New Studies Suggest Maternal Marijuana Use Not Linked to Autism or Developmental Delays
Two recent studies published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) have found no association between maternal marijuana use during pregnancy and an increased risk of autism or developmental delays in children. The studies, funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, analyzed data from over 300,000 pregnancies and found that maternal cannabis use during early pregnancy was not associated with an increased risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or early childhood developmental delays.
The first study, which analyzed data from 178,948 pregnancies, found that maternal cannabis use during early pregnancy was not associated with ASD in children. The study’s authors noted that while the findings suggested that cannabis use during pregnancy is not associated with ASD overall, there may be an association with higher frequency use, highlighting the need for further research.
The second study, which analyzed data from 119,976 pregnancies, found no association between maternal cannabis use during early pregnancy and early childhood developmental delays. The study’s authors noted that while the findings suggested that cannabis use during pregnancy is not associated with developmental delays, there may be an association with higher frequency use.
The studies’ authors cautioned that while the findings do not suggest that using marijuana during pregnancy is safe, especially when use is frequent or heavy, they do suggest that the risks associated with maternal marijuana use may be overstated. The studies’ authors also emphasized the need for further research to better understand the potential risks and benefits of marijuana use during pregnancy.
The findings of these studies are significant, as they contradict some previous research that suggested a link between maternal marijuana use and an increased risk of autism or developmental delays in children. The studies’ authors noted that their findings align with the bulk of research into childhood development outcomes following maternal marijuana use.
In related news, a recent report from a reproductive rights organization found that pregnancy-related prosecutions are at an all-time high in the wake of the 2022 Supreme Court decision that ended the nationwide right to abortion. The report found that 210 criminal cases were filed against people for conduct associated with pregnancy, pregnancy loss, or birth during the first year after the high court’s Dobbs ruling, which overturned Roe v. Wade. Of those cases, 203 cases, or nearly 97%, involved allegations of substance use during pregnancy, with marijuana being the second most commonly cited drug.
The report’s findings highlight the need for a more nuanced approach to addressing substance use during pregnancy, one that recognizes the complex issues involved.
