240. Bryn Spejcher | Unspeakable Violence240. Bryn Spejcher | Unspeakable Violence
High Truths on Drugs and Addiction
Unspeakable violence happened in 2018, when a 28 year old professional audiologist, Bryn Spejcher, was on a date with a 26-year-old accountant, Chad O'Melia. Chad was a regular marijuana user with a large bong displayed on his coffee table. Bryn inhaled the THC from the bong and within minutes developed cannabis induced psychosis. Having severe hallucinations, Bryn stabbed Chad 108 times, using kitchen knives. She also stabbed her beloved service dog and then repeatedly stabbed herself in the neck, nearly killing herself. Bryn is doing community service for involuntary manslaughter. She joins High Truths with her mother and Aubree Adams. Aubree Adams is the founder and director of Every Brain Matters, a nationally trusted educational resource formed by families with loved ones whose lives were damaged or ended by marijuana. Every Brain Matters has a memorial to the many lives lost to marijuana. She hosts her own podcast, "It's Just pot, what's the problem?" She returns to High Truths from Episode # 170. High Truths discussed the Bryn Spejcher manslaughter case of Chad O'Meilia on previous episodes on High Truths. On episode #163 we spoke with Heidi Swan and Dr. Christy Brown who attended Bryn's trial and discussed the trial. On episode #172 we spoke with Eve Simmon, a reporter from the Daily Mail who reported on the trial. She empathized with Bryn.
1:15:36•28 Jul 2025
Bryn Spejcher's Story: A Night of Tragedy
Episode Overview
- Bryn Spejcher discusses her cannabis-induced psychosis.
- Chad O'Melia's tragic death and its legal repercussions.
- The role of marijuana in altering mental states.
- Importance of drug awareness and education.
- Bryn's advocacy and future plans.
“People think cannabis is harmless because it's natural or legal, but it can have profound effects on brain chemistry.”
In this gripping episode of High Truths on Drugs and Addiction, Dr. Roneet Lev delves into the harrowing story of Bryn Spejcher, a professional audiologist whose life took a dramatic turn due to cannabis-induced psychosis. In 2018, Bryn was on a date with Chad O'Melia, a marijuana user, when she inhaled THC from a bong. This led to severe hallucinations, causing her to stab Chad 108 times and also harm herself.
The episode provides a chilling recount of that night and explores the legal and emotional aftermath of the incident. Dr. Lev, an emergency and addiction doctor, provides a platform for Bryn to share her story, emphasizing the dangers of marijuana and its potential impact on mental health. Bryn's mother and Aubree Adams, founder of Every Brain Matters, join the conversation, highlighting the need for increased awareness about cannabis-induced psychosis, especially among youth.
The episode underscores the misconception of marijuana as a harmless substance, stressing its profound effects on brain chemistry. Bryn discusses her journey through the legal system, from being charged with first-degree murder to the charge being reduced to involuntary manslaughter. She shares her ongoing efforts to educate others about the risks of marijuana use and psychosis, aiming to prevent similar tragedies.
Aubree Adams complements this discussion by calling for shared responsibility among the cannabis industry, media, and policymakers in shaping public perception of marijuana. The episode not only sheds light on the personal and legal challenges faced by Bryn but also serves as a call to action for drug awareness and prevention programs. Dr. Lev emphasizes the importance of integrating physical, mental, and addiction health, urging listeners to learn from experts and implement life-saving programs.
Bryn's story is a poignant reminder of the potential dangers of drug use and the importance of informed decision-making. Her advocacy for drug education and mental health awareness continues as she navigates her future, hoping to inspire change and understanding through her experiences.
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