On February 22, psychologist and researcher Dr. Tasha Wade gave a presentation to juniors and seniors about marijuana. She spoke about the effects of marijuana on brain development and mental health, as well as common myths about the drug.

Dr. Wade has a PhD in clinical psychology with an emphasis in neuropsychology. She collaborated in the Adolescent Brain and Cognitive Development (ADCD) study at the University of California, San Diego. According to the ABCD website, the study is “the largest long-term study of brain development and child health in the United States.”

At the beginning of the school year, Director of Counseling Ms. Megan Broderick (‘98) and Interim Head of School Dr. Carol Barry recognized the importance of educating students about marijuana, especially after it was legalized in California. Ms. Broderick, familiar with the ADCD study, asked if a researcher would come to Bishop’s and inform students about their findings. In October, Dr. Wade spoke to the tenth grade.

Throughout the presentation to juniors and seniors, Dr. Wade welcomed questions, which allowed the students to inquire about the cited studies’ research methods. As a result, the presentation served as a conversation, rather than a lecture. Ms. Broderick appreciated Dr. Wade’s approach: “It was non-judgemental, non preachy. It was more like, ‘make your own decisions, but be informed.’” 

Dr. Wade will return to Bishop’s to speak to eighth and ninth graders at the end of April.