A Higher Love
A Journey Through Addiction, Cannabis-Induced Psychosis, Suicide and Redemption
“Heather chronicles a mother's heartbreaking journey of love and faith when faced with the unthinkable. A Higher Love is a love story like no other, and a must-read for ANYONE who underestimates the dangers of today's marijuana and its ramifications for mental health.”
- Lynn Bartol
“Heather’s vulnerability and deeply intimate approach quickly draws you into her family’s personal, yet relatable journey with addiction and mental health. The book gives you an alarming look at the dark underbelly of today’s marijuana industry, provides much-needed insight and education, and it also brings hope and faith after unimaginable loss. An important read not just for parents and young adults, but for health care providers and educators, along with anyone who’s currently struggling or knows someone who is. Emotional, powerful, and informative, I believe this book will help save lives.”
- Jennifer Schuna
The Book is available at Ingram Spark and Amazon in either paperback or digital.
In A Higher Love, Heather Bacchus takes readers on an intimate and powerful journey through the heartbreaking loss of her 21-year-old son to cannabis-induced psychosis and suicide. This true story weaves personal experiences backed by scientific evidence about the underestimated dangers of today's high-potency cannabis products.
Heather candidly shares their son's struggles with addiction, his mental health issues triggered by his marijuana use, and the devastating consequences that followed. She also sheds light on the pain, confusion, and guilt that families often endure while navigating a loved one's addiction and mental illness.
More than just a memoir, A Higher Love is educational and a call to action. It combines the Bacchus family's tragedy with research-based insights into the evolving risks associated with modern-day cannabis. Heather draws on her roles as a mother, educator, and advocate to urge parents, teachers, administrators, professionals, and communities to have critical conversations about today's high-potency marijuana products to prevent youth cannabis use.
At its heart, this book is a story of redemption. Heather and her husband, Randy, transform their great grief into a mission to save lives by bringing awareness and sharing a prevention message. They offer hope and healing for others walking a similar path and encourage society to reexamine assumptions about a "harmless" substance.
A Higher Love is a raw, honest, and deeply inspiring book that will resonate with anyone seeking to understand the complex intersections of high-potency cannabis products, addiction, mental health, and family resilience. Above all, it is a testament to the many types of love, the enduring power of love, and how love, trust, and strength can create resilience and help to find purpose in unimaginable loss.
Heather Bacchus is an author, speaker, and passionate advocate for youth mental health and substance use prevention. Drawing from her journey through loss, resilience, and hope, Heather authored A Higher Love: A Journey Through Addiction, Cannabis-Induced Psychosis, Suicide, and Redemption to highlight the hidden dangers of high-potency cannabis and the devastating impact it can have on youth and their families.
Heather’s mission is deeply personal. In 2021, she and her family experienced an unimaginable tragedy when her 21-year-old son succumbed to cannabis-induced psychosis and completed suicide. Determined to turn her pain into purpose, Heather raises awareness and educates others about the risks associated with today's highly potent cannabis products.As a professional speaker, Heather shares her heartfelt story backed by scientific evidence and offers actionable strategies for youth prevention. She co-leads Be Extraordinary, Be You with her husband, Randy, inspiring young people to make informed choices about drug use while encouraging them to be extraordinary, embrace their authentic selves, and live chemical-free lives.
In addition to her advocacy work, Heather is a seasoned Realtor®, a 200-hour certified yoga instructor, and a former educator. Her diverse background reflects her dedication to serving others, whether helping families find their dream homes or inspiring positive change in her community.
Heather is committed to integrity, compassion, and hope. Through her book and speaking engagements, she seeks to honor her son’s legacy by preventing similar tragedies and fostering a future where every child can thrive.
Heather resides in Minnesota with her husband, Randy, and their three daughters, where they continue their advocacy and professional pursuits with unwavering dedication.