Every Brain Matters is a community of support and advocacy based on science and live experiences. Join us as we find freedom from marijuana and the drug culture expansion. 

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Mar-Anon Family Group is a fellowship of those affected by another person’s marijuana use and is independent of Every Brain Matters.  To view, Mar-Anon meetings, go to: mar-anon.com/meetings/

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Event Series Every Brain Matters Monthly Speakers Meeting

The Parent Action Network – Crissy Groenewegen

Online Zoom Meeting

In this new era of industrialized THC, families need support and hope. Please join us on the 2nd Wednesday of every month for messages of healing from the impacts of marijuana and the expanding drug crisis.  There will be a Q&A at the end of each meeting. This meeting may be recorded at the presenter’s discretion.

This month we feature the Parent Action Network.

The Parent Action Network (PAN) is a grassroots initiative of Smart Approaches to Marijuana that seeks to raise the voices of families who have been negatively impacted by the legalization and commercialization of marijuana, especially today’s high-potency products. Through their trainings PAN equips families with the tools and resources they need to tell their stories and enact change. PAN educates parents and families on current issues, arming them with science-based facts, and empowering them so they have the confidence and tools to encourage decision-makers to make informed drug policy decisions that protect our public health and safety. In this presentation, you will learn the ways in which you can get involved with PAN and advocate on Capitol Hill and in your own states and communities.

Crissy Groenewegen serves as the Director of the Parent Action Network. She is the former Director of the only non-profit agency in Dutchess County, NY, dedicated to preventing youth initiation into substance use and misuse. She is a skilled prevention specialist, experienced at building the capacity of small grass roots community groups and movements. She is passionate about making a difference in our communities and working to make our neighborhoods safe for youth and families. The decision to take on this role comes from a place of great respect for the advocacy work that SAM does. She shares SAM’s mission and vision of creating a network of parents and families who will be able to tell their stories, and in turn educate lawmakers, and advocate for safe policies surrounding the issue of legalized marijuana and the dangers of today’s high potency THC products. Crissy is the mother of three adult children and the proud grandma to her only grandchild, Ethan! She lives in Dutchess County, NY with her husband and their pets.

Register for this meeting at this link. Once registered, you will be sent a Zoom link to join the meeting that you can save to your calendar. You will not be required to register again if you have already registered for a previous Speakers Meeting. If you have any questions, please email us at info@everybrainmatters.org.

This meeting is free, but donations are welcome to increase our effort to support and advocate for families impacted by industrialized marijuana. 

Link To Register

Meeting ID: 872 9417 0134
Passcode: ebmsupport

Event Series Every Brain Matters Monthly Speakers Meeting

Every Brain Matters Monthly Speakers Meeting featuring Dr. Frank Michalski

Online Zoom Meeting
In this new era of industrialized THC, families need support and hope. Please join us on the second Wednesday of every month for messages of healing from the impacts of marijuana and the expanding drug crisis. There will be a Q&A at the end of each meeting. This meeting may be recorded at the presenter’s discretion.

To learn more, join us online on March 12, 2025

5 pm PT / 6 pm MT / 7 pm CT / 8 pm ET

This month we feature Dr. Frank Michalski, DO, CARC, CRMP

Dr. Frank Michalski is the owner of AddictionMindset Recovery Coaching LLC. Dr. Frank is a chiropractic physician, certified addiction recovery coach, and functional medicine practitioner. More importantly, throughout early adulthood he struggled with several substance use disorders to cannabis, nicotine, stimulants, and media content.

After suffering the consequences of an acute state of cannabis induced psychosis and cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome while struggling with a cannabis substance use disorder he began his sobriety journey.

Dr. Frank is a serial entrepreneur, husband, and proud father.

Dr. Frank’s mission is to make sobriety accessible to everyone no matter their demographic, financial situation, or current circumstances.

Today he engages over 700 thousand people across Youtube, Tiktok, Facebook, and Instagram helping them find their own path of recovery.

He continues to share his story of recovery online through social media, in highschools throughout the United States, and with public speaking engagements.

“Sobriety is not about what you are giving up but rather everything you stand to gain back.” -Dr. Frank Michalski (DC CARC CFMP)

 

Link To Register

 

Event Series Every Brain Matters Monthly Speakers Meeting

My Child is using marijuana. Now What? Every Brain Matters Monthly Speakers Meeting.

