Smoking marijuana while pregnant is a debatable topic but one study has found some concerning results.
According to a new study, using weed while pregnant can lead to an increase in psychotic-like behaviors in children.
The study was published Wednesday in JAMA Psychiatry and analyzed data on 11,489 children who were followed as part of the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study.
The study calls itself the “largest long-term study of brain development and child health in the United States.”
The children’s cognitive and behavior patterns were evaluated in middle childhood, around age 9. 655 of these children were exposed to cannabis while in utero, according to statements from the mothers.
Compared to the 10,834 children with no exposure, children whose mothers had used during pregnancy were more likely to have psychotic-like behaviors and more attention, social and sleep problems, as well as weaker cognitive abilities.
“Use of cannabis despite knowledge of pregnancy might represent a preexisting and more severe form of cannabis use,” the authors of the study wrote.
In 2019, US Surgeon General Jerome Adams issued a statement advising against the use of cannabis during pregnancy.
“Recent increases in access to marijuana and in its potency, along with misperceptions of safety of marijuana endanger our most precious resource, our nation’s youth,” he wrote.
“THC has been found in breast milk for up to six days after the last recorded use,” the advisory states. “It may affect the newborn’s brain development and result in hyperactivity, poor cognitive function, and other long-term consequences.
“Additionally, marijuana smoke contains many of the same harmful components as tobacco smoke. No one should smoke marijuana or tobacco around a baby.”
