A groundbreaking study from the University of Canterbury in New Zealand has established a link between maternal cannabis use during pregnancy and genetic changes in offspring, marking a significant advancement in understanding the effects of prenatal cannabis exposure (PCE).
The research suggests that pregnant women who consume cannabis may be impacting their unborn babies’ brain development through genetic alterations. The study specifically found that prenatal cannabis use correlates with molecular changes in the genes of exposed children.
Dr. Amy Osborne, who led the study, stated, “While it is known that cannabis use during pregnancy is associated with childhood and adolescent brain development and cognitive function, previous studies have struggled to definitively link cannabis exposure to the neurodevelopmental issues observed in children.”
The COVID-19 pandemic has seen an uptick in cannabis use among pregnant women, often as a means to cope with pregnancy-related stress and physiological changes.
To reach their conclusions, researchers analyzed genomic data from studies conducted in the UK and New Zealand. “By examining data from individuals at various stages of life—at birth, age seven, ages 15-17, and age 27—we identified a molecular signature of prenatal cannabis exposure. We found a significant number of changes in genes linked to neurodevelopment and neurodevelopmental diseases,” Dr. Osborne explained.
Published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry, this study highlights the need for increased awareness regarding the risks associated with cannabis use, especially as many countries relax regulations around the drug.
Dr. Osborne expressed hope that the research will encourage further investigation and lead to clearer guidelines for pregnant women regarding cannabis use, stating, “Without proper guidance, the potential risks to children will continue to exist and likely increase.”
