How prenatal cannabis exposure affects children's heart and metabolic health
Official title: Prenatal exposure to cannabis and child cardiometabolic health outcomes
Funded at University of Colorado Denver · NIH-10949543 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how using cannabis during pregnancy might affect the health and growth of children up to age 5, so if you're a parent or expecting, this research could help us understand any risks or benefits related to cannabis use while pregnant.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | August 15, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $234,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R21DA061104-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10949543 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include pregnant individuals who have used cannabis during their pregnancy or are considering its use.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not been exposed to cannabis during pregnancy or those whose children are older than 5 years may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the effects of cannabis exposure during pregnancy on the cardiometabolic health of children. It aims to understand how different cannabinoids, such as delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), influence growth patterns and health outcomes in children up to age 5. The study will analyze data from a Colorado-based cohort to identify potential risks and protective factors associated with prenatal cannabis use. By examining these relationships, the research seeks to fill knowledge gaps regarding the long-term health implications for children exposed to cannabis in utero.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide critical insights into the health risks associated with prenatal cannabis exposure, potentially guiding public health recommendations for pregnant individuals.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown associations between prenatal cannabis exposure and adverse health outcomes, indicating that this research builds on established findings rather than exploring a completely novel area.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Colorado Denver
Aurora, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Moore, Brianna F — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Moore, Brianna F
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
How cannabis use in pregnancy may affect kids' body fat and heart/metabolic health
This project looks at whether cannabis use during pregnancy is linked to changes in children's growth, body fat, and early heart and metabolic health.
-
Preterm infant body composition and early-life health after NICU stay
This grant studies how body composition in very preterm babies relates to later brain development and risk of obesity or diabetes, with findings meant to improve care from NICU through early childhood.
-
Hemp-derived CBD for reducing cannabis use in high-THC concentrate users
A randomized, placebo-controlled trial tests whether hemp-derived CBD can help adults who mainly use high-potency cannabis concentrates reduce their cannabis use.
-
Understanding how minority stress affects cannabis use in sexual minorities
A research project follows young adult sexual minorities to see how daily stress and coping help explain cannabis use and related problems.
-
Psychosocial and cultural factors linked to heart and metabolic health in older Chinese Americans
This project studies how daily stress and social factors affect heart and metabolic health in older Chinese Americans, using real-time reporting and biosamples.
-
Repeated cannabis with different THC/CBD mixes and how it affects pain, cravings, and body chemicals
This project studies how taking cannabis repeatedly, with different THC and CBD amounts, changes pain experiences, potential for abuse, and levels of body chemicals related to the endocannabinoid system in adults.
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.