December 17, 2024 from DATAC
With cannabis use rising among pregnant women, researchers are uncovering new risks associated with prenatal THC exposure. A recent study from the University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMSOM), published in Science Advances, found that in-utero THC exposure rewires the fetal brain, making individuals more susceptible to opioid addiction later in life.
How THC Alters Brain Development in the Womb
The study examined how exposure to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive ingredient in cannabis, affects brain development. The research found that:
- THC exposure increased dopamine release in response to reward-related cues, including food and opioid drugs.
- Rats exposed to THC in utero had a significantly stronger motivation to seek opioids than non-exposed rats.
- These rats exhibited more persistent addiction-like behaviors, showing an enhanced vulnerability to opioid addiction.
- They demonstrated greater responsiveness to opioid-associated environmental cues, making them more likely to engage in drug-seeking behavior.
Dr. Joseph Cheer, the study’s corresponding author, emphasized the significance of these findings stating that
“Doctors are contending with an explosion of cannabis use, and the THC content has quadrupled from what it was a generation ago. This study demonstrates the enduring consequences that prenatal cannabis exposure exerts on the brain’s reward system, which ultimately results in a neurobiological vulnerability to opioid drugs.”
Growing Cannabis Use in Pregnancy and Its Risks
Studies estimate that up to 18% of pregnant women in the U.S. use cannabis to alleviate morning sickness, back pain, and anxiety. However, the increasing potency of THC in modern cannabis raises concerns about its effects on fetal brain development.
Dr. Mark T. Gladwin, UMSOM Dean, underscored the importance of further research in a press release, asserting that
“We need to more fully understand the enduring effects of THC exposure in the womb and whether we can reverse some of the deleterious effects through CRISPR-based gene therapies or repurposed drugs.”
Current Guidelines on Cannabis Use During Pregnancy
Given the growing body of evidence on prenatal THC exposure, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) advises that doctors counsel patients on the potential risks of cannabis use during pregnancy. Many women perceive cannabis as a safer alternative to prescription anxiety medications, but this study suggests potential long-term consequences for their children.
The Need for Further Research and Awareness
As cannabis use becomes more widespread, public health efforts must address the risks of prenatal exposure. More research is needed to determine if the effects of THC exposure can be reversed using genetic or pharmacological interventions. Further research would also assist in educating pregnant women on the potential risks associated with cannabis use and developing safer alternatives for managing pregnancy-related symptoms like nausea and anxiety.
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