Cannabinoid use represents the third most frequently used substance during pregnancy, behind alcohol and tobacco. Additionally, the recent movement to legalize the recreational use of cannabinoids has been coupled with increasing use during pregnancy. Not only is the prevalence of prenatal cannabinoid use increasing, but recent studies also indicate rates of daily use and the quantity used during pregnancy are higher than previously established. Concentrations of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana, are also increasing. The potential for impact on the developing fetus is high as THC is a highly lipophilic molecule that readily crosses the placenta and has been shown to accumulate in fetal and placental tissue. Studies have shown a risk of developmental and neurodevelopmental issues in children born to mothers using cannabinoids during pregnancy.
Currently, many pregnant individuals prefer to use cannabinoids for nausea rather than prescription medication, as it is perceived as being safer. It is critically important that the impact of prenatal cannabinoid exposure on fetal development is further characterized so that individuals that are pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant can be aware of the risks and benefits of cannabinoid use. This Research Topic will focus on providing a review of the current literature along with new cutting-edge research results to provide up-to-date information on the impact of prenatal cannabinoid exposure on the developing fetus. This information can then be used by various organizations to provide appropriate guidance to pregnant individuals.
The scope of this Research Topic is meant to include preclinical and clinical work. As much of the knowledge surrounding higher concentrations of THC is more recent, preclinical work continues to provide significant contributions. We would like a thorough review manuscript, which may be one manuscript or two that is split into preclinical and clinical findings. We then seek original manuscripts which provide information on cannabinoid use during pregnancy and the impact on the fetus. This can include findings during the pregnancy as well as developmental findings after birth. Investigations into confounding factors would be favorable, as this complicates the outcomes of these infants.
Cannabinoid use represents the third most frequently used substance during pregnancy, behind alcohol and tobacco. Additionally, the recent movement to legalize the recreational use of cannabinoids has been coupled with increasing use during pregnancy. Not only is the prevalence of prenatal cannabinoid use increasing, but recent studies also indicate rates of daily use and the quantity used during pregnancy are higher than previously established. Concentrations of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana, are also increasing. The potential for impact on the developing fetus is high as THC is a highly lipophilic molecule that readily crosses the placenta and has been shown to accumulate in fetal and placental tissue. Studies have shown a risk of developmental and neurodevelopmental issues in children born to mothers using cannabinoids during pregnancy.
Currently, many pregnant individuals prefer to use cannabinoids for nausea rather than prescription medication, as it is perceived as being safer. It is critically important that the impact of prenatal cannabinoid exposure on fetal development is further characterized so that individuals that are pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant can be aware of the risks and benefits of cannabinoid use. This Research Topic will focus on providing a review of the current literature along with new cutting-edge research results to provide up-to-date information on the impact of prenatal cannabinoid exposure on the developing fetus. This information can then be used by various organizations to provide appropriate guidance to pregnant individuals.
The scope of this Research Topic is meant to include preclinical and clinical work. As much of the knowledge surrounding higher concentrations of THC is more recent, preclinical work continues to provide significant contributions. We would like a thorough review manuscript, which may be one manuscript or two that is split into preclinical and clinical findings. We then seek original manuscripts which provide information on cannabinoid use during pregnancy and the impact on the fetus. This can include findings during the pregnancy as well as developmental findings after birth. Investigations into confounding factors would be favorable, as this complicates the outcomes of these infants.