Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 5, 2026

Preclinical Model of Prenatal Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol Exposure to Assess Its Impact on Neurodevelopmental Outcomes
05:13

Preclinical Model of Prenatal Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol Exposure to Assess Its Impact on Neurodevelopmental Outcomes

Published on: February 28, 2025

Cannabis Use During Early Pregnancy and Child Diagnoses of Depressive and Anxiety Disorders

Kelly C Young-Wolff1,2,3, Mahlet Shenkute1, Nina Oberman1

  • 1Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California.

Cannabis (Albuquerque, N.M.)
|August 1, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Prenatal cannabis use did not increase the risk of anxiety or depressive disorders in children. This large study found no association between early pregnancy cannabis exposure and offspring mental health diagnoses.

Area of Science:

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Prenatal cannabis exposure is linked to adverse pregnancy outcomes.
  • Limited research exists on the association between prenatal cannabis use and child anxiety or depressive disorders.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the hypothesis that prenatal cannabis use is associated with child anxiety or depressive disorder diagnoses.
  • To examine the relationship between early pregnancy cannabis exposure and offspring mental health outcomes.

Main Methods:

  • Population-based retrospective birth cohort study (N=115,553 children).
  • Screening for prenatal cannabis use (self-report or toxicology for delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol [THC]).
  • Cox proportional hazards regression models analyzed associations with child anxiety/depressive disorders (ages 6-13).

Main Results:

  • Prenatal cannabis use was associated with a lower risk of child anxiety disorders (aHR:0.84, 95%CI:0.75-0.95) when defined by toxicology.
  • No significant association was found for self-reported use or for depressive disorders.
  • Maternal prenatal cannabis use was not linked to increased risk of child depressive disorders (aHR:1.15, 95%CI:0.85-1.54).

Conclusions:

  • Prenatal cannabis use in early pregnancy was not associated with an increased risk of offspring anxiety disorders.
  • The study found no association between prenatal cannabis exposure and early onset of child depressive disorders.
Abstract

Keywords:
anxietycannabisdepressionmarijuanamental healthpregnancy

More Related Videos

Brain Morphology of Cannabis Users With or Without Psychosis: A Pilot MRI Study07:30

Brain Morphology of Cannabis Users With or Without Psychosis: A Pilot MRI Study

Published on: August 18, 2020

Related Concept Videos

Stress and Mental Health01:30

Stress and Mental Health

Chronic stress profoundly affects mental health, significantly influencing mood, behavior, and overall quality of life. Research closely links chronic stress with mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders. Ongoing exposure to stress can lead to physiological and psychological changes, initiating a cycle of emotional distress and maladaptive coping mechanisms.
Individuals with depression often experience challenges in both their personal and professional...
Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: Cannabinoids01:21

Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: Cannabinoids

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is a phytocannabinoid that primarily interacts with the CB1 receptor, a type of G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) predominantly in and around the chemoreceptor trigger zone (CTZ) and emetic center. THC also blocks the serotonin receptor activity in the dorsal vagal complex (DVC) by inhibiting serotonin release. THC exerts its anti-emetic effects through these interactions, which are beneficial for patients undergoing chemotherapy.
Two synthetic agonists of THC,...
Upper Respiratory Drugs: Antitussives, Expectorants, and Mucolytics01:23

Upper Respiratory Drugs: Antitussives, Expectorants, and Mucolytics

Respiratory symptoms, such as congestion and cough, commonly accompany respiratory tract conditions. Various medications, such as antitussives, expectorants, and mucolytics, play crucial roles in providing relief.
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 anesthetizing...
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder01:30

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It affects approximately 5-8% of children globally, with around 60-70% of cases persisting into adulthood. ADHD has significant implications for educational attainment, social interactions, and occupational success.
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings.
CNS Stimulants: Cocaine, Amphetamines and Cannabinoids01:24

CNS Stimulants: Cocaine, Amphetamines and Cannabinoids

CNS stimulants, such as cocaine, amphetamines, and cannabinoids, have varying structures and mechanisms of action that lead to different therapeutic effects and side effects. Cocaine, with its molecular formula C17H21NO4, is a tropane alkaloid and a tertiary amino compound. It has two chemical forms: the hydrochloride salt and the "freebase." The former is in powder form, while the latter involves removing the hydrochloride salt to create a form that can be smoked. Cocaine exerts its effects by...
CNS Depressants: Alcohol and Nicotine01:27

CNS Depressants: Alcohol and Nicotine

Ethanol, a clear colorless alcohol, has been consumed by humans for millennia, but its effects on the body are far from benign. At lower doses, it induces decreased inhibitions and loquaciousness, leading to its social appeal. However, it can cause severe consequences at higher doses, such as coma and respiratory depression, due to its zero-order elimination kinetics. Chronic ethanol abuse wreaks havoc on multiple organ systems, particularly the CNS and the liver. Abrupt cessation of ethanol...