INVESTIGATOR: Jennifer Thomas, Ph.D.

STUDY LOCATION: San Diego State University

PROJECT TITLE: Cannabidiol use during pregnancy: Safety and risk for the developing fetus

FUNDING SOURCE: Center for Medicinal Cannabis Research

PROJECT TYPE: Pre-Clinical Study

STATUS: Active

ABSTRACT:

An increasing number of pregnant women and women of reproductive age are consuming cannabis products, under the assumption that such use is safe. In fact, cannabidiol (CBD) has become a popular alternative to traditional medications used to treat pregnancy related ailments, such as nausea, anxiety, insomnia, and pain. CBD crosses the placental barrier, but its unique effects on the developing fetus are largely unknown. Moreover, many products that contain CBD also contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), but poorly regulated labels often misrepresent cannabinoid content and potencies. Furthermore, it is not yet known how the combination of CBD and THC affects the fetus and consequent development of the offspring. Thus, understanding how prenatal exposure to CBD and other cannabinoids affects fetal development is an increasingly important public health issue. The present study will develop a model of “edible” CBD administration to mimic consumption patterns of pregnant women. Pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats will be fed CBD edibles at varying doses, with and without THC, and the physical and behavioral outcomes of the offspring will be examined. Behavioral development of the offspring will be examined on a wide range of domains, including motor, emotional, activity, sleep, and cognitive. Brain tissue will be collected and examined for structural and functional changes, focusing on the hypothesis that prenatal CBD leads to long-lasting neuroimmune dysregulation. These results will determine potential risks of prenatal CBD exposure and will provide a foundation to eventually determine how variability in the composition of cannabis products affects fetal development, both early and long-term. Importantly, understanding the potential risks and benefits of prenatal exposure to CBD has critical implications for those affected, as well as for establishing public policy and advising pregnant women about CBD use during pregnancy.