0
0
Portland, OR – New research from Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) suggests that cannabis use during pregnancy could negatively impact fetal lung development and future respiratory health. The study, published today in the American Journal of Physiology-Lung Cellular and Molecular Physiology, indicates that prenatal exposure to delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive component in cannabis, may increase the risk of chronic respiratory conditions such as asthma in later life.
This groundbreaking study is the first to specifically examine the effects of maternal THC consumption on offspring lung health. As prenatal cannabis use rises, particularly in the first trimester when fetal organs are highly vulnerable, the research underscores an urgent need for evidence-based guidance on cannabis use during pregnancy.
Potential Long-Term Impact on Respiratory Health
Dr. Jamie Lo, the study’s corresponding author and an associate professor at OHSU, emphasized the importance of understanding these risks: “These findings add to the growing evidence that prenatal cannabis exposure may adversely affect offspring development. There is an urgent need for clear, evidence-driven recommendations to help guide pregnant individuals.”
To conduct the study, researchers administered THC-infused edibles to pregnant nonhuman primates and monitored fetal lung development using advanced imaging techniques. Blood-oxygen levels in developing lungs were measured through fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) during the second and third trimesters. Additionally, pulmonary function tests were conducted on infant primates at six months old.
Findings revealed a significant decrease in lung volume in THC-exposed fetuses, a condition that persisted into infancy. Researchers also identified changes in lung gene expression and DNA methylation—biological processes that regulate gene activity—which may contribute to long-term respiratory complications.
Concerns for Future Generations
According to Dr. Eliot Spindel, senior author of the study and professor in the Division of Neuroscience at OHSU’s Oregon National Primate Research Center, the results are concerning. “Children born with decreased lung function are more likely to have a lower trajectory of lung development throughout their lives, increasing their risk of childhood asthma and respiratory diseases in adulthood. While nicotine use during pregnancy has been widely recognized as a risk factor for asthma, cannabis exposure has not received the same level of scrutiny—until now.”
Although further research is needed to confirm these findings, the study highlights potential risks associated with prenatal cannabis use and underscores the need for improved patient counseling and public awareness.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Individuals who are pregnant or considering pregnancy should consult with a healthcare professional regarding the potential risks of cannabis use.
