The Risks of Cannabis and THC Use During Development

Mounting research suggests that cannabis use during pregnancy and adolescence can present myriad health risks, including preterm birth, lower birth weight, and psychiatric and behavioral problems in children. Cannabis can easily cross through the placenta and deposit in the fetal brain, disrupting brain development. Adolescents who start using cannabis during adolescence are at increased risk of developing depression, suicidal ideation, psychosis, and reductions in IQ during adolescence and adulthood. It's important to talk to a health care provider about potential risks before using cannabis or its extracts, especially if you are or could be pregnant or are a teen or young adult.