Online Zoom Meeting

Aubree is the Director of Every Brain Matters, a non-profit organization created by families affected by industrialized marijuana. Her own family’s experiences with cannabis have motivated her involvement in a parent-driven recovery community, where she has even hosted young people in recovery in her home. Aubree is acutely aware of the challenges faced when parenting a child who is using cannabis or on the path to addiction and mental health struggles.

In her presentation, Aubree will educate families about cannabis use disorder, cannabis-induced psychosis, and cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome. Attendees will learn how to recognize the signs of marijuana use and gain practical tools for effectively parenting a child or young adult who displays harmful behaviors. Additionally, she will provide guidelines for parents on how to create a home environment that supports recovery and encourages healthy living.

In this new era of industrialized marijuana, families need support and hope. Please join us on the 2nd Wednesday of every month for messages of healing from the impacts of marijuana and the expanding drug crisis.  There will be a Q&A at the end of each meeting. This meeting may be recorded at the presenter’s discretion.

Register for this meeting at this link. Once registered, you will be sent a Zoom link to join the meeting that you can save to your calendar. You will not be required to register again if you have already registered for a previous Speakers Meeting. If you have any questions, please email us at info@everybrainmatters.org.

This meeting is free, but donations are welcome to increase our effort to support and advocate for families impacted by industrialized marijuana. 

Link To Register

Meeting ID: 872 9417 0134
Passcode: ebmsupport

Event Series Every Brain Matters Monthly Speakers Meeting

Canceled Every Brain Matters Monthly Speakers Meeting

Online Zoom Meeting

In this new era of industrialized THC, families need support and hope. Please join us on the first Friday of every month for messages of healing from the impacts of marijuana and the expanding drug crisis.  There will be a Q&A at the end of each meeting. This meeting may be recorded at the presenter’s discretion.

Register for this meeting at this link. Once registered, you will be sent a Zoom link to join the meeting that you can save to your calendar. You will not be required to register again if you have already registered for a previous Speakers Meeting. If you have any questions, please email us at info@everybrainmatters.org.

This meeting is free, but donations are welcome to increase our effort to support and advocate for families impacted by industrialized marijuana. 

Link To Register

Meeting ID: 872 9417 0134
Passcode: ebmsupport

Event Series Every Brain Matters Monthly Speakers Meeting

Every Brain Matters Speakers Meeting – Holiday Family Tips

Online Zoom Meeting

Join us for an important discussion on how families are managing cannabis-related challenges during the holidays. Our panelists aim to inspire hope in families facing the genuine harms associated with cannabis.

Bart and Hazel Bright have transformed the pain of losing their son into a mission to help others. Hazel serves as the Director of a local NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) organization, while Bart is a founding member and the president of the board of Mar-Anon. They have been a source of support for families negatively affected by marijuana for many years, inspiring them to continue working on solid recovery programs.

Mary Maas is currently facing the challenges of having a loved one who is homeless and struggling with mental and physical health issues due to cannabis use. Despite this, her unwavering faith allows her to care for herself while running support groups through Mar-Anon. She also leads a mothers’ fellowship, sharing her experiences to provide strength and hope to other families.

Bryn Spejcher was unaware that marijuana could trigger deep psychosis and lead to violent behavior, which ultimately claimed the life of her friend and nearly cost her own life as well. Now, she works alongside professionals, has strong support from her family, and relies on her faith to continue her healing process after this traumatic experience.

In this new era of industrialized THC, families need support and hope. Please join us on the second Wednesday of every month for messages of healing from the impacts of marijuana and the expanding drug crisis.  There will be a Q&A at the end of each meeting. This meeting may be recorded at the presenter’s discretion.

Register for this meeting at this link. Once registered, you will be sent a Zoom link to join the meeting that you can save to your calendar. You will not be required to register again if you have already registered for a previous Speakers Meeting. If you have any questions, please email us at info@everybrainmatters.org.

This meeting is free, but donations are welcome to increase our effort to support and advocate for families impacted by industrialized marijuana. 

