How Cannabis Impacts Teen Brain Development | Research Explained

Описание: What does cannabis really do to the teenage brain? In this eye-opening keynote, Dr. Krista Lisdahl, professor of psychology and director of the Brain Imaging and Neuropsychology Laboratory at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, breaks down decades of research on how adolescent cannabis use impacts brain structure, function, and cognition. Drawing on large-scale studies like the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study, Dr. Lisdahl explains how the adolescent brain is uniquely vulnerable to the effects of THC.

Learn how cannabis affects critical brain regions involved in attention, memory, and executive function — particularly during the crucial developmental years from adolescence into early adulthood. Dr. Lisdahl discusses findings on structural brain changes, functional MRI patterns, and cognitive performance, shedding light on how early cannabis use can disrupt brain maturation, especially for those who start young or have ADHD.

But it’s not all bad news — this presentation also covers promising evidence that some cognitive functions may recover with sustained abstinence. Plus, find out how aerobic fitness can act as a protective factor against cannabis-related brain impacts. Whether you're a parent, clinician, educator, or researcher, this deep dive offers vital insights into cannabis, brain development, and adolescent mental health.

Dr. Krista Lisdahl provides a keynote address at the Innovations in the Science of Cannabis Conference, May 2022