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Title: Cannabis Exposure During Critical Windows of Development: Epigenetic and Molecular Pathways Implicated in Neuropsychiatric Disease.

Authors: Smith, Anna; Kaufman, Farla; Sandy, Martha S; Cardenas, Andres

Published In Curr Environ Health Rep, (2020 Sep)

Abstract: PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Cannabis exposure during critical windows of development may have intergenerational physiological consequences disrupting epigenetic programming and marks. This review examines the literature relating to pre-gestational and prenatal cannabinoid exposure and its effect on genes and molecular pathways related to the development of psychiatric disease. RECENT FINDINGS: Developmental cannabis exposure alters epigenetic processes with functional gene consequences. These include potentially heritable alterations in genes and molecular pathways critical for brain development and associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), schizophrenia, addiction, and other psychiatric diseases. Cannabis consumption and mental health illness in adolescents and young adults are increasing in the United States (U.S.), and recent studies suggest that cannabis consumption during critical periods of brain development could contribute to mental health illness through epigenetic mechanisms. These findings warrant future studies and consideration by regulators and health communicators.

PubMed ID: 32441004 Exiting the NIEHS site

MeSH Terms: Adolescent; Adult; Cannabis/adverse effects*; Child; Epigenesis, Genetic/drug effects*; Epigenomics; Female; Humans; Male; Maternal Exposure/adverse effects*; Neurodevelopmental Disorders/chemically induced; Neurodevelopmental Disorders/genetics*; Pregnancy; Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects/chemically induced; Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects/genetics*; Young Adult

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