‘Marijuana Moms’ take on prosecutor ‘Dad’ in flap over effects of pot – Medical Marijuana Program Connection

A clash between the Marijuana Moms and a Dad for Mental Health is highlighting an escalating controversy over the effects of cannabis.

The moms are a group of lawmakers who helped write the law that legalized pot in Illinois, and the dad is McHenry County State’s Attorney Patrick Kenneally. Each side has referenced those self-given nicknames, somewhat facetiously, in their attacks against each other on the issue.

The feud arose recently after Kenneally required licensed marijuana retail stores in McHenry County to post warnings about the mental health dangers associated with cannabis use including psychosis, depression and thoughts of suicide.

The lawmakers, who are Democrats, say Kenneally, a Republican, is posting disinformation about a highly complex subject. More broadly, the dispute illustrates widespread concerns and uncertainty over the mental health effects of cannabis.

The stores are also required to eliminate from their marketing and websites any suggestion that their products have medical benefits. The requirements were part of a settlement with prosecutors to avoid a consumer fraud lawsuit. Dispensaries that don’t go along with the program will face litigation, Kenneally warned.

As a prime example of…