Speaker Series

Marijuana & The Developing Brain

Join Us to Learn More About Today's Marijuana and Its Potential Impact on Youth

Local data indicate that many Decatur youth do not believe using marijuana at their age is potentially harmful. In addition,  drug overdoses are increasing across the country as Fentanyl has entered the illicit drug supply. Rumors abound, and the facts can be elusive. What is a parent to do? Some of our kids are very confused about what's safe, what's legal, what's CBD, what's Delta-8, what's in edibles, and just the overall topic. Let's put aside the legal issues and the judgment and get in the right frame of mind to talk with our kids about today's marijuana. With marijuana youth use rates among the highest in Georgia, this topic should concern parents of Decatur youth of all ages. Dr. Merrill Norton is a nationally recognized expert in the impact of marijuana (and other drugs)on the teen brain. He will share with parents the newest information on today's marijuana and how it can affect the developing brain. Dr. Norton engagingly presents information to help parents feel more confident in discussing marijuana's impact on the developing brain. 

Our Speaker: Dr. Norton is a Clinical Associate Professor Emeritus from the University of Georgia College of Pharmacy. His specialty areas include psychopharmacology and addiction pharmacy. Dr. Norton has worked with impaired pharmacists and other health care professionals for over 25 years and is the former Director of the Recovering Pharmacists Program at the Talbott Recovery Campus. He is the Past President of the Georgia Addiction Counselors Association and a member of both the Georgia Pharmacy Association and the American Pharmacy Association. Dr. Norton is the President and CEO of Chemical Health Associates, Inc. of Athens, Georgia, a national consulting organization for mental health, alcohol, and drug services. He is also a faculty member of the Fairleigh-Dickinson University Postdoctoral Training Program in the Masters of Psychopharmacology, University of Georgia School of Continuing Education, and Berry College in the areas of Psychopharmacology.