What is known about cannabis use during pregnancy and effects on the developing child
Available evidence indicated that cannabis use during pregnancy and breastfeeding may adversely affect fetal brain development, with potential impacts on neuropsychiatric, behavioral, and executive functioning that could persist into adulthood.
Quick Facts
What This Study Found
This review summarized knowledge about cannabis use in pregnancy, including pharmacology, placental transfer, and developmental effects. Key findings included that cannabis compounds cross the placenta and enter breast milk, exposing the developing fetus and nursing infant to psychoactive substances.
The evidence suggested adverse effects on neurodevelopment, particularly during critical brain growth periods in fetal development and adolescent maturation. Reported effects included impacts on neuropsychiatric, behavioral, and executive functioning that could influence future adult productivity.
However, the authors noted that reported rates of cannabis use in pregnancy are likely significantly underestimated, and much of the available literature had focused on other drugs (opioids, stimulants), leaving cannabis effects less well characterized.
Key Numbers
No specific prevalence statistics were reported, but the review noted that rates of prenatal cannabis exposure are likely significantly underestimated.
How They Did This
Review of published articles, governmental guidelines, and data on cannabis use patterns in pregnant women, pharmacology of psychoactive compounds, placental and fetal transfer, and effects on pregnancy, the newborn, and child development.
Why This Research Matters
Cannabis is one of the most widely used drugs among women of childbearing age, and use during pregnancy appears to be increasing. The limited but concerning evidence of developmental effects highlights the need for more research and clearer clinical guidance.
The Bigger Picture
As cannabis becomes legal in more jurisdictions, the perception that it is safe may lead to increased use during pregnancy. The developing fetal brain is the organ most vulnerable to cannabinoid effects, given the endocannabinoid system's role in guiding brain development.
What This Study Doesn't Tell Us
Limited quality data on cannabis use specifically during pregnancy. Difficulty separating cannabis effects from tobacco, alcohol, and socioeconomic confounders. Very limited data on cannabis effects during breastfeeding. Most studies focused on THC rather than whole-plant exposure.
Questions This Raises
- ?What level of cannabis exposure during pregnancy is harmful?
- ?Are effects on child development permanent?
- ?Does CBD have different effects than THC during pregnancy?
- ?How long do cannabinoids persist in breast milk?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- Cannabis crosses the placenta and enters breast milk, exposing the developing brain
- Evidence Grade:
- Narrative review synthesizing limited available evidence on prenatal cannabis exposure.
- Study Age:
- Published in 2014. Research on cannabis in pregnancy has continued to develop.
- Original Title:
- Cannabis, the pregnant woman and her child: weeding out the myths.
- Published In:
- Journal of perinatology : official journal of the California Perinatal Association, 34(6), 417-24 (2014)
- Authors:
- Jaques, S C, Kingsbury, A, Henshcke, P, Chomchai, C, Clews, S, Falconer, J, Abdel-Latif, M E, Feller, J M, Oei, J L
- Database ID:
- RTHC-00810
Evidence Hierarchy
Summarizes existing research on a topic.
What do these levels mean? →Frequently Asked Questions
Does cannabis use during pregnancy affect the baby?
This review found evidence suggesting adverse effects on fetal neurodevelopment, including impacts on neuropsychiatric and behavioral functioning. Cannabis compounds cross the placenta, directly exposing the developing brain.
Is cannabis safe while breastfeeding?
Cannabis compounds enter breast milk, potentially exposing the nursing infant. There was very limited research on this topic at the time of publication, and the authors noted this as a significant knowledge gap.
Read More on RethinkTHC
Cite This Study
https://rethinkthc.com/research/RTHC-00810APA
Jaques, S C; Kingsbury, A; Henshcke, P; Chomchai, C; Clews, S; Falconer, J; Abdel-Latif, M E; Feller, J M; Oei, J L. (2014). Cannabis, the pregnant woman and her child: weeding out the myths.. Journal of perinatology : official journal of the California Perinatal Association, 34(6), 417-24. https://doi.org/10.1038/jp.2013.180
MLA
Jaques, S C, et al. "Cannabis, the pregnant woman and her child: weeding out the myths.." Journal of perinatology : official journal of the California Perinatal Association, 2014. https://doi.org/10.1038/jp.2013.180
RethinkTHC
RethinkTHC Research Database. "Cannabis, the pregnant woman and her child: weeding out the ..." RTHC-00810. Retrieved from https://rethinkthc.com/research/jaques-2014-cannabis-the-pregnant-woman
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.