Effects of prenatal cannabis exposure on infant brain and behavior
Official title: Brain and behavior correlates of prenatal cannabis exposure
Funded at University of Washington · NIH-11093514 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how using cannabis during pregnancy might affect the brain development and behavior of babies, and it's for pregnant individuals who use cannabis only, so we can get clear results without other substances getting in the way.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | July 15, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $699,622 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DA057559-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11093514 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation are pregnant individuals who use cannabis but do not use other drugs, tobacco, or alcohol.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not pregnant or those who use multiple substances, including tobacco and alcohol, may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how cannabis use during pregnancy affects the brain development and behavior of infants. By recruiting pregnant individuals who use cannabis exclusively, the study aims to eliminate confounding factors from other substances like tobacco and alcohol. Researchers will use advanced imaging techniques, such as MRI, alongside behavioral assessments to observe any neurodevelopmental changes in infants. The study focuses on understanding the potential differences in impact between male and female infants exposed to cannabis in utero.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide critical insights into the risks associated with prenatal cannabis exposure, informing guidelines for pregnant individuals.
How similar studies have gone: While there has been some research on prenatal substance exposure, this study's focus on cannabis and its specific effects on brain development is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Washington
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kleinhans, Natalia M — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Kleinhans, Natalia M
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.