The father of Chad O’Melia, a California man who was stabbed to death by his girlfriend after she fell into a “cannabis-induced psychosis,” is expressing outrage over the lenient sentence she received. Bryn Spejcher, 32, avoided prison time for killing O’Melia, and her lawyers are now warning about the unpredictable and tragic consequences of ultra-potent marijuana strains from “illicit” providers, even in states where the drug is legal.
According to Spejcher’s attorney, Michael Goldstein, the defense of “cannabis-induced psychosis” was supported by renowned psychiatrists Dr. William Wirshing and Dr. Kris Mohandie. Both experts testified that the violent behavior exhibited by Spejcher was unforeseeable and linked to the specific strain of marijuana she had consumed, which contained a THC level of 31.8%. They also highlighted the lack of warning labels on the product.
The average THC content in seized cannabis has significantly increased over the years, with levels reaching 17% in 2017, according to the Yale School of Medicine. However, legal dispensaries in Los Angeles are selling marijuana flower with THC levels as high as 39%. Goldstein raises concerns about the lack of attention given to this issue and the potential dangers it poses.
Spejcher’s case is further complicated by the fact that O’Melia’s roommate had a similar extreme reaction to smoking from the same bong prior to the fatal incident. The defense argues that Spejcher was a “naive user” with limited experience and did not possess the awareness of the risks associated with high-potency cannabis.
While critics compare Spejcher’s case to fatal drunken driving crashes, Goldstein emphasizes that her actions were not driven by a conscious decision to engage in risky behavior. He argues that O’Melia, an experienced marijuana user, should have taken responsibility for providing a potent strain without warning his girlfriend.
The lenient sentence handed down to Spejcher has sparked widespread outrage, with O’Melia’s father stating that the justice system has failed his family. The judge sentenced Spejcher to two years of probation, 100 hours of community service, and no prison time. The victim’s father and supporters organized a protest outside the courthouse, demanding a tougher punishment.
Spejcher, who worked as an audiologist at the UCLA Medical Center and is hearing impaired herself, now faces the risk of losing her medical license and the ability to continue helping others. Her attorney emphasizes her remorse and the profound impact this incident has had on her life.
As California grapples with the legalization of marijuana, this case raises important questions about the potential risks associated with high-potency strains and the need for comprehensive regulations and warning labels. The tragedy involving O’Melia’s death serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable consequences that can arise from the use of potent cannabis.
