Oral CBD and THC During Pregnancy Both Harmed Fetal Development in Mice

Oral CBD and THC (20 mg/kg) from early to mid-gestation both impaired maternal spiral artery remodeling and fetal growth. Male offspring showed altered aggression and metabolic activity, while females had impaired spatial learning. Both CBD and THC disrupted immune cell production of angiogenic factors important for placental development.

Mouse model comparing oral CBD oil, THC oil, and controls at 20 mg/kg body weight from early to mid-gestation. Assessed implantation site remodeling, fetal growth, offspring behavior (traditional and automated cage systems), and immune cell angiogenic factor production using human and mouse cells.

CBD is increasingly perceived as safe during pregnancy because it is not psychoactive, but this study found oral CBD caused similar fetal harm as THC -- including growth restriction and lasting behavioral changes. This directly challenges the assumption that non-psychoactive means non-harmful.

With CBD product use rising during pregnancy (often for nausea or anxiety), this study adds critical preclinical evidence that oral CBD may not be the safe alternative many assume. The sex-dependent offspring effects add another layer of complexity.

Animal study -- mouse physiology and pregnancy differ from humans. Single high dose tested (20 mg/kg). Only early-to-mid gestation exposure examined. Did not test lower "consumer-relevant" doses. Route (oral oil) may not reflect all human consumption methods.