Effects of marijuana exposure during pregnancy on child development and mental health

Impact of in utero Marijuana Exposure on Neurodevelopment, Behavior and Mental Health: A Longitudinal Birth Cohort Study

['FUNDING_R01'] · KAISER FOUNDATION RESEARCH INSTITUTE · NIH-11083625

This study looks at how being exposed to marijuana while in the womb might affect kids' brain development, behavior, and mental health as they grow up, and it involves a large group of over 420,000 children born between 2010 and 2021.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorKAISER FOUNDATION RESEARCH INSTITUTE (nih funded)
Locations1 site (Oakland, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11083625 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates how exposure to marijuana in the womb affects children's neurodevelopment, behavior, and mental health as they grow. By following a large group of over 420,000 children born between 2010 and 2021, the study utilizes comprehensive electronic health records and prenatal drug screening data to assess developmental delays and mental health issues. The research aims to identify the long-term impacts of in utero marijuana exposure, considering various maternal factors and child health outcomes.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include children born to mothers who used marijuana during pregnancy, particularly those born at Kaiser Permanente Northern California hospitals.

Not a fit: Patients who were not exposed to marijuana in utero or those outside the age range of 0-11 years may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide critical insights into the risks associated with marijuana use during pregnancy, potentially guiding public health recommendations and prenatal care practices.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has indicated potential developmental risks associated with prenatal marijuana exposure, but this study aims to provide more comprehensive and longitudinal data.

Where this research is happening

Oakland, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.