Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 16, 2025

Preclinical Model of Prenatal Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol Exposure to Assess Its Impact on Neurodevelopmental Outcomes
Published on: February 28, 2025
Cannabis Use in Pregnancy and Downstream effects on maternal and infant health (CUPiD): a protocol for a birth cohort
Serine Ramlawi1, Malia S Q Murphy1, Alysha L J Dingwall-Harvey1
1Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
Introduction:
Cannabis use in pregnancy and post partum is increasing. Accessibility to cannabis has expanded due to the legalisation of cannabis in Canada. Therefore, there is a critical need to monitor the impact of cannabis on pregnancy outcomes and infant neurodevelopment. This pilot study will assess the feasibility of modern recruitment and data collection strategies adapted to the current cannabis environment and inform the design of a multicentre prospective birth cohort.
Methods And Analysis:
We will establish a pregnancy and birth cohort of 50 cannabis users and 50 non-users recruited before delivery. We will follow the participants at regular visits from recruitment to 12 weeks post partum. Participants will provide demographic and socioeconomic data, report their cannabis use patterns, and provide biological samples. Biological samples include maternal and infant urine and blood, breastmilk/chestmilk, cord blood, cord tissue, placenta and meconium. All samples will be processed and stored at -80°C until analysis by immunoassay or liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry to determine the presence of cannabis metabolites. In addition, partners will be invited to provide additional socioeconomic and substance use data.
Ethics And Dissemination:
Ethics was obtained from Ottawa Health Science Network Research Ethics Board through Clinical Trials Ontario (3791). Our findings will be published in peer-reviewed journals, presented at scientific conferences and shared broadly with patients, healthcare decision-makers, and project partners online and through social media.
Trial Registration Number:
NCT05309226.Cite Now.
Related Concept Videos
Teratogenicity
Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: Cannabinoids
Two synthetic agonists of THC,...
Upper Respiratory Drugs: Antitussives, Expectorants, and Mucolytics
Antitussives include codeine, dextromethorphan (Robitussin), and benzonatate (Tessalon). Codeine and dextromethorphan exert their effects centrally by suppressing the cough reflex center in the medulla. Benzonatate operates peripherally within the respiratory tract by...
CNS Stimulants: Cocaine, Amphetamines and Cannabinoids
Factors Affecting Drug Response: Overview
Stimulants
Cocaine can be administered via snorting, injection, or smoking. It primarily functions by blocking the reuptake of dopamine, resulting in a euphoric high characterized by an intense sensation of happiness and...

