Prenatal cannabis use disorder was linked to a rare abdominal wall birth defect in a California study of 5.8 million births
In a California population study of nearly 5.8 million births, prenatal cannabis use disorder was associated with a 30-50% increased risk of gastroschisis, with the strongest association in mothers over 34.
Quick Facts
What This Study Found
Cannabis use disorder during pregnancy was associated with gastroschisis (a birth defect where intestines protrude through the abdominal wall). The multivariable model showed an adjusted risk ratio of 1.3 (95% CI 1.0-1.7), and a matched sample approach showed aRR 1.5 (95% CI 1.1-2.1). The association was strongest in mothers over 34 (aRR 2.5, 95% CI 1.0-5.8).
Key Numbers
5,774,656 births analyzed. Cannabis use disorder prevalence was about 1%. Gastroschisis prevalence: 0.14% in CUD-exposed vs 0.06% in unexposed. Adjusted risk ratio 1.3-1.5 depending on method. Mothers over 34: aRR 2.5.
How They Did This
Population-based cohort using California birth records linked to hospital, ED, and ambulatory surgery records from 2007-2019. 5,774,656 singleton live births analyzed. Cannabis use disorder measured by diagnosis codes during pregnancy or at birth.
Why This Research Matters
Gastroschisis rates have been rising for unknown reasons, and cannabis use has increased during the same period. This large population study suggests a possible connection worth further investigation, particularly for older mothers.
The Bigger Picture
If confirmed as causal, this association could partly explain rising gastroschisis rates as cannabis use has become more common. The age-dependent pattern raises questions about how maternal age interacts with cannabinoid exposure during fetal development.
What This Study Doesn't Tell Us
Cannabis use disorder diagnosis codes likely undercount actual cannabis use. Cannot determine dose, timing, or frequency of use. Observational design cannot establish causation. Residual confounding from other substance use or socioeconomic factors is possible.
Questions This Raises
- ?What biological mechanism could link cannabis to abdominal wall defects?
- ?Why is the association strongest in older mothers?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- 5.8 million births; 30-50% higher gastroschisis risk with prenatal CUD
- Evidence Grade:
- Large population-based cohort with linked medical records, though reliance on diagnosis codes may undercount exposure.
- Study Age:
- 2024 study
- Original Title:
- Prenatal cannabis use disorder and gastroschisis in California, 2007-19.
- Published In:
- International journal of epidemiology, 53(2) (2024)
- Authors:
- Delker, Erin(3), Baer, Rebecca J(4), Kelly, Ann E(3), Chambers, Christina, Bandoli, Gretchen
- Database ID:
- RTHC-05261
Evidence Hierarchy
Watches what happens naturally without intervening.
What do these levels mean? →Frequently Asked Questions
What is gastroschisis?
A birth defect where the baby's intestines (and sometimes other organs) extend outside the body through a hole in the abdominal wall, usually to the right of the belly button. It requires surgical repair after birth.
Does this prove cannabis causes gastroschisis?
No. This is an observational study showing an association. The researchers note that more investigation is needed to determine whether the relationship is causal.
Read More on RethinkTHC
Cite This Study
https://rethinkthc.com/research/RTHC-05261APA
Delker, Erin; Baer, Rebecca J; Kelly, Ann E; Chambers, Christina; Bandoli, Gretchen. (2024). Prenatal cannabis use disorder and gastroschisis in California, 2007-19.. International journal of epidemiology, 53(2). https://doi.org/10.1093/ije/dyae042
MLA
Delker, Erin, et al. "Prenatal cannabis use disorder and gastroschisis in California, 2007-19.." International journal of epidemiology, 2024. https://doi.org/10.1093/ije/dyae042
RethinkTHC
RethinkTHC Research Database. "Prenatal cannabis use disorder and gastroschisis in Californ..." RTHC-05261. Retrieved from https://rethinkthc.com/research/delker-2024-prenatal-cannabis-use-disorder
Access the Original Study
Study data sourced from PubMed, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
This study breakdown was produced by the RethinkTHC research team. We analyze and report published research findings without making health recommendations. All interpretations are based solely on the published abstract and study data.