Smoking Cannabis is Harmless, and May Actually Stimulate Babies’ Brain Development

Researchers, physicians and users are finding the science of marijuana ever more surprising. According to a new study conducted by a team at the University of Auckland in New Zealand, women who smoke cannabis during pregnancy help generate very positive effects in foetal brain development. The study was published in the journal Nature: Scientific Reports and focused on detecting the effects that the plant has on the brains of yet-to-be-born babies.

Experts in optometry and psychology examined about 145 children when they were around 4 years of age. 120 of them had been indirectly exposed to the substance during the foetal period. For the tests the children had to watch a screen full of dots and determine the main direction in which they were moving (a skill known as the global perception of global movement).

The researchers found that the plant benefits the foetus, furnishing it with an enhanced ability to sense movement, and does not have any negative effects. According to the analysis, children whose mothers consumed cannabis when they were in the womb possessed 50% more ability in this area.

Meanwhile, those who had consumed alcohol indirectly had developed some problems. However, when both products are consumed at the same time, their effects cancel each other out. Doctors recommend first quitting alcoholic beverages, whose negative effects have been demonstrated for a long time.

Despite these results, the experts advise exercising caution with all the developments that occur in the field of medical cannabis. We must not forget that this research was carried out on a small study group, and needs to be extended to more people. What is beyond any doubt is that the cannabis industry is really on a roll.