Children of Mothers with Cannabis Use Disorder Have 79% Higher Risk of Anxiety Disorders

Offspring exposed to maternal CUD prenatally had 79% increased risk of any anxiety disorder (aRR 1.79), with specific increases for PTSD (aRR 2.46), GAD (aRR 2.18), and childhood anxiety disorders (aRR 1.91). Postnatal CUD exposure was also associated with increased anxiety (aRR 2.02) and PTSD (aRR 2.97). Findings held in mediation and propensity score matching analyses.

Population-based retrospective cohort using linked administrative health data from New South Wales, Australia. 223,068 live births (2003-2005). Maternal CUD and offspring anxiety disorders identified via ICD-10 codes. Log-binomial regression with mediation and propensity score matching.

This is one of the largest studies linking maternal cannabis use disorder to specific anxiety disorder outcomes in children. The dose-response pattern (prenatal and postnatal exposure both matter) strengthens the case for targeted interventions during and after pregnancy.

As cannabis use among pregnant women increases globally, understanding the long-term mental health consequences for offspring becomes critical. The particularly strong association with PTSD suggests specific stress-response pathways may be disrupted by prenatal cannabis exposure.

Administrative data with ICD-coded diagnoses may miss milder cases. Cannot determine biological vs. environmental mechanisms. CUD diagnosis may correlate with other risk factors (poverty, other substance use, adverse childhood experiences). Australian cohort from 2003-2005.