Associations of maternal peripregnancy cannabis use with behavioral and developmental outcomes in children with and without symptoms of autism spectrum disorder: Study to Explore Early Development.

This was an observational cross-sectional analysis, so it cannot show that maternal cannabis use caused child behavior problems. Maternal cannabis use was self-reported years after delivery, and recall may be less accurate then. Women may have underreported cannabis use because of stigma, legal concerns, or guilt about a child's diagnosis. The study did not know how much cannabis was used, how often, or by what route. Few mothers reported cannabis use, so some analyses had limited power. The study adjusted for some factors but not current maternal depression severity, maternal aggressive behavior, or antisocial problems. Mothers who agreed to the intensive study may differ from families who did not participate. Behavior was measured broadly, not with more nuanced executive functioning tests.

The authors declared no conflicts of interest. The paper is listed as supported by the U.S. government and Public Health Service, but the supplied text does not say whether this support involved study design or manuscript writing.

Do not conclude that maternal cannabis use caused higher aggressive behavior scores in children with ASD symptoms. The study was observational, exposure was self-reported years later, and use during pregnancy alone was not significantly associated with aggressive behavior.