Andy Zorn’s story is one of the first stories that brought attention to the problem of cannabis use disorder and suicide. An army veteran and once joyful young man, Andy’s life was cut short when he took his own life because he could not get over his cannabis addiction. In a note to his mother, Andy stated “Marijuana killed my soul + ruined my brain. I am doing everyone a favor.” He had been given a recommendation for medical marijuana before recreational marijuana was legal in his state, believing it was a “natural” product. This tragic case began a movement activated by Andy’s mom, Sally, and many other families who suffered similar tragedies as marijuana became legalized, commercialized and normalized. As the potency of marijuana increased over the last two decades, so did the dangers associated with its use.
The legalization and normalization of marijuana has created an addiction-for-profit industry that doesn’t care about you, your family, or your community. It markets to vulnerable populations, including children, in pursuit of life-long customers. Walking in the footsteps of tobacco, alcohol, and the opioid industries, it chases profits above all.