Link To Register

Meeting ID: 872 9417 0134
Passcode: ebmsupport

Event Series Every Brain Matters Monthly Speakers Meeting

Every Brain Matters Monthly Speakers Meeting

Online Zoom Meeting

In this new era of industrialized THC, families need support and hope. Please join us on the second Wednesday of every month for messages of healing from the impacts of marijuana and the expanding drug crisis.  There will be a Q&A at the end of each meeting. This meeting may be recorded at the presenter’s discretion.

This month we feature Elsabet Tekle.

My name is Elsabet Tekle; I go by Elsa. I am blessed to be a mom to my 23-year-old son, Yohannes. I was born in Ethiopia, one of nine children. My dream to come to the USA and be educated became a reality in 1980. Since, I have been blessed to live my dream. Being a mom was also my dream that came true in 2001. My earliest memory of America was pancakes with pancake syrup and chocolate chip cookies. I was and still am a dutiful mom to my son by doing the leg work I need to being the mom my son needs and the person God wants me to be, despite the challenges marijuana has brought us. I struggle like all of you with my decisions to work on myself instead of cater to my son’s want. I focus on Working on myself including attending meetings with Mar-anon, Every Brain Matters and meeting with my sponsor along with exercise and dance.

Register for this meeting at this link. Once registered, you will be sent a Zoom link to join the meeting that you can save to your calendar. You will not be required to register again if you have already registered for a previous Speakers Meeting. If you have any questions, please email us at info@everybrainmatters.org.

This meeting is free, but donations are welcome to increase our effort to support and advocate for families impacted by industrialized marijuana. 

Link To Register

Meeting ID: 872 9417 0134
Passcode: ebmsupport

Event Series Every Brain Matters Monthly Speakers Meeting

Every Brain Matters Monthly Speakers Meeting

Online Zoom Meeting

In this new era of industrialized THC, families need support and hope. Please join us on the second Wednesday of every month for messages of healing from the impacts of marijuana and the expanding drug crisis.  There will be a Q&A at the end of each meeting. This meeting may be recorded at the presenter’s discretion.

In October, we welcome Nina Manolson.

Nina Manolson’s son had a severe episode of CIP (Cannabis-Induced Psychosis), and she was an important part of his recovery. Her experience underscores the power of family as a grounding and healing force during unstable times. She is passionate about the need for society to speak more openly about mental health, psychosis, and the dangers of cannabis.
 
Professionally, Nina Manolson, M.A., is a Body-Peace® coach who helps people end their battles with food and body image, guiding them to feel at home in their bodies as they are. As a therapist, she focuses on helping women break free from dieting cycles and adopt compassionate, empowering approaches to eating and living, fostering lasting positive changes in their relationship with their bodies.

Register for this meeting at this link. Once registered, you will be sent a Zoom link to join the meeting that you can save to your calendar. You will not be required to register again if you have already registered for a previous Speakers Meeting. If you have any questions, please email us at info@everybrainmatters.org.

This meeting is free. However, donations are welcome to increase our efforts to support and advocate for families impacted by industrialized marijuana. 

Link To Register

Meeting ID: 872 9417 0134
Passcode: ebmsupport

Event Series Every Brain Matters Monthly Speakers Meeting

Every Brain Matters Speakers Meeting – Dr. Anette Edens- Monster to Miracles: Parent-driven recovery tools that work

Online Zoom Meeting

In this new era of industrialized THC, families need support and hope. Please join us on the second Wednesday of every month for messages of healing from the impacts of marijuana and the expanding drug crisis.  There will be a Q&A at the end of each meeting. This meeting may be recorded at the presenter’s discretion.

Dr. Anette Edens is a clinical psychologist and published author. She has presented professional papers, lectures, and workshops addressing mental health professionals, teens, college students, and parents regarding substance abuse and recovery, associated family dynamics, and codependency. Her book, “From Monsters to Miracles: Parent-driven recovery tools that work” is widely used by treatment programs across the country. She is a founding member and past president of the Association of Alternative Peer Groups (AAPG) board.
Dr. Edens began her academic career at a small private university researching the efficacies of various treatment modalities for adolescents, ultimately consulting with various alternative peer group (APG) programs. She facilitated the development of Archway Academy, a sober high school in Houston that is now recognized as exemplary among sober high schools. She has developed and consulted with numerous APG programs over the past 25 years. Her keen insights into the needs of teens and their families as they move through adolescence has earned wide acceptance in the academic, professional, and recovery communities.

