Review of cannabis effects on pregnancy, fetus, and newborn finds significant concerns
A review of cannabis use during pregnancy found evidence of effects on newborns and developmental delays in the first two years, while also noting significant gaps in the research.
Quick Facts
What This Study Found
The review summarizes evidence that prenatal cannabis exposure is associated with lower birth weight, neonatal effects, and developmental delays during the first two years of life. It also highlights the increasing use of synthetic cannabinoids during pregnancy, which may pose even greater risks due to their higher potency.
Key Numbers
Developmental delay documented in first 2 years of life in exposed infants; synthetic cannabinoids noted as having greater psychotropic activity and harm potential.
How They Did This
Narrative review covering legislation, physiology, pathophysiology of perinatal cannabis use, neonatal effects, breastfeeding considerations, and developmental outcomes in the first two years.
Why This Research Matters
Cannabis use during pregnancy is increasing, often to treat nausea. This review consolidates what is known about risks to help inform clinical guidance in a space with many unanswered questions.
The Bigger Picture
The growing availability of both natural and synthetic cannabis products creates urgent need for better evidence on prenatal exposure. The gap between increasing use and limited research leaves clinicians and patients making decisions with incomplete information.
What This Study Doesn't Tell Us
Narrative review format; many cited studies have confounding factors (tobacco, alcohol, socioeconomic status); limited ability to isolate cannabis effects; most evidence is observational.
Questions This Raises
- ?Does the route of cannabis administration affect fetal exposure?
- ?Are synthetic cannabinoids a growing concern in pregnant populations?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- Developmental delay documented through first 2 years in prenatally exposed infants
- Evidence Grade:
- Moderate: synthesizes existing evidence including observational studies, but narrative format and many confounders in underlying research.
- Study Age:
- Published 2020.
- Original Title:
- Marijuana: the effects on pregnancy, the fetus, and the newborn.
- Published In:
- Journal of perinatology : official journal of the California Perinatal Association, 40(10), 1470-1476 (2020)
- Authors:
- Martin, Gilbert I
- Database ID:
- RTHC-02712
Evidence Hierarchy
Summarizes existing research on a topic.
What do these levels mean? →Frequently Asked Questions
Is cannabis safe during pregnancy?
Based on this review, there is evidence of associations with lower birth weight and developmental delays in the first 2 years. The evidence has significant gaps, but the available data raises concerns.
What about breastfeeding and cannabis?
The review discusses breastfeeding recommendations and notes that THC can be present in breast milk, raising concerns about infant exposure.
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Cite This Study
https://rethinkthc.com/research/RTHC-02712APA
Martin, Gilbert I. (2020). Marijuana: the effects on pregnancy, the fetus, and the newborn.. Journal of perinatology : official journal of the California Perinatal Association, 40(10), 1470-1476. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41372-020-0708-z
MLA
Martin, Gilbert I. "Marijuana: the effects on pregnancy, the fetus, and the newborn.." Journal of perinatology : official journal of the California Perinatal Association, 2020. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41372-020-0708-z
RethinkTHC
RethinkTHC Research Database. "Marijuana: the effects on pregnancy, the fetus, and the newb..." RTHC-02712. Retrieved from https://rethinkthc.com/research/martin-2020-marijuana-the-effects-on
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.