Kevin Bright (1989-2018)

Our son Kevin was 15 years old when he started abusing marijuana.  He was very good at hiding his use until he came to us and said he was depressed and needed help.  We spoke with an educational consultant who evaluated Kevin and recommended a therapeutic wilderness program. 

This was the beginning of many years of therapy and other programs in which Kevin participated.  From age 15 through 29, Kevin’s drug of choice was marijuana.  During that time period he had many psychotic breaks, 5150’s, and at least three suicide attempts.  (Editor’s note:  5150 refers to the California law code for the temporary, involuntary psychiatric commitment of individuals who present a danger to themselves or others due to signs of mental illness.)

Over the years he used marijuana with higher and higher amounts of THC.  About two years before he took his life, he said, “Cannabis has ruined my life.”

We love and miss Kevin very much, every day.  One way we are trying to honor Kevin’s life is by telling his story and educating other parents and young people about the great harm most of today’s marijuana with high THC does to the developing brain

– Bart and Hazel Bright, California

(Fact:  One of the periods of rapid growth for the human brain occurs from age 12 through 25.  This is a crucial period that determines the structure and future functioning of the adult brain.)