Prenatal cannabinoid exposure: why expecting individuals should take a pregnancy pause from using cannabinoid products

Authors

Alexis Lin, Gustavus Adolphus College, Saint Peter, MN, United States
Gelonia L. Dent, Department of Mathematics, Medgar Evers College, CUNY, Brooklyn, NY, United States
Suzy Davies, Department of Neurosciences, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States
Zarena M. Dominguez, Department of Pediatrics, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States
Leigh-Anne Cioffredi, Department of Pediatrics, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, United States
Gabrielle L. McLemore, Department of Pediatrics, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, United States
Jessie R. Maxwell, Department of Neurosciences, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States; Department of Pediatrics, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-1-2023

Abstract

Cannabinoid use in all populations is increasing as legalization across the United States continues. Concerningly, there is a lack of caution provided by medical providers to pregnant individuals as to the impact the use of cannabinoids could have on the developing fetus. Research continues in both the preclinical and clinical areas, and is severely needed, as the potency of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary psychoactive component of cannabis, has increased dramatically since the initial studies were completed. Thus far, clinical studies raise compelling evidence for short term memory deficits, impulse control issues, and attention deficiencies following prenatal cannabinoid exposure (PCE). These changes may be mediated through epigenetic modifications that not only impact the current offspring but could carry forward to future generations. While additional studies are needed, a pregnancy pause from cannabinoid products should be strongly recommended by providers to ensure the optimal health and well-being of our future generations.

Publication Title

Front Pediatr

ISSN

2296-2360

Volume

11

First Page

1278227

Last Page

1278227

Recommended Citation

Lin A, Dent GL, Davies S, Dominguez ZM, Cioffredi LA, McLemore GL, Maxwell JR. Prenatal cannabinoid exposure: why expecting individuals should take a pregnancy pause from using cannabinoid products. Front Pediatr. 2023 Oct 11;11:1278227. doi: 10.3389/fped.2023.1278227. PMID: 37886232; PMCID: PMC10598870.