This is one of the hardest things I've ever had to do....asking for help is not easy.

Also, telling the world our personal struggles isn't easy.

But I have to try for my kid.

We're getting to a point where money is becoming a major obstacle for quality mental health care.

Gabe (age 22, the youngest of my 3 boys) has been dealing with Cannabis Induced Psychosis (CIB) and possible Schizoaffective Disorder for over two years.

CIB has become more and more prevalent since weed has become legally accessible in the United States.

Weed now isn't the same as 'back in the day'. It is made into oils, waxes, etc. and is very potent.

**“I was a daily, all day sorta guy and I got psychosis where you hear voices, and you feel like you’re sitting next to yourself,” Davidson told US Weekly on Aug. 14. “Weed isn’t supposed to do that … it’s because it’s too strong.”

-Comedian Pete Davidson**

If a child's brain is still developing & there are some mental health issues already present (anxiety/depression, for example), the brain can be severely affected if used in large amounts.

So much so that many parents & other loved ones I have met in this journey....they have lost their kids to suicide.

**"For men aged 14 to 24, the risk of developing schizophrenia rises to over 40% within three years" of showing up in an emergency room for cannabis-induced psychosis. —Dr. Daniel Myran, a researcher with the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute**

Gabe bought a medical card after we moved to Florida over 3 years ago to deal with his social anxiety after getting a job here. I had no idea, but in all honesty, even if I did, I was clueless to the dangers of cannabis oil on the developing brain. We've been told by medical professionals in the past (mainly during Covid) that a small bite of a gummy could help Gabe with his anxiety and ADD. It actually did the opposite.

If you've ever met Gabe, before the pandemic, he was shy, quiet and a talented musician. As a child, he had the biggest heart and would never dream of even squishing a bug. Before puberty, he was hilarious and made everyone laugh.

During 10th and 11th grade, I could see a change in his anxiety levels. He was hesitant to spend time with friends, have dinner with the family, go out in public....something changed. Other negative life events unfolded & Covid happened, his routine of school & seeing friends was collapsed.

All of this, combined with high doses of cannabis oil these past few years, contributed to Gabe becoming a completely different person.

It's been heartbreaking to watch and even worse to see my son deal with the way his brain is torturing him.

I came across this quote from a dad:

"It was more than I could bear at times; it was like watching your son being tortured before your eyes, and there was nothing you could do to stop it."


Sadly, this is our life now.

BUT...there is hope. There is always HOPE.

Gabe has been in various treatment facilities for 2 years...but only recently he has agreed to take some medication. He recently said he needs help. He recently even said that I can ask others for help (he approved me creating this Go Fund Me).

A few of the long term, transitional living homes I've learned of cost around $2500/month. Gabe is on SSI currently (due to severe mental health) but it is only $643/month. Florida hasn't been kind on our finances in general, so many of the places Gabe has gone to have accepted insurance through my job.

The supported living housing does not accept insurance.

Gabe has been close to homelessness because he hasn't been stable or well enough to live with anyone else. If he can go to supported housing, they will work with him to learn self care, finances, how to hold down a job...all the adulting things that he has never been well enough to learn.

If you cannot help financially, we take prayers!

This world isn't an easy place to be, but together, we can make it a more kind place.

Thank you!!

Bethany (Gabe's mom)