Grant: Prize - IHDCYH Talks

Use of cannabis, also known as "weed" or "pot," is increasing among Canadians, including new and expectant parents. Research led by our team has shown that more individuals in Ontario are reporting cannabis use in pregnancy to their healthcare providers. We are seeing similar trends in other provinces. New and expectant parents may choose to use cannabis for therapeutic or recreational purposes. Some women may use cannabis to treat pregnancy-related symptoms, like nausea. Unfortunately, there is still a lot we do not know about how exposure to cannabis during fetal and early life can affect the short- and long-term health of children. Early research findings from our group and others suggest that cannabis exposure in pregnancy may lead to poor birth outcomes and behavioural challenges in later life. However, new, high-quality data are needed to help us better understand the potential risks and benefits to mothers and babies. The goal of our research program is to provide timely and accurate data to support evidence-based decision-making about cannabis use in pregnancy. The goal of our video submission is to stimulate questions about cannabis use among new and expectant parents to help them have healthy, balanced conversations with their healthcare providers. Our team is working with new and expectant parents, their maternity care providers, paediatricians, and policymakers to help answer the most relevant questions related to cannabis use in pregnancy for Canadians. These questions include: Is it safe? Does the timing of use in pregnancy matter? How much is too much? Are there important differences between smoking, vaping, and eating cannabis?. Using modern Canadian data, the perspectives of Canadians, and their healthcare providers, our goal is to develop evidence-based resources and recommendations for improved, shared decision-making and patient care.