Study: cannabis use during pregnancy leads to behavioral change in children

by Team Inc.

2020-09-25-Study: cannabis use during pregnancy leads to behavioral change in children

As cannabis is gaining in popularity and more countries are legalizing recreational marijuana, more women are using the drug during (early) pregnancy. A new study suggests that choice may have unexpected consequences.

A cross-sectional analysis of 11.489 children, 655 of whom were exposed to THC in utero, has shown that cannabis use during pregnancy is associated with a small increase in psychotic behavior later in life. This can lead to aggression, attention and social problems.

While women with these behavioral traits might be more likely to use cannabis during pregnancy, the relationship persisted even when other confounding factors, such as genetic predisposition, were considered. Whether or not this relationship is causal is another matter - after all, there are many other factors that the researchers may not have considered - but in the context of other research, it's an interesting link worthy of further investigation.

Endocannabinoid receptors

Animal models suggest that THC - the psychoactive compound in cannabis - acts through endocannabinoid receptors in the developing brain. These do not appear in the human fetus until five or six weeks after pregnancy. Often the period that women realize that they are pregnant.

Children exposed to THC before a mother knew of the pregnancy, but not afterward, showed no differences from those children who had not been exposed at all. This further supports the idea that endocannabinoid receptors may play a role in child development. Several other evidence showed that prenatal cannabis exposure is associated with reduced attention span and certain behavioral problems in children.

Although research into the health effects of cannabis is gaining momentum, data on cannabis use during pregnancy is still far behind. And that can inadvertently harm the next generation. A 2019 study of more than 450.000 pregnant women found that cannabis use more than doubled to 2002 percent between 2017 and 7. It is now the most popular drug among pregnant women.

Cannabis against nausea

Cannabis is reportedly used to treat nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy, but there is little evidence as to whether it actually works or if it is safe. Until we have those answers, researchers say doctors should discourage people from using cannabis during pregnancy. There is some evidence that THC concentrations in the fetus may differ depending on whether the mother uses once a month or once a day. But the dosage of cannabis during pregnancy and the timing of exposure have not been studied at all. Also, researchers have not yet properly investigated the differences between the use of edibles and smoking or vaping. As a result, there is currently no known safe form of cannabis use during pregnancy or breast-feeding.

Health risks for the child

The potential risks have led the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the American Academy of Pediatrics both to advise against using cannabis during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Even the American Surgeon General does not recommend cannabis use during pregnancy. “THC is found in breast milk for up to six days after the last registered use. It can affect the development of the newborn's brain and result in hyperactivity, poor cognitive function and other long-term consequences. ”

Read more sciencealert.com (Source, EN)

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