A study published in Psychiatry Research has found that children born to mothers with cannabis use disorder (CUD) face significantly higher risks of developing disruptive behavioral disorders (DBDs). The research, conducted by a team of scientists from Curtin University and the University of Queensland, utilized large-scale linked health data from New South Wales, Australia, to examine the long-term effects of maternal cannabis use on child development.
The study analyzed data from over 222,000 mother-child pairs, tracking maternal cannabis use during pregnancy and postpartum periods and assessing the incidence of behavioral disorders in children up to age 15. The results were striking: children exposed to maternal cannabis use had a more than threefold increase in risk for developing DBDs, including oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) and conduct disorder (CD).
Even after adjusting for factors like socioeconomic status, maternal smoking, and psychiatric conditions, the association remained strong. The highest risk was observed among children whose mothers used cannabis during pregnancy, suggesting that prenatal exposure may have a particularly damaging impact on neurodevelopment.
The findings add to growing concerns about the safety of cannabis use during pregnancy. Prior studies have indicated that THC, the primary psychoactive component in cannabis, can cross the placenta and affect fetal brain development. This study provides further evidence that such exposure can have lasting consequences for children's mental health.
The authors stress the importance of early interventions, including targeted education and support for pregnant women struggling with cannabis use disorder. Given the increasing prevalence of cannabis use among women of childbearing age, the researchers hope their findings will inform public health strategies aimed at reducing potential harm.
The full study is available under open access at Psychiatry Research: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychres.2025.116404.
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