This is one of the rare studies to have examined the cognitive effects on the offspring of in utero exposure - here high - to cannabis, on the offspring. Admittedly, the study is conducted in animals, but the Washington State University team specifies the possible cognitive changes in the offspring, linked to exposure to high concentrations of cannabis. Data presented at the 2018 Neuroscience Conference (San Diego) confirming the negative cognitive impact of cannabis on the developing brain and a fortiori on the fetus.
Lead author Dr. Ryan McLaughlin, professor of physiology and neuroscience, and his team exposed pregnant rats to varying concentrations of cannabis vapour. He observes that the offspring of the most exposed animals present significant difficulties in adaptation and “feeding” strategy.
The researchers used a new exposure system that vaporizes cannabis extracts to recreate the environment of human cannabis consumption. The more or less concentrated cannabis vapor was diffused in controlled atmosphere cages for more than 2 hours a day, before and during gestation. THC levels in the animals' blood were increased. Baby rats exposed in utero are unable to operate a lever allowing them to access their food. More generally, they are unable to renew their efforts enough (press the lever several times) to obtain a reward.
A certain drop in motivation! According to these data, prenatal exposure to cannabis leads to significant changes in brain development that induce various cognitive dysfunctions in adulthood.
These rats, exposed to a high concentration are not necessarily less intelligent, specify the researchers, but they are clearly less motivated!
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