What do we know and what we need to learn about the effects of consuming cannabis during pregnancy?
Most specialists advise against the use of cannabis and they associated it with complications in childbirth, premature birth and lack of weight. But, what is certain about its effects on the fetus? And not least, what are the reasons why pregnant women resort to these substances? How and when do they consume it? How does it affect them?
Most studies on the subject do not provide very conclusive results and in many cases they are contradictory. The phytocannabinoids in marijuana are known to affect the cannabis receptors present in the brain of all mammals and, as well, the development of the endocannabinoid system of the fetus.
The role of the Endocannabinoid System in human body:
The endocannabinoid system is responsible for regulating a wide variety of physiological processes, such as the release of neurotransmitters, the perception of pain, and the regulation of cardiovascular and gastrointestinal functions, such as appetite, and liver functions.
This system includes: cannabis receptors (CB1 and CB2), located mainly in the brain and nervous system and distributed throughout peripheral tissues and organs; endocannabinoids, the “binding molecules” or ligands for the receptors; and lastly, the enzymes that synthesize and regulate endocannabinoids.
The natural phytocannabinoids in marijuana, such as THC or CBD, act in the body in the same way as anandamide, one of the main endocannabinoids in the human body. And as we have pointed out, it is not known with certainty if phytocannabinoids affect in a beneficial way or, on the contrary, produce deficiencies in the development of the baby.
Cannabis use during pregnancy, a controversial issue:
A study published in 2015 measured the global perception of movement (GPM) in 145 children exposed to different combinations of methamphetamines, alcohol, tobacco and cannabis during pregnancy compared to 45 children who were not exposed to any substance. The results showed that children exposed to marijuana in the absence of alcohol were 50% better at homework than unexposed children. This data could be taken as an indicator that phytocannabinoids could favor the development of body and spatial perception.
It should also be noted that in most studies factors are taken in isolation, a fact that reduces the credibility of the results obtained. In many cases, many other factors that influence the mother and the life that she engenders are not taken into account: the geographical, social and family environment; emotional well-being, food, etc. It is widely known that stress on the mother has harmful effects on the fetus, for example.
Which are the true needs of mothers?
Putting the spotlight on mothers, we could ask ourselves: with what intention do pregnant or lactating women use cannabis? At what times? How does it benefit them? How is it administered?
For now, no studies have been developed to answer these questions, which could be motivated by the stigmatization that the group of female consumers has suffered, especially in recent decades. Circumstances similar to the case of menstruation, to which we dedicated an article last Thursday.
Science does not seem to be very objective when it comes to illegal substances or depressed groups. The more perspectives we take to analyze the phenomenon, in this case, always putting mothers at the center, the more complete and objective the results will be. It is necessary to open a debate without prejudice, honest and transparent and not succumb to the dogmas of the new religion promulgated by the enlightened in white coat.
