A review of clinical and preclinical evidence found that prenatal cannabis exposure consistently raised ADHD risk in children, while findings on cognition, autism, and learning remained inconclusive.
Pregnant individuals, pediatricians, prenatal care providers, parents concerned about cannabis exposure effects
ADHD risk consistently elevated across studies of prenatal cannabis exposure
What the researchers found
Children exposed to cannabis prenatally consistently showed higher ADHD risk compared to unexposed children. No significant associations emerged with anxiety or depression. Findings on cognition, autism spectrum disorder, and learning were inconsistent across studies. Higher THC concentrations were associated with more aggressive behavior in males.
Why it matters
As cannabis use during pregnancy increases, understanding which neurodevelopmental outcomes have consistent evidence helps clinicians provide accurate, evidence-based guidance rather than blanket warnings.
The numbers in context
ADHD risk was consistently elevated across studies. Higher THC concentrations linked to more aggressive behavior in males specifically. No significant associations found for anxiety and depression.
How the study worked
Narrative review searching PubMed for clinical and preclinical studies on neurodevelopmental outcomes following in utero and early childhood cannabis exposure. Prioritized recent clinical studies and categorized findings into cognitive measures and mental health diagnoses.
What this study cannot tell us
Narrative review, not a systematic review or meta-analysis. Inconsistent exposure measurements and cognitive assessment tools across studies make direct comparison difficult. Most studies cannot account for THC potency or frequency of use.
How to read the evidence
Moderate: narrative review synthesizing multiple studies, but not a systematic review and limited by inconsistency across the underlying evidence
When this study was published
Published in 2025
The bigger picture
The prenatal cannabis research landscape is messy, with most outcomes showing mixed results. ADHD stands out as the most consistent finding, which aligns with what we know about how cannabinoids interact with developing brain circuitry involved in attention and impulse control.
Questions still open
- Why is ADHD risk more consistently affected than other outcomes? Does the timing of exposure during pregnancy matter? How do today's higher-potency products compare to those used in older studies?
Common questions
Is prenatal cannabis exposure linked to autism?
Why is ADHD the most consistent finding?
Read the original research
Neurodevelopmental effects of perinatal exposure to cannabis on progeny: A narrative review.
Drug and alcohol dependence reports, 16, 100372
Citation
Azubuike, Chidimma Doris; Grundmann, Oliver; Goodin, Amie J. (2025). Neurodevelopmental effects of perinatal exposure to cannabis on progeny: A narrative review.. Drug and alcohol dependence reports, 16, 100372. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dadr.2025.100372
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