The preclinical animal study, led by researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, found that prenatal exposure to THC causes a rewiring of the fetal brain. THC caused certain brain cells, called dopamine neurons, to respond in a hyperactive way, causing a heightened increase in dopamine release. This was accompanied by heightened neuronal responsiveness to cues associated with rewards like a light turning on to indicate that food or an opioid drug was available.

It is important to conduct further research to learn more about the health consequences on developing fetuses to help doctors better counsel their patients on the drug's effects.

Posted by Nida