While cannabis may be legal in Minnesota, it’s still important to be aware of the risks associated with it, especially with high-potency products on the brains of those under 25.

“It’s different from what it used to be. It used to be like 1% to 3% THC back when I was young, and now that potency can range anywhere from 23% tough to 90% THC.” Said Heather Bacchus, “And it’s very detrimental for their developing brains.”

Heather, along with her husband Randy, are founders of the non-profit Be Extraordinary, Be You, which seeks to educate adolescents on the dangers of high potency cannabis. It’s a cause they took up after being losing their son Randy at age 21 to cannabis-induced psychosis and suicide.

“We knew our son had a cannabis use disorder, but we didn’t know the damage that it was doing to his brain.”

The Bacchuses said they connected with other parents who’d lost their children the same way, and now, work to teach others about the impact these products can have.

On April 9, they, along with local addiction treatment resources, visited Lincoln Park Middle School as it hosted a forum to teach students, and community members about high-potency cannabis. Though legal, they say their goal isn’t to change legislation, but they want to make sure people, especially teenagers, know just how powerful some of these products can be.

“Our goal is just really to educate these youth because they are our future. And the simple fact is, is we age, they will be aging. And we want more of them to be good, healthy people mentally, physically, et cetera.” said Randy Bacchus.

More information on the Bacchus’ non-profit can be found on their website.