Implications of Prenatal Cannabis Exposure on Childhood Neurodevelopmental Outcomes: A Summary of the Clinical Evidence.

Abstract

Importance: Cannabis is commonly used by pregnant patients for alleviation of pregnancy-associated symptoms. Multiple national medical associations have recommended against prenatal cannabis use, yet misinformation regarding its safety and efficacy remains prevalent in public discourse. Effective and evidence-based patient counseling on prenatal cannabis use requires a thorough understanding of the existing data on fetal neurodevelopment.

Objective: The aim of this study was to summarize the existing clinical literature on the impacts of intrauterine cannabis exposure on offspring neurodevelopment.

Evidence acquisition: Articles were identified via literature search in PubMed and OVID; relevant articles were reviewed.

Results: Limited data have shown associations between intrauterine cannabis exposure and (1) increased startles and difficulty with consolation in the neonatal period, (2) memory challenges, verbal reasoning challenges, and diminished academic performance during early childhood, and (3) inattention, hyperactivity, and aggression during early childhood. Further research with large and diverse samples that use objective measures of cannabis use across multiple time points in pregnancy is required to assess causation, the true extent of impacts, and dose-dependent effects.

Conclusions and relevance: The existing clinical data regarding the impacts of prenatal cannabis use on fetal neurodevelopment are limited by important confounders like genetic predisposition, concomitant tobacco and other substance use during pregnancy, and low socioeconomic status. However, the theoretical and demonstrated associations between prenatal cannabis use and adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes are compelling enough to warrant complete abstinence during pregnancy, pending further research. Providers can utilize this summary to offer data-driven guidance on prenatal cannabis use for pregnant patients.