On this episode of 716 Together, host Tammie Lee Demler sits down with Dr. Michael Merrill to unpack a major new JAMA study examining cannabis use among adolescents. Together, they explore how marijuana—especially today’s high‑potency products—may increase teens’ long‑term risk for psychosis, bipolar disorder, depression, and anxiety. Dr. Merrill breaks down brain development, the endocannabinoid system, common misconceptions, and the challenges parents face in recognizing and addressing substance use. The conversation also touches on cultural attitudes, honesty in healthcare, and practical guidance for families seeking support. A thoughtful, accessible look at what every parent and caregiver should know.

On this episode of 716 Together, host Tammie Lee Demler sits down with Dr. Michael Merrill to unpack a major new JAMA study examining cannabis use among adolescents. Together, they explore how marijuana&mdash;especially today&rsquo;s high‑potency products&mdash;may increase teens&rsquo; long‑term risk for psychosis, bipolar disorder, depression, and anxiety. Dr. Merrill breaks down brain development, the endocannabinoid system, common misconceptions, and the challenges parents face in recognizing and addressing substance use. The conversation also touches on cultural attitudes, honesty in healthcare, and practical guidance for families seeking support. A thoughtful, accessible look at what every parent and caregiver should know.

716 Together is a weekly audio town hall designed to inform, inspire and empower our community on the social, economic and health issues that affect Buffalo and Western New York. Hosted by personalities from 103.3 The Edge, Classic Hits 104.1 and 97 Rock, join us for new episodes every week featuring engaging conversation with a wide scope of local leaders addressing the most relevant topic of the day.

 

716 Together is a weekly audio town hall designed to inform, inspire and empower our community on the social, economic and health issues that affect Buffalo and Western New York. Hosted by personalities from 103.3 The Edge, Classic Hits 104.1 and 97 Rock, join us for new episodes every week featuring engaging conversation with a wide scope of local leaders addressing the most relevant topic of the day.
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716 Together

716 Together: Cannabis Use Among Adolescents with Dr. Michael Merrill (3-8-26)

In this episode of 716 Together, host Tammy Lee Demler sits down with Dr. Michael Cummings—Vice Chair of Psychiatry at the University at Buffalo and a national leader in autism care—to explore autism awareness, early diagnosis, and the realities families face navigating services. Dr. Cummings shares his unexpected career journey, explains changes in autism prevalence, emphasizes the critical importance of early intervention, and addresses common questions about screening tools, treatment options, and new medications. The conversation highlights both the challenges and the hope in supporting individuals with autism across the lifespan, with practical guidance for parents, caregivers, and providers alike.

In this episode of 716 Together, host Tammy Lee Demler sits down with Dr. Michael Cummings&mdash;Vice Chair of Psychiatry at the University at Buffalo and a national leader in autism care&mdash;to explore autism awareness, early diagnosis, and the realities families face navigating services. Dr. Cummings shares his unexpected career journey, explains changes in autism prevalence, emphasizes the critical importance of early intervention, and addresses common questions about screening tools, treatment options, and new medications. The conversation highlights both the challenges and the hope in supporting individuals with autism across the lifespan, with practical guidance for parents, caregivers, and providers alike.

716 Together: Autism Awareness, Early Intervention, and Family Advocacy (5-3-26)

This episode of 716 Together features Michael Sawyer, Forestry Manager at the Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy, in a conversation centered on urban forestry, conservation, and community involvement. Michael explains the vital role the Conservancy plays in maintaining Buffalo’s historic park system, shares insight into the year‑round work of managing thousands of trees, and discusses the upcoming Arbor Day Tree Expo at Cazenovia Park. Listeners learn about tree care, native species, invasive pests like the emerald ash borer, and why preserving Buffalo’s tree canopy matters for safety, beauty, and environmental health. The episode invites families, nature lovers, and curious locals to connect more deeply with the city’s green spaces.

This episode of&nbsp;716 Together features Michael Sawyer, Forestry Manager at the Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy, in a conversation centered on urban forestry, conservation, and community involvement. Michael explains the vital role the Conservancy plays in maintaining Buffalo&rsquo;s historic park system, shares insight into the year‑round work of managing thousands of trees, and discusses the upcoming Arbor Day Tree Expo at Cazenovia Park. Listeners learn about tree care, native species, invasive pests like the emerald ash borer, and why preserving Buffalo&rsquo;s tree canopy matters for safety, beauty, and environmental health. The episode invites families, nature lovers, and curious locals to connect more deeply with the city&rsquo;s green spaces.

716 Together: Arbor Day, Conservation, and Community with Olmsted Parks (4-19-26)

In this episode of 716 Together, host Tammie Lee Demler speaks with Andy Yates, Executive Director of the National MS Society’s Upstate New York Chapter, and Rachel Hohl, Board of Trustees member and MS advocate. The conversation highlights the mission of the National MS Society, the importance of early diagnosis, and the reality that there is “no one face of MS.” Rachel shares her personal journey living with relapsing‑remitting multiple sclerosis, offering an honest and hopeful perspective. The episode also spotlights community engagement through events like Walk MS Buffalo and Bike MS, illustrating how collective support, fundraising, and awareness fuel research, services, and empowerment for people affected by MS.

In this episode of&nbsp;716 Together, host Tammie Lee Demler speaks with Andy Yates, Executive Director of the National MS Society&rsquo;s Upstate New York Chapter, and Rachel Hohl, Board of Trustees member and MS advocate. The conversation highlights the mission of the National MS Society, the importance of early diagnosis, and the reality that there is &ldquo;no one face of MS.&rdquo; Rachel shares her personal journey living with relapsing‑remitting multiple sclerosis, offering an honest and hopeful perspective. The episode also spotlights community engagement through events like Walk MS Buffalo and Bike MS, illustrating how collective support, fundraising, and awareness fuel research, services, and empowerment for people affected by MS.

716 Together: Cannabis Use Among Adolescents with Dr. Michael Merrill (3-8-26)

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