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• Activism / Philanthropy / Civic Engagement
• Addiction / Substance Abuse / Recovery
• Children and Youth Health
• Journalism / Literary / Author
• Marijuana/Cannabis
• Mental Health / Psychology

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Heidi A. Swan Local, State and Federal Advocate; Cannabis-Induced Psychosis and Homelessnes Prevention Expert

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• Cannabis-induced psychosis: Amid push for legalization, sister says brother 'was lost to us for a decade'

  Fox.com interviewed me about legalization. I asked why Chuck Schumer isn't being honest about the studies showing the harms of marijuana. I voted for it in California. Now I see the consequences and speak out about them.

• Marijuana's Potency Linked to Psychosis

  From Herald.Net: My letter to the editor about how there should be a cap on THC potency. I describe how low potency THC gave me a psychotic experience. Higher potency THC has greater risks for negative mental health effects.

• THC Warning Lables Where Marijuana is Legalized Can Help Curb the Homeless Crisis

  Our elected leaders must protect the public by adding mental health risks to warning labels on THC products. If young people think marijuana is harmless, then more will use it. If more young people use THC (especially today's high potency products), then more will be at risk to have schizophrenia. This increases the risk for homelessness.

• Hermosa Beach author teams with student director to turn story of her brother's homelessness, drug abuse into short film

  From The Daily Breeze: Article about how our short film, A Night In Jail, shines a light on homelssness and mental illness. This excellent article brought our work to the attention of Manhattan Beach Safe, a local organization helping people get off the streets. Several months later, we did an event together with the teen-led short film. I am grateful to say NBC-LA covered our collaboration.

• Student-led short film “A Night In Jail” provides stunning take on evocative story

  I am so proud of this article. It was written by a high school senior who loved the short film, A Night In Jail. Teens really respond to the story and to the fact it was directed by a teen.

• Teens Using Weed: A Link to Psychosis, Depression, Suicide & Lower GPA (Show #143)

  From Parent Pump Radio: Parent-focused podcast. We discuss my brother's story and discuss these questions: What is the link between early cannabis use & future mental disorder? How does marijuana affect a child's developing brain? Can marijuana use lower GPA?

• Letter to a High School Newspaper Editorial Staff

  From the Redondo Union High School: their newspaper wrote about the pro's and con's of marijuana. Their reporting said marijuana is safer than other drugs with dangerous side effects. I respectfully pointed out that acquiring any mental illness is a very dangerou side effect.

• A Conversation with H.A. Swan

  In this conversation with the editor of Underrated Reads, I share some painful memories from when my brother was on the streets: "For many agonizing years, our family didn't know where he was, how to help him or if he was even alive. How did this happen?"

• A NIGHT IN JAIL: A story about drugs and mental illness, inspired by true events

  Highly Rated Review From Underrated Reads: "...it's a riveting tale based on true events. Readers will be hooked at every page until the surprise ending."

• Did My Brother's Teen Pot Use Lead to His Schizophrenia?

  From The Marijuana Report: See this generous mention of A Night In Jail; it is the third article on this page: "This is a heart-breaking account of what families go through when a member becomes addicted and is unable to see that he or she needs help to enter recovery."

• We Did Not Vote to Legalize Dabbing

  Do you know what "dabbing" is? Most people don't. It's using very high potency marjuana. I wasn't even aware it existed when we voted for legalization. This is a letter I wrote to the editor of our local paper about this.

• Bob Enyart Radio Interview

  Bob Enyart kindly granted me my first radio interview. I am sad to say he passed away. We ended talking about how my brother said attending the staged reading of A Night In Jail was the happiest day of his life. Then, Bob adds, "Wow. What a sister!" I will always be grateful for how welcoming Bob was to me.