A recent study published in the Journal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics has found that children whose mothers used cannabis in early pregnancy did not have an increased risk of developing Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or other disruptive behavior disorders by age 11. However, the study’s authors caution that these findings should not be interpreted as dismissing the known risks to maternal and neonatal health associated with cannabis use during pregnancy.
Study Details
The study, which focused on a large cohort of children born between 2011 and 2018, aimed to examine the potential long-term impacts of prenatal cannabis use on child development. The researchers tracked 141,570 children born to 117,130 mothers enrolled in the Kaiser Permanente Northern California healthcare system, all of whom were screened for cannabis use when they began prenatal care (typically between the eighth and tenth week of pregnancy).
Despite growing concerns about the potential risks of prenatal cannabis use, the researchers found no significant correlation between early maternal cannabis use and an increased likelihood of the child being diagnosed with ADHD or behavioral disorders by the time they turned 11.
Caution and Context
While the study’s findings may provide some reassurance, it’s important to note that the researchers emphasized the established risks of cannabis use during pregnancy. Other studies have consistently shown that prenatal cannabis use is linked to adverse neonatal outcomes, including:
- Preterm birth
- Low birth weight
- Babies born small for gestational age
- Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admissions
In addition, previous research has suggested that maternal cannabis use can negatively affect maternal health during pregnancy, contributing to complications such as gestational hypertension and pre-eclampsia.
“Our team has been studying prenatal cannabis use for nearly a decade, and during that time we’ve seen significant increases in the rates of cannabis use during pregnancy,” said study author Kelly Young-Wolff, a research scientist at Kaiser Permanente Division of Research. She noted that this rise in prenatal cannabis use coincided with the increasing legalization of cannabis across the United States and growing perceptions of its safety.
In a recent study published in JAMA Health Forum, Young-Wolff and her colleagues examined over 300,000 pregnancies at Kaiser Permanente Northern California between 2012 and 2019. The study found that the implementation of recreational cannabis legalization in California was associated with an immediate rise in prenatal cannabis use, especially in areas where cannabis retailers were allowed to operate.
What Does This Mean for Expecting Mothers?
While the latest study does not support a link between cannabis use in early pregnancy and ADHD or behavioral disorders in children, experts still advise caution when it comes to cannabis use during pregnancy. The potential risks to maternal and fetal health, particularly in the form of complications like preterm birth or developmental delays, are well documented.
As more states legalize cannabis, the rise in cannabis use among pregnant individuals has become a public health concern. Research continues to explore the full range of potential risks, and while some studies suggest a link to childhood behavioral disorders, others like this one show mixed results.
A Growing Body of Evidence
The study adds to a growing body of research on the effects of cannabis use during pregnancy. While this particular study did not find a link to ADHD or behavioral issues, it is important to note that researchers are continuing to investigate the broader implications for both maternal and child health.
Young-Wolff and her team are now working to explore how maternal prenatal cannabis use may contribute to long-term health outcomes for children, beyond ADHD and behavior disorders. This ongoing research will be essential for understanding the full scope of risks associated with cannabis use during pregnancy.
Though this recent study offers some insight into the potential lack of connection between early prenatal cannabis use and ADHD, it does not eliminate the broader risks. Maternal cannabis use continues to be a topic of concern, particularly regarding its effects on neonatal and maternal health. Expecting mothers should continue to consult with healthcare providers to make informed decisions about cannabis use during pregnancy.
