A review of animal and human research found that prenatal cannabinoid exposure causes widespread alterations to neurotransmitter systems in offspring that are region-specific, time-dependent, and sexually dimorphic.
Pregnant individuals, clinicians advising pregnant patients, and neuroscience researchers studying developmental cannabinoid exposure.
Neurotransmitter changes were sexually dimorphic
What the researchers found
Prenatal cannabinoid exposure alters multiple neurotransmitter systems including dopamine, serotonin, GABA, glutamate, and opioid systems. These changes are brain region-specific, develop at different time points, and differ between male and female offspring. Human studies show deficits in attention and executive function in exposed children.
Why it matters
Marijuana use during pregnancy is steadily increasing despite evidence of harm. Understanding exactly which brain systems are affected helps explain the behavioral deficits observed in exposed children and underscores the biological basis for concern.
The numbers in context
Alterations documented across dopamine, serotonin, GABA, glutamate, and endogenous opioid systems. Changes were region-specific and sexually dimorphic.
How the study worked
Narrative review summarizing observed neurotransmitter changes from animal and human studies of prenatal cannabinoid exposure, including both marijuana and synthetic cannabinoids.
What this study cannot tell us
Much of the evidence comes from animal studies using specific cannabinoid compounds that may not perfectly replicate human marijuana use. Human studies are confounded by polydrug use and socioeconomic factors.
How to read the evidence
Moderate: comprehensive narrative review of animal and human data, though much evidence is preclinical.
When this study was published
Published in 2019.
The bigger picture
With synthetic cannabinoid use also rising among young adults, the concern extends beyond marijuana. The finding that effects are sexually dimorphic means male and female children may show different patterns of vulnerability.
Questions still open
- Are there critical windows during pregnancy when exposure is most harmful? Do the neurotransmitter changes persist into adulthood or normalize over time? Are synthetic cannabinoids more harmful prenatally than plant-derived cannabis?
Common questions
What does "sexually dimorphic" mean in this context?
Does this apply to CBD use during pregnancy?
Read the original research
Prenatal cannabinoid exposure and altered neurotransmission.
Neuropharmacology, 149, 181-194
Citation
Pinky, Priyanka D; Bloemer, Jenna; Smith, Warren D; Moore, Timothy; Hong, Hao; Suppiramaniam, Vishnu; Reed, Miranda N. (2019). Prenatal cannabinoid exposure and altered neurotransmission.. Neuropharmacology, 149, 181-194. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuropharm.2019.02.018
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