The Leaf THE LEAF July - August 2018 | Page 8

Yet, this research is experimental and Dr. Dey is quick to explain that there is no way of knowing whether or not cannabis exposure can cause the same effects, or whether or not endocannabinoids have this same effect in humans. microscope, finding mould on bud can be difficult. What is clear from Dr. Dey’s research, however, is that having just the right balance of endocannabinoids is helpful for creating positive birth outcomes. 3:-Memory, attention, and learning later in life Even if cannabis is not associated with negative effects at birth, many public health and medical officials are still wary about the long term. Due to the fact that endocannabinoids are vital to brain development, researchers are concerned that exposure to high doses of cannabis compounds may have long-term impacts on a baby’s brain. While the Jamaica study found “absolutely no difference” between babies exposed to cannabis in the womb and those who were not, both the MHPCD and the OPPS study found correlations between prenatal cannabis consumption and hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention by the ages of 10 to 12. Yet, in Dr. Dreher’s study, it was school attendance and home environment that had an impact on learning and behaviour, not cannabis consumption. The child who attends basic school regularly is provided with a variety of stimulating experiences at home, who is encouraged to show mature behaviour, has a profoundly better chance of performing at a higher level. 4:-Infection One potential problem not oft discussed when it comes to cannabis and pregnancy is not caused by the cannabis itself. Rather, it's important to avoid consuming mouldy cannabis. Unfortunately, without a This potentially increases the risk of illness or infection. Prenatal infection has been linked to numerous negative health outcomes in infants, including schizophrenia. So, while the cannabis itself may not be the problem, a lack of oversite or laboratory testing of cannabis products may very well be. 5. Pesticide exposure For those who choose to consume cannabis during pregnancy, pesticide exposure may also be problematic. Non-organic cannabis increases the risk of exposure to unsafe levels of pesticides, and finding safe cannabis may be troublesome for those in non-legal states. In fact, a 2015 paper published in the Journal of Toxicological Sciences found that 80 percent of 57 random cannabis concentrate samples tested positive for unsafe levels of pesticide. These concentrates are common additives to vape pens, which women may use to ease morning sickness, nausea, or pain associated with pregnancy.