Marijuana and Teens: Facts, Myths & Conversations That Help

In this episode of The Parenting Pair Podcast, Dr. Suzanne Allen and Dr. Annalise Caron unpack the myths and realities around teens and marijuana. With cannabis now legal in many states, parents are left wondering what’s normal experimentation, what’s risky, and how to talk about it without shutting their teen down.

Together, they explore:

• How marijuana affects the developing teen brain
• Why legalization and changing norms can give teens mixed messages
• The difference between occasional use and patterns that raise red flags
• How to have open, curious conversations that keep your teen talking
• Strategies for setting boundaries while maintaining trust and connection

If you’ve ever worried about your teen and marijuana—or just want to be prepared for the conversation—this episode will give you clarity, language, and compassion to navigate it with confidence.

Here are some highlights from this episode:

0:00 Parenting in the era of legal weed
1:14 Listener question: Teen thinks marijuana is safe
3:35 Risk-taking in adolescence
6:08 How marijuana affects the teen brain
10:08 Short-term vs. long-term risks
10:48 “Weed helps me” – tips for talking with your teen
14:30 Parent use vs. teen use
15:22 Why today’s marijuana is stronger
17:04 Edibles, vaping & hidden dangers
20:51 Delta-8 vs. Delta-9: what parents should know
24:15 Talking with other parents about marijuana
26:44 Heavy teen use & when to seek help
30:11 What now: Conversations & safety plans
32:13 Final advice for parents