Based on the findings of two meta-analyses and several large cohort studies, we cannot conclude that cannabis is “safe” for use during pregnancy. Data regarding risk for autism spectrum disorder is mixed.
Prenatal cannabis exposure was associated with deficits in executive function and aggressive behavior; however, there are other important exposures to consider in this study.
In this multicenter cohort, maternal cannabis use documented using urine drug sampling was associated with increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes related to placental dysfunction.
More infants who were exposed to strong agonists and opioids with long half-lives, including methadone, developed neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome.
At this point, the medical use of cannabis is legal in 37 states and the District of Columbia (D.C.). The recreational use of cannabis has been legalized in 21 states and D.C. The downstream effect [...]
A large cohort study from Canada has observed that cannabis use during pregnancy was associated with increased risk of preterm birth, low birth weight and small-for-gestational age.
Prenatal cannabis exposure was associated with persisting vulnerability to psychopathology throughout early adolescence.
Cannabis use, as well as use of benzodiazepines and sedative-hypnotic medications, was more common in women with depression.
It is essential that clinicians, as well as those working in dispensaries, must educate women about the risks associated with cannabis use during pregnancy.
Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment or SBIRT has been shown to be a quick and effective means of identifying and intervening with patients whose patterns of use put them at risk for, or who already have, substance-related health problems.
