Children exposed to cannabis in the womb are over three times more likely to develop behavioral problems than non-exposed peers, found a new study published in Psychiatry Research. The findings highlight the need for interventions that reduce cannabis use among women of reproductive age.
“We found children of mothers with cannabis use disorder were at a significantly higher risk of developing behavioural issues such as oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) and conduct disorder (CD),” lead author of the study, Abay Tadesse of the School of Population Health at Curtin University, Australia, said in a press release.
Until now, studies investigating the link between maternal cannabis use and disruptive behavior disorders in children have yielded mixed results. While some studies have linked in-utero cannabis exposure to behavioral problems in children such as externalizing and aggressive behaviors, others have found no association.
In the current study, researchers examined the relationship between maternal cannabis use disorder (CUD) during pregnancy and postpartum periods and the risk of disruptive behaviors in children. To do so, they analyzed healthcare data from 222, 604 mother-offspring pairs in New South Wales, Australia gathered between 2003 and 2005.
Ultimately, 1003 children were diagnosed with disruptive behavior disorders, of whom 3.4% and 0.8% were exposed to antenatal and postnatal CUD. After adjusting for confounders, the researchers found that children born to mothers with CUD during the antenatal period were 3.56 times more likely to develop disruptive behavioral disorders than their non-exposed counterparts.
The researchers further found that those born to mothers with perinatal and postnatal CUD were 3.55 and 2.95 times more likely to develop disruptive behavioral disorders compared to non-exposed peers.
“Cannabinoid ingredients can cross the placenta and enter breast milk, potentially affecting brain development. This research provides critical evidence to help shape health policies aimed at minimising harm,” said Professor Rosa Alati, Head of the School of Population Health at Curtin University, in a press release.
“While intervention strategies are essential, further genetic research is also needed to better understand the link between maternal cannabis use and childhood behavioural disorders,” she added.
Sources: EurekAlert, Psychiatry Research