New Study Unveils Risks of Prenatal Cannabis Exposure on Child Development

A new study from Nationwide Children’s Hospital, published in *JAMA Pediatrics*, alerts expectant mothers to the risks associated with prenatal cannabis exposure. Researchers found that such exposure correlates with poorer thinking skills and behavioral issues in early childhood, such as impulse control challenges, attention deficits, and increased aggression. Principal investigator, Dr. Sarah Keim, emphasizes the risks of using cannabis during pregnancy for issues like nausea and stress, highlighting the need for safer alternatives. The study, which used assessments involving parents and behavioral observations in a play lab, both confirms and expands on previous research. With today's cannabis being more potent, this study reinforces clinical recommendations against cannabis use during pregnancy, aligning with cautions from the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists about potential health risks.