26 Mar Study Finds Maternal Cannabis Use Associated with Behavior Disorders in Children
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
Mr. Abay Tadesse, PhD candidate
School of Population Health
Curtin University
Australia
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?
Response: Few studies have investigated the association between maternal gestational cannabis use and the risk of disruptive behavioural disorders (DBDs) in offspring. Small sample sizes, reliance on self-reported data and focus on solely in-utero exposure often limit existing research, leading to inconsistent findings. Given the increasing prevalence of cannabis use during pregnancy, there is an urgent need for robust, population-based evidence to better understand its potential impact on child neurobehavioral outcomes.
This study aimed to examine the relationship between maternal cannabis use disorder (CUD) during pregnancy and postpartum periods and the risk of DBDs in offspring. Using linked health data from New South Wales, Australia, we conducted a population-based retrospective cohort study of live births between 2003 and 2005.
MedicalResearch.com: What are the main findings?
Key findings:
- Maternal CUD during the antenatal, postnatal, and perinatal periods was associated with a three-fold increased risk of DBDs in offspring.
- The association remained significant after adjusting for socioeconomic status, maternal age, child gender, maternal psychiatric conditions, and co-occurring substance use.
- Both maternal CUD and DBDs were measured using International Classification of Diseases (ICD) codes, enhancing the validity and reliability of the study.
MedicalResearch.com: What should readers take away from your report?
Response: Our findings provide strong epidemiological evidence that maternal CUD during pregnancy and postpartum periods is a significant risk factor for DBDs in offspring. Given the potential long-term consequences for child development, these results emphasise the need for targeted public health interventions.
Key takeaways:
- Screening and early intervention programs for cannabis use in pregnant and postpartum women are essential.
- Healthcare providers should be aware of the neurodevelopmental risks associated with maternal CUD and offer appropriate counselling and support.
- Public health policies should integrate education and awareness campaigns on the risks of perinatal cannabis use, especially as cannabis legalisation expands access.
MedicalResearch.com: What recommendations do you have for future research as a results of this study?
Response: While our study provides strong observational evidence, further research is needed to strengthen causal inferences. We recommend:
- Population-based prospective cohort studies tracking children beyond early childhood to assess the long-term impact of maternal CUD on behavioural and mental health outcomes.
- Advanced methodological approaches, such as Mendelian randomisation and sibling comparison studies, to control for genetic and environmental confounding factors.
MedicalResearch.com: Is there anything else you would like to add? Any disclosures?
Response: This study highlights the urgent need for public health interventions targeting maternal cannabis use during critical perinatal periods. Additionally, stigma and barriers to care may discourage pregnant individuals from seeking help, underscoring the importance of non-judgmental, supportive healthcare approaches.
Disclosures:
There are no conflicts of interest to disclose. This study used de-identified linked health data and received appropriate ethics approval.
Citation: Abay Woday Tadesse, Berihun Assefa Dachew, Getinet Ayano, Kim Betts, Rosa Alati,
Maternal cannabis use disorder and offspring behavioral outcomes: findings from a linked data cohort study,
Psychiatry Research,Volume 346,2025,116404,ISSN 0165-1781,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychres.2025.116404
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Last Updated on March 26, 2025 by Marie Benz MD FAAD