Register for this meeting at this link. Once registered, you will be sent a Zoom link to join the meeting that you can save to your calendar. You will not be required to register again if you have already registered for a previous Speakers Meeting. If you have any questions, please email us at info@everybrainmatters.org.

This meeting is free, but donations are welcome to increase our effort to support and advocate for families impacted by industrialized marijuana. 

Link To Register

Meeting ID: 872 9417 0134
Passcode: ebmsupport

Taking on the Cannabis Industry and Winning – Patrick Kenneally

Online Zoom Meeting

Patrick Kenneally successfully sued the cannabis industry in McHenry County, Illinois. As a result, cannabis dispensaries are now required to warn customers of the negative health consequences with in-store signage of the mental-health dangers associated with cannabis use, including psychosis, depression, and suicidal ideation. Cannabis businesses are also required to scrub their marketing and website of any suggestion that their products have medical benefits.

Mr. Kenneally believes more lawsuits are needed to protect people from the cannabis industry’s predatory practices. To learn more from Patrick Kennealy, join us on Sept. 6, 2024, at noon central time zone.

REGISTER AT THIS LINK. 

Patrick joined the McHenry County State’s Attorney’s Office in 2007 as an assistant state’s attorney. During his tenure as an assistant state’s attorney, Patrick worked in traffic court, misdemeanor court, felony court, as a special prosecutor, in the Civil Division, and as the First Assistant. He handled thousands of criminal prosecutions and represented the County in civil litigation and on government-related legal matters. Patrick was elected McHenry County State’s Attorney in 2016.

Patrick believes it is his duty to stand in solidarity with victims who often must endure for a lifetime the consequences of the senseless criminal acts of others. He is committed to resolutely prosecuting criminal offenders, but doing so without ever losing sight of his ultimate ethical responsibility to seek justice before all else and ensure a defendant’s rights are protected.

Patrick has been awarded the Turning Point Peace and Justice Award for his work on behalf of victims of domestic battery and currently serves on the Executive Board of the McHenry County Substance Abuse Coalition. He is also a member of the McHenry County and Illinois Bar Associations.

Personal

Patrick is the proud husband of Colleen. He, Colleen, and their four sons live in Crystal Lake. Patrick and his family are members of St. Thomas Church in Crystal Lake, where Patrick is a member of the Knights of Columbus.

Education

Patrick earned his law degree from Washington University School of Law in 2005 and also has a master’s degree in environmental law from the University of Vermont. Prior to law school, Patrick earned his bachelor’s degree in biology and liberal arts from College of the Holy Cross. At Holy Cross, Patrick was named to the All-Time Patriot League Academic Honor Roll.

Court and Bar Admissions

  • State of Illinois
  • United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois

Event Series Every Brain Matters Monthly Speakers Meeting

Every Brain Matters Speakers Meeting- Kobi Russell – recovery cannabis psychosis

Online Zoom Meeting

In this new era of industrialized THC, families need support and hope. Please join us on the second Wednesday of every month for messages of healing from the impacts of marijuana and the expanding drug crisis.  There will be a Q&A at the end of each meeting. This meeting may be recorded at the presenter’s discretion.

Kobi Russell is a recent graduate of Brandeis University who currently works in the fields of conflict resolution and accessibility. In late 2018, due to a “perfect storm” of triggers, including stress, lack of sleep, medication, and, most importantly, daily high-potency cannabis usage, Kobi had a severe and prolonged episode of cannabis-induced psychosis, CIP. During his recovery, a relative told him, “Kobi, you’ve gone to a place [mentally] that most people will never go.”

As he began speaking publicly about his experience with psychosis, sobriety, and recovery (both online and with his community), Kobi quickly reached the painful realization that he was far from alone. Kobi hopes that this talk and, ideally, future collaborations with Every Brain Matters will show that young people who experience CIP are not alone, that there are others who understand their experience on a deeply personal level, and that recovery is a journey––and it is absolutely possible!

Kobi is 25 years old and lives with his family in Somerville, MA. He enjoys getting active in nice weather and hiding inside when it snows!

Register for this meeting at this link. Once registered, you will be sent a Zoom link to join the meeting that you can save to your calendar. You will not be required to register again if you have already registered for a previous Speakers Meeting. If you have any questions, please email us at info@everybrainmatters.org.

