Grant: TG: The CDN Cannabis/Brain Health Cons.-Scaling Novel Measurement Methods

Cannabis use during pregnancy and early parenthood is increasing in Canada, yet little is known about how it may affect the brain health of parents and their children. The CAN-B Family study will examine how cannabis exposure before and after birth may influence brain development, behavior, and mental health in families. This research expands the existing CAN-B cohort by recruiting 240 additional families early in pregnancy and following them, along with their partners and infants, until the child is 12 months old. In parallel, 150 families from the original CAN-B study will be followed up again when children reach 3-4 years of age. The study will combine brain imaging of mothers, partners, and fetuses, developmental testing of infants and young children, and biological sampling to better understand how cannabis exposure affects the brain and behavior. Researchers will also study how genetic and biological factors may make some families more vulnerable or more resilient to these effects. By collecting urine, blood, breastmilk, and other biospecimens from parents and infants, the study will build a valuable biobank to investigate the biological pathways involved in cannabis exposure. In addition, interviews and focus groups with parents will help identify motivations for cannabis use, perceived risks, and barriers to harm reduction. This information is essential for developing prevention strategies and supporting health professionals working with young families. By bringing together brain science, family mental health, and community perspectives, CAN-B Family will provide much-needed evidence to guide public health recommendations and help Canadian families make informed decisions about cannabis use during pregnancy and early childhood. The knowledge generated will support healthy brain development for future generations.