As cannabis becomes more widely legalized and accessible across the U.S., healthcare providers are voicing growing concerns about its impact on children, especially those exposed in the womb. New research from Nationwide Children’s Hospital adds to a growing body of evidence showing the negative effects of prenatal cannabis exposure on early childhood development.
In September, in collaboration with National Medical Services (NMS) Labs, researchers released results from over 90,000 umbilical cord samples collected across five years. The findings were striking—nearly 20% of the samples tested positive for cannabis, underscoring the rise in marijuana use, even among pregnant women. As legalization has progressed, marijuana use has grown across all demographics, and some pregnant women turn to it in hopes of alleviating nausea, sleep disturbances, or stress. However, health experts strongly advise against this.
A study published today in JAMA Pediatrics reveals that children exposed to cannabis in the womb exhibit poorer cognitive and behavioral outcomes during early childhood. Key challenges include difficulty with impulse control, attention span, planning abilities, and increased aggression—skills essential for academic success and social interactions.
“Although cannabis is a natural product, it still carries significant risks when used during pregnancy,” explains Dr. Sarah Keim, Ph.D., principal investigator at Nationwide Children’s Center for Biobehavioral Health and lead author of the study. “Consulting with a health care provider is crucial to find safer alternatives to manage common pregnancy symptoms.”
The research team evaluated children using multiple tools, including parent-reported behavioral assessments and observations in a controlled play environment. Results revealed that children with prenatal cannabis exposure struggled to manage their emotions and exhibited more impulsive and aggressive behaviors. These findings align with earlier research but also reflect the growing potency of cannabis available today compared to previous decades.
“Our findings were expected, but they reinforce previous evidence,” Dr. Keim noted. “With more diverse study samples and the stronger strains now available, our study underscores the importance of clinical recommendations advising against cannabis use during pregnancy.”
Both the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists continue to warn about the risks of cannabis use during pregnancy, highlighting potential long-term health impacts on mothers and children.
As cannabis becomes increasingly normalized, this study serves as a reminder that the risks to developing children are significant and avoidable. Health care providers stress that it’s critical for pregnant women to explore safer options for managing pregnancy-related discomforts in consultation with their physicians.
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