Is the Use of Cannabis during Pregnancy a Risk Factor for Autism?

Abstract

The use of marijuana by healthy adults is commonly viewed as having limited adverse health effects; however, its potential risks for fetal developmental abnormalities when used during pregnancy have not been thoroughly evaluated. Marijuana is known to bind to endogenous cannabinoid receptors and exert physiological effects similar to endogenous cannabinoids. The endocannabinoid system is involved in cognition, behavioral, and emotional regulation. Autism Spectrum Disorder is associated with mild to severe cognitive, social and behavioral impairments; moreover, impairments in the endocannabinoid system have been identified in individuals with this disorder. It is, therefore, possible that marijuana use during pregnancy may cause the overexcitation of the endocannabinoid system during early brain development to make the fetus at risk for autism spectrum disorder. The present study aims to explore the effects of prenatal marijuana exposure on the endocannabinoid system, and to present a model of how this interaction may increase risk of developing autism spectrum disorder.