, Victoria’s Voice Save Our Kids Forum, CADCA, Power of Hope, Johnny’s Ambassadors, DARE, Drug Free America, and the SAM Good Drug Policy Summit, as well as at many local conferences and coalition meetings.

Outside of work, Crissy treasures time with her family, friends, and pets, and especially loves being a grandma to her grandson, Ethan. She enjoys movies, theater, gardening, and travel.