Preclinical Model of Prenatal Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol Exposure to Assess Its Impact on Neurodevelopmental Outcomes

Prenatal cannabinoid exposure (PCE) is becoming increasingly frequent as more states across the United States legalize recreational marijuana (cannabinoids). The consumption of cannabinoid products during pregnancy has been associated with various abnormal outcomes, although historical studies were conducted during a time when the potency of these products was approximately 300% lower than that of current products. Given the rising use of cannabinoids, it is essential to understand the potential impacts PCE may have on fetal neurodevelopment and subsequent infant and child development. Previous studies have demonstrated that PCE negatively affects learning and memory, behavioral skills, sleep, and attention in offspring. The aim of this study is to recapitulate PCE through voluntary ingestion of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive component of cannabinoid products, during pregnancy in a preclinical model. This article outlines the procedure for achieving moderate PCE throughout gestation. In this model, the control group consumes plain mini-chocolate/peanut butter cookies, while the PCE group consumes THC mixed into peanut butter paired with mini-chocolate cookies. This approach enables further investigation into the impact of PCE on developmental outcomes.