The Teen Brain & Cannabis: What Parents Needs to Know | Dr. Krista Lisdahl

The Teen Brain & Cannabis: What Parents Needs to Know | Dr. Krista Lisdahl

Author: Lianne Castelino May 16, 2026 Duration: 33:26
Where Parents Talk: Evidence-based Expert Advice on Raising Kids Today
KidsKids & FamilyEducationFamilyHow ToParenting

Can cannabis use during the teen years slow your child's cognitive development — even before you notice the signs?

In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino speaks to neuroscientist and cannabis researcher Dr. Krista Lisdahl, Professor of Psychological and Brain Sciences at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, who breaks down the findings of the largest long-term study of brain development in U.S. youth ever conducted.

Dr. Lisdahl explains what the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study — tracking over 11,000 young people from ages 9 to 19 — reveals about cannabis, THC, and the developing teen brain. She discusses why adolescence is such a critical window for cognitive growth, what "blunted" development actually looks like in your teen's daily life, and how high-potency products like vaping oils and edibles raise the stakes.

Parents will learn: what the warning signs of early cannabis use look like at home and school, how to have an honest, effective conversation with your teen about marijuana, when to seek professional help, what the difference between THC and CBD really means for your family, and why delaying cannabis use until at least age 17 matters more than you might think.

Practical, science-backed, and reassuringly honest — this is essential listening for any parent of a tween, teen, or young adult.

Takeaways:

  • Understanding the effects of hormonal changes on adolescent mental health is crucial for parents.
  • Communication around device usage is essential in fostering independence and discipline in teens.
  • The impact of social media on bullying and consent in relationships cannot be overlooked.
  • Research shows that cannabis use can negatively affect cognitive development in teenagers.
  • Emotional health during adolescence can be affected by peer pressure and the need for acceptance.
  • Maintaining open dialogue about physical health and substance use can empower teens to make informed choices.

Links referenced in this episode:


Companies mentioned in this episode:

  • University of Wisconsin
  • UVM
  • Neuropsychopharmacology
  • Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study
  • CBD
  • Epidiolex

This podcast is for parents, guardians, teachers and caregivers to learn proven strategies and trusted tips on raising kids, teens and young adults based on science, evidenced and lived experience.

You’ll learn the latest on topics like managing bullying, consent, fostering healthy relationships, and the interconnectedness of mental, emotional and physical health.

Links referenced in this episode:

• • whereparentstalk.com


Raising children in this era comes with a unique set of questions, and Where Parents Talk: Evidence-based Expert Advice on Raising Kids Today is here to offer clarity, not just opinions. Hosted by award-winning journalist and mother Lianne Castelino, this weekly conversation moves beyond anecdotal advice to explore the science and research behind modern parenting. Each episode feels like a thoughtful discussion with a knowledgeable friend, one who brings in leading experts and thinkers to tackle the real issues families face. You’ll hear practical strategies for navigating everything from the emotional turbulence of adolescence to building a foundation of healthy communication from a young age. The focus is on holistic development-addressing the emotional, mental, and physical well-being of both kids and their parents. Lianne’s skill as an interviewer helps distill complex topics into actionable insights, making this podcast a reliable resource for anyone looking to ground their parenting choices in evidence and shared experience. It’s a space where the noise of conflicting advice fades, replaced by informed conversations that empower you to find your own path through the joys and challenges of family life.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

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