During the 2024 SOT Annual Meeting and ToxExpo, a Symposium Session titled “Looking through the Haze: Is the Picture Any Clearer on the Effects of Cannabis and Cannabis-Related Products on Reproduction & Development?” provided a platform for an in-depth exploration of the intricate landscape of cannabis use during pregnancy and its impact on reproductive and developmental outcomes. Led by esteemed researchers and experts in the field, the Symposium delved into various aspects, from epidemiology and molecular mechanisms to translational approaches and systematic data mapping studies. Attendees were presented with comprehensive insights and cutting-edge research findings, shedding light on the complexities surrounding cannabis use and its potential effects on maternal and child health.
Cannabis Use during Pregnancy
Daniel Corsi, PhD, from the CHEO Research Institute, BORN Ontario, and the University of Ottawa, kicked off the session by highlighting the extensive array of cannabinoids present in the cannabis plant, particularly focusing on tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). He addressed the recent trend of increased cannabis usage, especially among individuals of reproductive age, and raised concerns about unintentional exposure during pregnancy. Statistics from Canada indicate that a significant proportion (44%) of the population used cannabis within the past year.
Dr. Corsi emphasized the need for a deeper understanding of the potential risks involved given the growing interest in natural products to manage pregnancy symptoms. Moreover, he discussed the concerning trend where approximately 70% of women perceive minimal risk associated with using marijuana once or twice a week, despite rising consumption among both women and men in Canada.
Exploring the Impact of Cannabinoids on Mammary Glands
Following Dr. Corsi’s insights, Sandeep Raha, PhD, from McMaster University, shared valuable insights on the effects of cannabinoids on mammary gland function.
Dr. Raha’s presentation covered a range of topics, from the epidemiology of cannabis use to the molecular mechanisms underlying its impact on breastmilk composition and mammary gland development. Attendees gained insight regarding the endocannabinoid system’s crucial role in regulating various physiological processes and the distinction between isolated cannabinoids and cannabis smoke.
The talk also highlighted the prevalence of cannabis use during pregnancy and its potential adverse outcomes, including preterm birth and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission. Dr. Raha outlined a comprehensive approach to evaluating the impact of cannabinoids on mammary gland development, underscoring the importance of further research to inform clinical practice and public health initiatives.
Examining CBD and Its Impact on Sertoli Cells
Next, Si Chen, PhD, from the US Food and Drug Administration National Center for Toxicological Research Division of Biochemical Toxicology, shed light on the toxicity induced by CBD and its main metabolites in mouse and human Sertoli cells. Dr. Chen elucidated the variability in biotransformation of CBD among species and highlighted CBD-induced male reproductive toxicity in rhesus monkeys and rodents. The study employed primary human Leydig and Sertoli cells as human reproductive–cell models and mouse Leydig and Sertoli cell lines to assess cross-species responses. Results showed CBD-induced G1 cell cycle arrest and disruption of DNA replication in both mouse and human Sertoli cells, with metabolites exhibiting varying degrees of cytotoxicity. The presentation underscored the importance of understanding the impact of CBD on reproductive health and urged further research to inform regulatory decisions and public health policies regarding CBD use.
Unveiling the Developmental and Reproductive Toxicities of Cannabinoids
In a thought-provoking presentation led by Kristine Willett, PhD, from the University of Mississippi, attendees were taken on a journey through the intricate world of cannabinoid developmental toxicity and its far-reaching implications.
Dr. Willett set the stage by highlighting the widespread availability of cannabinoids for recreational and medical purposes, emphasizing the need for understanding the potential impact of cannabis consumption on offspring. The session underscored the importance of utilizing zebrafish as a model organism to study developmental toxicity, offering valuable insights into potential mechanisms underlying cannabinoid-induced developmental toxicity.
Attendees gained insight into the diverse effects of cannabinoids, with CBD emerging as particularly toxic due to bioaccumulation. The talk concluded with a discussion on the urgent need for more comprehensive research to unravel the complexities of cannabinoid toxicity and inform public health policies.
Navigating the Reproductive and Developmental Toxicity of CBD
Lastly, Rayetta G. Henderson, PhD, from ToxStrategies LLC, provided attendees with a detailed overview of the reproductive and developmental toxicity evaluation of CBD and the critical need for robust risk characterization in this emerging field.
Dr. Henderson introduced attendees to a groundbreaking systematic mapping study aimed at identifying available data on CBD safety, emphasizing the necessity for new guideline studies to comprehensively evaluate the potential effects of CBD on reproduction and development. The talk concluded with a discussion on the utility of the study in risk characterization and the ongoing challenges in providing guidance while enabling consumer choice.
In summary, the Symposium Session provided valuable insights into the complex interplay between cannabis use and reproductive and developmental outcomes, underscoring the critical need for continued research and collaboration to inform evidence-based recommendations and public health initiatives in this evolving field.
This blog reports on the Symposium Session titled “Looking through the Haze: Is the Picture Any Clearer on the Effects of Cannabis and Cannabis-Related Products on Reproduction and Development?” that was held during the 2024 SOT Annual Meeting and ToxExpo. An on-demand recording of this session is available for meeting registrants on the SOT Online Planner and SOT Event App.
This blog was prepared by an SOT Reporter and represents the views of the author. SOT Reporters are SOT members who volunteer to write about sessions and events in which they participate during the SOT Annual Meeting and ToxExpo. SOT does not propose or endorse any position by posting this article. If you are interested in participating in the SOT Reporter program in the future, please email SOT Headquarters.
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