This meeting is free, but donations are welcome to increase our effort to support and advocate for families impacted by industrialized marijuana. 

Link To Register

Meeting ID: 872 9417 0134
Passcode: ebmsupport

Event Series Every Brain Matters Monthly Speakers Meeting

Every Brain Matters Monthly Speakers Meeting -Raquel Watkins-Jones-Rockstar Parenting

Online Zoom Meeting

In this new era of industrialized THC, families need support and hope.

Raquel Watkins-Jones is a dedicated professional coach specializing in family dynamics, parental support, adolescent development, and addiction recovery. She founded Rockstar Parenting™, Rockstar Teens™, and the “Lovin’ The Skin You’re In” Youth Empowerment Workshop™.

Raquel is devoted to equipping parents with the essential tools and strategies needed to serve as effective role models. She aims to cultivate a family legacy that will be honored by future generations. She is also passionate about aiding teens in their self-discovery and personal development, enhancing their self-esteem and self-worth. Raquel draws inspiration from her three remarkably resilient daughters and her beloved role as ‘Mama Roc’ to five grandchildren.

For additional information, please visit: www.rockstarparenting.com

Please join us on the second Wednesday of every month for messages of healing from the impacts of marijuana and the expanding drug crisis.  There will be a Q&A at the end of each meeting. This meeting may be recorded at the presenter’s discretion.

Register for this meeting at this link. Once registered, you will be sent a Zoom link to join the meeting that you can save to your calendar. You will not be required to register again if you have already registered for a previous Speakers Meeting. If you have any questions, please email us at info@everybrainmatters.org.

This meeting is free, but donations are welcome to increase our effort to support and advocate for families impacted by industrialized marijuana. 

Link To Register

Meeting ID: 872 9417 0134
Passcode: ebmsupport

Event Series Every Brain Matters Monthly Speakers Meeting

Every Brain Matters Monthly Speakers Meeting – We Have Our Son Back From Cannabis Psychosis

Online Zoom Meeting

In this new era of industrialized cannabis, families need support and hope.

This month, we learned from Mom and Dad O.

We are 60-something parents who came of age during the 1970s when cannabis use was no big deal. When our son began to use cannabis in his late teens during his early college years, we weren’t particularly concerned. But then we witnessed our kind-hearted, bright, outgoing, athletic son begin to develop odd behaviors that ultimately escalated into full-blown psychosis. This was around 2017, and there was very little information or support available for families struggling with a loved one suffering from Cannabis-Induced Psychosis (CIP). Frankly, we weren’t really sure if his psychotic behavior was entirely from cannabis, another drug use, or some organic disorder.

Over the years, our son has been involuntarily hospitalized twice and admitted to multiple rehab facilities. Every facility claimed to have a means to treat CIP but really, they were at a loss as to what to do with him, especially the earlier ones. We witnessed our son spiral further and further into his delusional mindset. We mourned for him as we watched him turn into someone we didn’t recognize.

During this time, we became involved with a 12-step support group, Families Anonymous (FA). Our involvement with FA provided us with the tools and mindset to cope with this unpredictable emotional roller coaster. It also connected us with wonderful resources and even more wonderful people, many of whom are now dear friends. We still attend our meetings.

It has been two years since our son returned home from his last inpatient treatment program. At that time, he was the most clear-headed we had seen in years. His mental clarity has continued, and he is once again thoroughly engaged in society, our family, and his future.  He is on no medication. His clarity is from simply NOT USING CANNABIS. We have our son back.

This meeting will be recorded but not available to the public. The family will share this recording at their discretion for educational purposes and to maintain anonymity.

Register for this meeting at this link. Once registered, you will be sent a Zoom link to join the meeting that you can save to your calendar. You will not be required to register again if you have already registered for a previous Speakers Meeting.  There will be a Q&A at the end of each meeting.  If you have any questions, please email us at info@everybrainmatters.org.

This meeting is free, but donations are welcome to increase our effort to support and advocate for families impacted by industrialized marijuana. 

Link To Register Brain

Meeting ID: 872 9417 0134
Passcode: ebmsupport

Please join us on the second Wednesday of every month for messages of healing from the impacts of cannabis and the expanding drug crisis.