A study published in the American Journal of Physiology-Lung Cellular and Molecular Physiology indicated that prenatal cannabis exposure while pregnant can potentially harm fetal lung development and function. The study suggests that tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) consumption can cause chronic respiratory health conditions such as asthma.
Researchers from the Oregon Health and Science University (OSHA) administered THC edibles to primates and a placebo to a control group. The research team used fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) during the mid-second trimester and early third trimester to measure blood-oxygen levels in developing lungs. They also conducted pulmonary function testing of the infants when they reached 6 months old.
The study found that maternal THC edible consumption resulted in significantly decreased lung volume. The researchers observed this decrease beginning early during fetal development. Prenatal THC exposure altered lung gene expression and DNA methylation. According to study author Dr. Eliot Spindel, “This is certainly something that raises alarm bells, because children born with decreased lung function at birth are more likely to follow a lower trajectory of lung function as they age, increasing their risk to develop childhood asthma and respiratory diseases as adults.” Although many studies have examined the association between nicotine exposure and increased risk of asthma in offspring, the OSHA study is the first one to examine prenatal cannabis exposure and respiratory development.
The study’s findings emphasize the critical need for additional research focusing on the potential effects of maternal THC edible consumption on offspring respiratory health. An increasing number of pregnant women have reported using cannabis in the past two decades. The OSHU study’s findings can inform effective policy development and healthcare practices that raise awareness of the risks of prenatal cannabis exposure and provide evidence-based recommendations.
Sources: American Journal of Physiology-Lung Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Eureka News Alert, Oregon Health and Science University
