Grant: Project Grant

The use of Cannabis in women of child-bearing age and during pregnancy is surprisingly common, and surveys suggest that the majority of North Americans believe that Cannabis use during pregnancy is benign. In contrast, epidemiological data from the last twenty years suggest that the offspring of women who consumed Cannabis during pregnancy suggest altered behaviour and mental processes as they mature. However, a lack of controlled studies makes drawing firm conclusions regarding these long-term mental health effects difficult to specify. In addition, increasing potency of Cannabis and related products increases the probability that consumption of these products during pregnancy will disturb normal development of the unborn offspring. The proposed research involves developing a model of Cannabis use during pregnancy that involves exposing rodents to the smoke of Cannabis flower or injected cannabinoids. We will test whether exposure to either THC or CBD during pregnancy will affect behaviour and brain development of the offspring. We will use a combination of genetic, molecular, behavioural, and imaging strategies to address our research question. Our findings will inform health policy and education of the public about the risks of Cannabis use during pregnancy. In addition, our findings will reduce the burden of Cannabis exposure on individuals and the Canadian health system by directly specifying its effects.