The Society for the Study of Addiction has released a groundbreaking and important study that is shedding new light on the impact of prenatal cannabis exposure on infant health.
Based on a meta-analysis of 57 previous studies with over 12 million infants, the research found that exposure to cannabis during pregnancy significantly increases the risk of preterm birth, low birth weight, and the need for neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission. The primary psychoactive component of cannabis, THC, can cross the placenta, affecting fetal development.
While alarming, the study found that infants exposed to cannabis are not at a greater risk of birth defects or death within one year, including sudden unexpected infant death. The findings highlight the importance of understanding the potentially harmful effects of maternal cannabis use during pregnancy on infant health.
First author Ms. Maryam Sorkhou commented on the study, noting, “The global increase in cannabis use among women of reproductive age also extends to pregnant women. We know that THC, the main psychoactive constituent in cannabis, can cross the placenta from mother to fetus and bind to receptors in the fetal brain. Our study adds to that knowledge by showing that prenatal exposure to cannabis heightens the risk of several adverse birth outcomes.”
The research gathered data from 57 prior studies involving over 12 million infant participants, with more than 100,000 of them exposed to cannabis. The findings, which span studies published from 1984 to 2023 and encompass various countries, were published in the scientific journal Addiction.
This study serves as a stark reminder of the potential risks associated with maternal cannabis use during pregnancy and emphasizes the need for further research and awareness surrounding this critical issue.
For those hoping to learn more about the study, additional details and information can be found in the upcoming issue of Addiction.