Trevor Leopold (2001 – 2019)

Trevor London Leopold shared his huge heart and loving soul with others. Trevor was an animal lover, rock collector, nature detective, a certified Audubon Junior Birdwatcher, an Indian Guide, and a Boy Scout.  He played in Little League and was an avid skier and snowboarder.  Trevor cherished time with and traveled with his family.  Trevor was always quick to say, “I love you,” and gave great, real hugs.

Since his death, I have been an outspoken advocate against youth use of marijuana. My beautiful boy Trevor died in his dorm room at Sonoma State University after ingesting a blue M-30 street pill, with a lethal dose of three types of fentanyl.  His unformed brain searched out a higher high after being introduced to cannabis at age 15.

I discovered that my 15-year-old son Trevor was using cannabis regularly.  Our family did all we could to stop our son’s addiction (a 15-year-old brain gets hooked quickly), sending him to rehab where he was diagnosed with cannabis use disorder.  I found multiple fake IDs and cannabis club memberships.  When he was coming down from a high, our home, vehicles, and even my body became a punching bag for his drug-fueled rages.  He attended six high schools and three rehabs.  The day after his 18th birthday, a legal medical marijuana card was in the mailbox. 

The strength of today’s marijuana means that it is not “just pot.”  It’s a gateway to other drugs.  As a California resident, I am appalled with local policymakers who bow down to this industry.

I advocate against commercial retail cannabis, because I know increased normalization and access will further hurt the youth of our county.  Students themselves tell us how easy it is to get a fake ID or have someone buy it for them.  My son is more than a statistic.  What tax revenue will be gained to make up for the price of my son, who now lies in a cemetery? 

I implore residents of states or local jurisdictions where marijuana is being introduced, to consider the good of your entire community’s health over money.  Whatever is decided in on community will affect all of the surrounding communities.  Our kids (and many adults) are growing up with marijuana use marketed, normalized, and pushed by the cannabis industry.  Our minds naturally and powerfully say, “Illegal is bad, legal is good,” and marijuana is no exception. Legal marijuana access for adults is not good for our youth.