As cannabis use continues to rise, a new study is warning about its effects on children still in the womb. International researchers have discovered a connection between pregnant women exposing their unborn children and changes in DNA methylation — a process that can influence gene activity — in genes crucial for brain development. These changes persisted into childhood, adolescence, and even adulthood.
The study, published in Molecular Psychiatry, analyzed data from two long-term studies: one in the United Kingdom following children from birth to age 17, and another in New Zealand tracking individuals into their late 20s. By examining DNA samples at different ages, the researchers found consistent patterns of altered gene activity in those exposed to cannabis prenatally.
“We know cannabis use during pregnancy is associated with childhood and adolescent brain development and cognitive function,” says Dr. Amy Osborne, a senior lecturer at the University of Canterbury, in a media release. “However, previous studies haven’t been able to prove that cannabis exposure has specifically caused the adverse effects on neurodevelopment that have been observed.”
“In a world-first, we identified a significant number of molecular changes in genes involved in neurodevelopment and neurodevelopmental disease, across the life course. This is a key finding because it suggests there is a molecular link between prenatal cannabis exposure and impacts on the genes involved in neurodevelopment.”
Some of the affected genes play important roles in brain development and function. For example, one gene called TUBB2B is involved in the formation of the brain’s cortex, while another called LZTS2 has been linked to depression. The researchers also found changes in genes associated with learning, memory, and various neurodevelopmental disorders.
Importantly, the study found that these genetic changes were enriched in pathways related to brain development, neurotransmission, and neuronal structure. This means that the alterations weren’t random but concentrated in areas crucial for how the brain forms and functions.
“Cannabis is now the most commonly used drug, excluding alcohol and tobacco, among pregnant women in the United States and the frequency has been rising since the COVID-19 pandemic,” Dr. Osborne notes.
The findings add weight to growing concerns about cannabis use during pregnancy. With more states legalizing cannabis and public perception of its risks decreasing, understanding its potential impact on fetal development is more critical than ever.
However, it’s important to note that this study doesn’t prove that prenatal cannabis exposure directly causes neurodevelopmental problems. Instead, it provides evidence of a biological mechanism that might explain the link between cannabis exposure and developmental issues observed in other studies.
“We hope our research will inspire further investigation with larger cohorts and there will soon be clearer advice to pregnant women about the impact of cannabis use. Otherwise, the potential risk to children remains, and will likely grow,” Dr. Osborne concludes.
Source: https://studyfinds.org/cannabis-use-pregnancy-genes/?nab=0