New research has revealed a surprising finding: infants exposed to marijuana in the womb display higher language abilities compared to those who were not exposed to the drug during pregnancy. Scientists from Illinois and South Dakota conducted the study and were taken aback by their results, which demonstrated that children whose mothers smoked marijuana while pregnant showed improved language and motor skills.

However, experts caution against interpreting these findings as a reason for expectant mothers to start consuming marijuana, as the drug has been linked to neurodevelopmental issues in infants and low birth weight - similar to the risks associated with drinking during pregnancy. These potential risks should not be overlooked.

While the elevated language and motor skills observed in the exposed infants could potentially lead to better academic performance than their non-exposed counterparts, further research is needed to fully understand this association.

The study, published in the journal Frontier in Pediatrics, involved 207 mothers and their babies, who were assessed at 12 months. The mothers provided questionnaires about their cannabis use during pregnancy and their child's development. The babies were evaluated using the Mullen Scales of Early Learning (MSEL) assessment tool, which measures gross motor, fine motor, visual reception, receptive language, and expressive language skills.

Among the two groups of infants, 69 were exposed to cannabis in the womb while 138 were not. Children exposed to cannabis early in pregnancy were more likely to demonstrate improved gross motor skills. Based on the findings, researchers concluded that early-exposed infants could have scores between 1.75 and 13 points higher than their unexposed counterparts.

Regarding receptive language skills, which involve understanding words, sounds, and visuals, infants exposed to marijuana later in pregnancy showed scores 0.4 to nearly nine points higher than non-exposed infants. Late-exposed infants also displayed increased scores in expressive language skills, which involve using words and forming sentences. These scores could be between 2.5 and nearly 13 points higher than unexposed infants.

It is important to note that THC, the psychoactive chemical in cannabis, can cross the placenta and impact the developing fetus. Other studies have linked cannabis use during pregnancy to various concerns, such as an increased risk of autism spectrum disorder and newborns exhibiting withdrawal-like symptoms, including increased startles and tremors.

By preschool age, children exposed to cannabis during pregnancy showed problems with verbal and visual reasoning, hyperactivity, attention deficits, and impulsivity. These issues persisted throughout their school years and were also associated with signs of depression and anxiety by age 10.

Previous research has shown that marijuana use during pregnancy is most commonly linked to low birth weight, preterm birth, congenital defects, gestational diabetes, and an increased risk of C-section delivery.

Despite these findings, many pregnant women continue to use marijuana, with research indicating that up to one-quarter of pregnant women in some areas of the US engage in cannabis consumption during pregnancy. A recent study in Canada found that one in 50 pregnant women used cannabis in legalized regions.

Experts emphasize that based on concerns for impaired neurodevelopment and maternal and fetal exposure to smoking, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends avoiding the use of cannabis during pregnancy or when contemplating pregnancy.

The researchers behind the latest study believe that the stage of pregnancy at which the child is exposed to marijuana may play a role, potentially affecting brain regions that include cannabinoid receptors. However, they have not yet provided an explanation for why the drug may have this beneficial effect on some infants.

As marijuana legalization spreads across the US, the effects of cannabis use on various populations, including pregnant women and seniors, are being closely examined. The potential rescheduling of marijuana by US drug officials from Schedule One to Schedule Three indicates a recognition that it has less potential for abuse than other dangerous drugs. However, evidence of the harms of marijuana use, such as preventable deaths and an increase in auto collisions, is also becoming more apparent.

In conclusion, while the new research highlights the unexpected finding that infants exposed to marijuana in the womb exhibit higher language abilities, it is crucial to recognize the potential risks associated with cannabis use during pregnancy. Further investigations are needed to better understand the implications of these findings and to provide comprehensive guidance for expectant mothers.