Epidemiological evidence shows gestational or perinatal cannabis exposure is associated with mental health issues manifesting in childhood through adulthood.
OB/GYN providers, pregnant individuals, developmental psychologists, and public health communicators.
Lifespan effectsPrenatal cannabis exposure associated with mental health issues manifesting in childhood through adulthood
What the researchers found
Cannabis exposure during gestation or the perinatal period is associated with later-life mental health issues appearing across developmental stages, with effects mediated through disruption of the endocannabinoid systems role in neurodevelopment.
Why it matters
Public perception often diverges from medical guidance on cannabis during pregnancy. This review provides the scientific basis for why abstinence is recommended, with effects potentially spanning decades.
The numbers in context
The review covers epidemiological studies showing mental health impacts from prenatal cannabis that manifest during childhood, adolescence, and adulthood.
How the study worked
Narrative review of epidemiological and mechanistic evidence on prenatal cannabis exposure and later-life mental health outcomes.
Who was studied
Offspring exposed to cannabis during gestation or perinatal period, followed across developmental stages.
What this study cannot tell us
Observational studies dominate; isolating cannabis effects from confounders is challenging; long follow-up periods introduce attrition and measurement challenges.
How to read the evidence
Review of epidemiological evidence; provides comprehensive overview but limited by observational study quality.
When this study was published
Recent review capturing growing evidence on long-term prenatal cannabis effects.
The bigger picture
The endocannabinoid system plays crucial roles in brain development, and exogenous cannabinoid exposure during critical windows may permanently alter developmental trajectories.
Replication
Consistent with multiple longitudinal cohort studies tracking prenatal cannabis exposure outcomes.
Funding
Not specified
Conflicts of interest
Not specified
Questions still open
- Which mental health outcomes are most strongly associated?
- Is there a safe dose or timing during pregnancy?
- Can postnatal interventions mitigate prenatal exposure effects?
Read the original research
Cannabis during pregnancy: A way to transfer an impairment to later life.
Birth defects research, 115(15), 1327-1344
Citation
Motamedi, Sina; Amleshi, Reza Saboori; Javar, Behnoush Akbari; Shams, Parisa; Kohlmeier, Kristi A; Shabani, Mohammad. (2023). Cannabis during pregnancy: A way to transfer an impairment to later life.. Birth defects research, 115(15), 1327-1344. https://doi.org/10.1002/bdr2.2207