Investigating the effects of prenatal cannabis use on fetal brain development
Prenatal cannabis: A fetal neuroimaging study of neurodevelopment
This study is looking at how using cannabis during pregnancy might impact the brain and behavior of children, and it’s for pregnant women who use cannabis as well as those who don’t, as we follow their kids for the first two years to learn more about early development.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10876347 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research examines how cannabis use during pregnancy affects the brain and behavioral development of children. It involves enrolling pregnant women who use cannabis and those who do not, and following their children for the first two years of life. The study includes fetal MRI scans in the third trimester to assess brain structure and function, along with evaluations of cognitive and behavioral development through parent reports and laboratory assessments. The goal is to better understand the implications of prenatal cannabis exposure on early neurodevelopment.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for participation include pregnant women in their first trimester, particularly those who use cannabis and those who do not.
Not a fit: Patients who are not pregnant or those who have already given birth may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide critical insights into the effects of prenatal cannabis exposure, potentially guiding public health recommendations and prenatal care.
How similar studies have performed: While there has been some research on prenatal substance exposure, this study's specific focus on cannabis and its neurodevelopmental impacts is relatively novel and underexplored.
Where this research is happening
Durham, United States
- Duke University — Durham, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Posner, Jonathan E — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Posner, Jonathan E
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 below.