CANNABIS USE DURING PREGNANCY LINKED TO AUTISM

A study published in the journal Nature found a link between cannabis use during pregnancy and autism spectrum disorder.

• The study did a retrospective analysis of all live births in Ontario, Canada between April 2007 and March 2012 and found an autism diagnosis in 4 out of 1,000 children exposed to cannabis compared to 2.42 per 1,000 in children not exposed.
• “The incidence of intellectual disability and learning disorders was higher among offspring of mothers who use cannabis in pregnancy, although less statistically robust.”
• It notes cannabis use during pregnancy has increased with legalization.