The Healthy Start Study found associations between both prenatal and postnatal cannabis exposure and cognitive and behavioral outcomes at age 5.
Pediatricians, parents who use cannabis, child development researchers, and public health advocates.
Prenatal + postnatal riskBoth prenatal and early childhood cannabis exposure associated with cognitive and behavioral differences at age 5
What the researchers found
Both prenatal cannabis exposure and postnatal secondhand cannabis exposure were associated with cognitive and behavioral differences at age 5, with postnatal exposure representing a previously understudied risk factor.
Why it matters
Most research focuses on prenatal cannabis exposure, but this study highlights that postnatal secondhand exposure during early childhood may also influence development, expanding the window of concern beyond pregnancy.
The numbers in context
The Healthy Start Study assessed associations between prenatal and postnatal cannabis exposure and cognition and behavior outcomes at age 5.
How the study worked
Prospective cohort study (Healthy Start) examining prenatal and postnatal cannabis exposure associations with cognitive and behavioral outcomes at age 5.
Who was studied
Children at age 5 assessed for cognitive and behavioral outcomes in relation to prenatal and postnatal cannabis exposure.
What this study cannot tell us
Observational design with potential confounders; postnatal exposure measurement may not fully capture secondhand cannabis smoke/vapor levels; age 5 assessment is early for detecting some effects.
How to read the evidence
Prospective cohort design provides moderate evidence; observational nature limits causal claims.
When this study was published
Recent assessment from an ongoing prospective birth cohort.
The bigger picture
This study expands cannabis exposure concerns beyond the prenatal period, suggesting that young childrens secondhand exposure to cannabis should be a public health focus as use increases in households with children.
Replication
Among the first studies to examine postnatal secondhand cannabis exposure effects on child development.
Funding
Not specified
Conflicts of interest
Not specified
Questions still open
- What levels of secondhand cannabis exposure affect child development?
- Do effects persist or intensify at later ages?
- Is secondhand cannabis smoke more or less harmful than tobacco smoke for children?
Read the original research
Associations between Prenatal and Postnatal Exposure to Cannabis with Cognition and Behavior at Age 5 Years: The Healthy Start Study.
International journal of environmental research and public health, 20(6)
Citation
Moore, Brianna F; Salmons, Kaytlyn A; Hoyt, Adrienne T; Swenson, Karli S; Bates, Emily A; Sauder, Katherine A; Shapiro, Allison L B; Wilkening, Greta; Kinney, Gregory L; Neophytou, Andreas M; Sempio, Cristina; Klawitter, Jost; Christians, Uwe; Dabelea, Dana. (2023). Associations between Prenatal and Postnatal Exposure to Cannabis with Cognition and Behavior at Age 5 Years: The Healthy Start Study.. International journal of environmental research and public health, 20(6). https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20064880