Assessing THC passage and the impact in human perfused placenta cotyledons

Abstract

Maternal cannabis use in pregnancy continues to increase with legalization. Frequent cannabis use in pregnancy is associated fetal growth restriction and low birth weight. The mechanism by which maternal cannabis use influences fetal growth remains unclear but is linked to the cannabinoid, Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Studies in animal models suggest exogenous THC crosses the placenta and observational human studies support these findings. The objectives of this study are to understand the mechanisms of THC transfer and its influence on fetal arterial vascular tone in human cotyledons.