As the legal and social acceptance of cannabis continues to grow, so does its use among pregnant women. Many expectant mothers turn to cannabis to alleviate pregnancy-related symptoms, believing it to be a natural and safe remedy. However, a recent study published in the journal Neurobiology of Disease suggests that prenatal exposure to cannabis, particularly its primary components Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), can have significant long-term effects on brain development and behavior in rodents.
The study found that prenatal exposure to THC, CBD, or a combination of both can lead to reduced birth size, behavioral changes during adolescence, and disrupted neuronal activity in key brain regions. These findings provide insights into how cannabis constituents impact fetal brain development and highlight potential risks associated with prenatal cannabis use.
Previous studies have linked prenatal cannabis exposure to low birth weight, cognitive deficits, and a higher risk of neuropsychiatric disorders. However, there is a lack of detailed understanding of the specific neuronal and molecular mechanisms underlying these effects and how different cannabis constituents might contribute to these outcomes.
