Maternal cannabis use from 3 months before conception through delivery was not significantly associated with autism spectrum disorder in children, compared to population controls or children with other developmental conditions.
Parents, clinicians, and researchers interested in prenatal cannabis exposure and child development.
No significant difference in ASD rates by peri-pregnancy cannabis exposure
What the researchers found
Among children assessed at 30-68 months of age, peri-pregnancy cannabis use was reported for 5.2% of ASD cases, 3.2% of children with other developmental delays, and 4.4% of population controls. After adjustment, the odds of peri-pregnancy cannabis use did not differ significantly between groups.
Why it matters
Animal models and neurobiology have suggested potential risks of prenatal cannabis exposure for neurodevelopment, but this large study found no association with ASD in humans.
The numbers in context
4,254 children total. ASD: 5.2% cannabis exposed. Other developmental delays: 3.2% exposed. Population controls: 4.4% exposed. No significant differences between groups.
How the study worked
Case-control study comparing children with ASD (N=1,428), other developmental delays (N=1,198), and population controls (N=1,628) born 2003-2011 from the Study to Explore Early Development. Self-reported maternal cannabis use assessed for the period from 3 months pre-conception through delivery.
What this study cannot tell us
Self-reported cannabis use likely underestimates true exposure. Birth cohort (2003-2011) predates major legalization and potency increases. Cannot assess dose-response relationships.
How to read the evidence
Large multi-site case-control study with appropriate controls, though self-reported exposure and older birth cohort limit conclusions.
When this study was published
Published in 2022 with children born 2003-2011.
The bigger picture
While this study found no ASD link, the authors note that cannabis use patterns and perceptions have changed since the 2003-2011 birth cohort, making continued monitoring important.
Questions still open
- Would results differ in more recent cohorts with higher potency cannabis and greater use prevalence? Could timing of exposure during pregnancy matter more than any/no exposure?
Common questions
Does this mean cannabis is safe during pregnancy?
How many children were studied?
Read the original research
Peri-Pregnancy Cannabis Use and Autism Spectrum Disorder in the Offspring: Findings from the Study to Explore Early Development.
Journal of autism and developmental disorders, 52(11), 5064-5071
Citation
DiGuiseppi, Carolyn; Crume, Tessa; Van Dyke, Julia; Sabourin, Katherine R; Soke, Gnakub N; Croen, Lisa A; Daniels, Julie L; Lee, Li-Ching; Schieve, Laura A; Windham, Gayle C; Friedman, Sandra; Robinson Rosenberg, Cordelia. (2022). Peri-Pregnancy Cannabis Use and Autism Spectrum Disorder in the Offspring: Findings from the Study to Explore Early Development.. Journal of autism and developmental disorders, 52(11), 5064-5071. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-021-05339-4
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