Fostering Voices Podcast30 Sep 2025

Episode 217: The Impact of Marijuana on the Adolescent Brain

Summary:

In our last episode, we explored how substances affect infants. But what about adolescents? Is marijuana really a big deal for today's youth, and what do parents and communities need to know to keep them safe?

In this episode, we welcome Kim McWilliams, an award-winning licensed counselor, and Sarah Grado, Executive Director of Not My Kid, a local Arizona nonprofit dedicated to substance use prevention and recovery. Together, they shed light on the realities of marijuana use among teens, the ripple effects it creates at school, at home, and among peers, and how communities are seeing the impact.

Kim and Sarah share their personal journeys—what drives their passion for helping families and youth—and offer valuable insights on identifying warning signs, understanding the law, and recognizing the connection between substance use and adverse childhood experiences.

Most importantly, they highlight the role of education: the information families need, the support available, and how communities can work together to strengthen and protect our youth.

This is a must-listen for parents, educators, and anyone invested in the wellbeing of the next generation.

Resource Links:

NotMyKid

Tell Your Children: The Truth About Marijuana, Mental Illness, and Violence: Berenson, Alex: 9781982103675: Amazon.com

Treatment Considerations for Youth and Young Adults with Serious Emotional Disturbances and Serious Mental Illnesses and Co-occurring Substance Use

How to Quit Smoking Weed (Marijuana)

Connect with us!

Email: info@fosteraz.org
Facebook: @FosteringVoicesPodcast
Instagram: @FosteringVoices
Web: www.fosterarizona.org

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