The Neurodivergent spectrum is broad. Those diagnosed in the category can have attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), or a combination of the two. Within that, neurodivergent people have varying needs and sensitivities. One may require constant care, while another might hold a traditional corporate job. There are many kinds of neurodivergent people. It is not a bad thing to be autistic, have ADHD, or Audhd, but many do wonder what may cause this different way of processing things.
RELATED: Divisive flavor kicks these weed edibles up a notch
A systematic review published in the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology set out to uncover whether consuming cannabis during pregnancy results in neurodivergent children. Many pregnant people are choosing to vape or eat weed for ailments like morning sickness and body pain, researchers wanted to glean how safe this practice really is.
While the results are telling, more research is required for definitive answers for modern parents.
“Our findings warrant further investigation, primarily due to the continuous increase in cannabis potency observed over the last few decades,” the graphical abstract slides state.
Pregnant weed use may not lead to neurodivergent kids
The review focused on 18 studies, choosing only those that gathered long-term quantitative data on children birthed by pot-smoking parents. Researchers honed in specifically on ADHD, ASD, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and psychotic disorder outcomes.
“Our findings suggest that prenatal cannabis exposure is not associated with a significantly increased risk for ASD, psychotic symptoms, anxiety, and depression in the offspring but may result in a mildly increased risk for ADHD and raise the offspring’s vulnerability to cannabis use.”
There was no relation between ASD, psychosis, anxiety, or depression. However, the risk of an ADHD diagnosis and/or cannabis use later in life was higher in those whose mothers smoked weed while they were in utero.
Research consistent on cannabis and pregnancy
Study authors are correct to assert that more pregnant people are speaking about consuming cannabis, and they are not the only ones. A study recently published in JAMA Internal Medicine suggests that prenatal weed use heightens the risks of hypertension and preeclampsia. An older research paper showed that consuming cannabis while pregnant may not impact kids’ grades later in life.
RELATED: Famed weed product revived under well-known alias
Data on cannabis and pregnancy continues rolling in, and it should all be considered en masse rather than pillars of objective truth. Just take it from the authors of this recently published systematic review.
“These results do not confirm the safety of cannabis consumption during pregnancy and should be interpreted with great caution,” the study concluded.
