Teen brains are still “Under Construction”. The NAc does not start rapid development until mid to late adolescence. Look at the simplified comparison below of a teen brain and an adult brain.

• Limbic system includes the nucleus accumbens, amygdala, and hippocampus
• Limbic system runs memory and emotion.
• Prefrontal cortex deals with executive function (planning, higher level behavior control, logic)
• Teen brains and adult brains show measureable differences
• Teen (left) use less of the prefrontal region of the brain than adults(right)

References

1. Teitelbaum SA, Nias MF. WEED: Family Guide to Marijuana Myths and Facts (pgs. 58-63, 72), Gainesville, FL: University Press of Florida, 2013.
2. Volkow ND, Wang GJ, Baler RD. Reward, dopamine and the control of food intake: implications for obesity. Trends Cogn Sci. 2011; 15(1), 37-46.
3. Koob GF, Volkow ND. Neurocircuitry of addiction. Neuropsychopharmacology. 2010; 35(1), 217-238.