05/28/2026
While Ma*****na may be legal in Ohio, research continues to show that it can affect the developing teenage brain.
The teenage brain is still developing well into early adulthood — especially the areas responsible for memory, attention, organization, decision-making, and self-control. That’s why researchers continue to study how ma*****na affects adolescent brain development.
A 2026 meta-analysis (study of studies) of sequential MRI imaging of 8432 adolescents in 36 studies found ma*****na dose-dependent remodeling of the brain in multiple areas involved in executive function, anger, and addiction.
And another 2026 study of over 11,000 teens followed for seven years found that ma*****na/cannabis-using youth showed flattened neurocognitive trajectories across multiple domains, including working memory (50% slower), processing speed (25% lower), attention and self-control (20% lower), visual and spatial skills (20% slower), and reading and language skills (15% slower) after controlling for numerous confounders.
Researchers believe THC may interfere with the brain’s normal developmental signaling system during these critical years.
While not every teen who uses ma*****na will experience these effects, and some changes may improve with prolonged abstinence, the growing body of research suggests that ma*****na use during adolescence is not benign.
As legalization expands, it’s important for parents and teens to understand that “legal” does not always mean “risk-free” — especially for the developing brain.
To learn more: https://www.senderspediatrics.com/Newsletter/May-2026
