Metabolic Consequences of Gestational Cannabinoid Exposure

Area of Science:

• Reproductive biology and developmental toxicology
• Perinatal medicine and obstetrics
• Endocrinology and metabolic disease research

Background:

• Cannabis use affects up to 20% of pregnant women aged 18-24.
• Increased Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) concentrations in cannabis raise concerns.
• Δ9-THC crosses the placenta, potentially impacting fetal development via the endocannabinoid (eCB) system.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review pre-clinical and clinical evidence on cannabis exposure effects during pregnancy.
• To examine direct impacts on fetal development and indirect effects via placental insufficiency.
• To explore links between in utero cannabis exposure and postnatal metabolic diseases.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive literature review of existing pre-clinical and clinical studies.
• Analysis of research on cannabis constituents, including Δ9-THC.
• Investigation of mechanisms linking cannabis exposure to fetal growth restriction (FGR) and placental insufficiency.

Main Results:

• Cannabis consumption during pregnancy is associated with fetal growth restriction (FGR).
• FGR is a risk factor for offspring developing obesity, type II diabetes (T2D), and cardiovascular disease.
• Cannabis constituents can directly affect fetal development and indirectly impact it through placental insufficiency.

Conclusions:

• In utero cannabis exposure poses significant risks to fetal development and long-term offspring health.
• The rising potency of cannabis necessitates urgent attention to its perinatal health implications.
• Further research is crucial to understand and mitigate the risks of cannabis use during pregnancy.