Scientists know that adolescence is one of the most important times in life for brain development. It's also a time when some children experiment with various drugs. What scientists don't know is how much drugs impact the development process during these years, versus how much of a role genetics plays.
Marie Banich directs the Institute of Cognitive Science at CU Boulder. She's part of a new, nationwide study of how drugs -- including marijuana -- shape the adolescent brain. The study will follow about 10,000 young people starting at age 9 -- before it's likely they've done drugs -- and through their teenage years.
Banich spoke with Ryan Warner. Click the link above to hear the full interview and read edited highlights below.
