Prenatal exposure to cannabis: A critical review of effects on growth, development, and behavior

The transmission of cannabis and its derivatives across the placenta, and the effects of these compounds on the developing fetus are reviewed, finding the species most responsive to the teratogenic effects ofThese drugs appears to be the mouse.

Abstract

The transmission of cannabis and its derivatives across the placenta, and the effects of these compounds on the developing fetus are reviewed. Although the placenta acts as a barrier toward the cannabinoids, these compounds do penetrate to the fetus. The species most responsive to the teratogenic effects of these drugs appears to be the mouse. However, methodological shortcomings in experimental designs do not allow any conclusions as to whether these effects are directly due to the action of these compounds on the fetus, or are indirectly due to drug-induced changes in the mother. At present, the evidence regarding cannabis' behaviorally teratogenic actions is especially inconsistent and methodologically inadequate.