Research Reports: Marijuana Abuse
- Letter From the Director
- What is marijuana?
- What is the scope of marijuana use in the United States?
- How does marijuana produce its effects?
- How does marijuana use affect your brain and body?
- Is there a link between marijuana use and mental illness?
- Is marijuana addictive?
- How does marijuana use affect school, work, and social life?
- Does marijuana use affect driving?
- Can marijuana use during pregnancy harm the baby?
- Available treatments for marijuana use disorders
- Glossary
- References
- Where can I get more scientific information on marijuana abuse?
Can marijuana use during pregnancy harm the baby?
Animal research suggests that the body's endocannabinoid system plays a role in the control of brain maturation, particularly in the development of emotional responses. It is conceivable that even low concentrations of THC, when administered during the perinatal period, could have profound and long-lasting consequences for both brain and behavior.16 Research has shown that some babies born to women who used marijuana during their pregnancies display altered responses to visual stimuli, increased tremulousness, and a high-pitched cry, which could indicate problems with neurological development. In school, marijuana-exposed children are more likely to show gaps in problem solving skills, memory, and the ability to remain attentive. More research is needed, however, to disentangle the drug-specific factors from the environmental ones.17
This page was last updated July 2012.
Research Reports
This series of reports simplifies the science of research findings for the educated lay public, legislators, educational groups, and practitioners. The series reports on research findings of national interest.
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