Youth and the Legalization of Marijuana
This session will explore the impact of marijuana legalization on youth, focusing on the potential risks, benefits, and the role of prevention and education strategies. We will examine the latest research on how legalization influences youth behavior, mental health, and developmental outcomes. The session aims to provide attendees with a comprehensive understanding of the trends in youth marijuana use post-legalization, the effects of THC on the adolescent brain, and effective intervention and treatment strategies.
Presenter:
Sara Polley, MD, FAPA, FASAM, is board-certified in child and adolescent psychiatry, adult psychiatry, and addiction medicine. She is currently the Chief Medical Officer for Ellie Mental Health and the Medical Director of mental health programs for Horowitz Health. She sees adolescents and young adults in her outpatient clinic and specializes in the treatment of complex co-occurring conditions, including psychiatric illness and substance use disorders. In addition to her clinical work, she is an appointed member of the Minnesota Cannabis Advisory Council. She works as a pediatric addiction prevention and treatment consultant and speaker for both local and national organizations.
Learning Objectives:
- Participants will be able to analyze the latest trends in youth marijuana use in the context of increased state-level adult use legalization.
- Participants will be able to describe the impact of marijuana on the teen brain and adolescent development.
- Participants will be able to discuss intervention and treatment for youth marijuana use.