# Understanding Cannabis Prenatal Exposure and Birth Defects > **Author:** Benjamin Caplan, MD (ABFM Board Certified, MA Lic. #240562, NPI: 1962722637) > **Publisher:** CED Clinic (https://cedclinic.com) > **Canonical URL:** https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-prenatal-exposure-birth-defects-colorado/ > **Published:** 2020-07-07T13:53:21-04:00 | **Last Modified / Clinically Audited:** 2026-09-28T11:17:29-04:00 > **Clinical Summary:** Explore cannabis prenatal exposure birth defects trends in Colorado and the impact of increased cannabinoid use on congenital defects. --- **Cannabis teratology explains current patterns of Coloradan congenital defects- the contribution of increased cannabinoid exposure to rising teratological trends** In Summary Researchers have recently found that the frequency of major birth defects has increased in Colorado since the legalization of cannabis. It has been hypothesized that prenatal exposure to cannabis has caused these birth defects as the reported use of pain relievers, cocaine, alcohol, and tobacco did not increase. The specific birth defects that increased in frequency were atrial septal defect, spina bifida, microcephalus, Down’s syndrome, ventricular septal defect, and patent ductus arteriosus, but further research needs to be conducted to determine any causation. The effect of prenatal exposure to cannabis on birth rates, [birth outcomes](https://cedclinic.com/recreational-cannabis-birth-outcomes-study-colorado/), and the health of the mother is rather uncertain. Studies focussing on [cannabis use](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-cardiovascular-health-insights-2024/) during pregnancy are limited and what little has been reported is inconsistent. Currently, governing bodies of obstetricians advise that pregnant mothers cease any [cannabis use](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-cardiovascular-health-insights-2024/). If someone who needs cannabis for a medical purpose that improves their quality of life becomes pregnant they need to seek out alternative methods of treatment, even if they are using cannabis because they are resistant to more common treatment methods. Research is needed so that pregnant women can safely continue their medication or so that alternatives can be found so that women do not need to suffer for the duration of their pregnancy and possible breastfeeding period. The study is available for review or download here: [DOWNLOAD & REVIEW HERE](https://www.cedfoundation.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Cannabis-Teratology-Explains-Current-Patterns-of-Coloradan-Congenital-Defects-The-Contribution-of-Increased-Cannabinoid-Exposure-to-Rising-Teratological-Trends.pdf) View more studies like this in the CED Foundation Archive: [http://bit.ly/drcaplan](http://bit.ly/drcaplan) [https://cedclinic.com/contact/](https://cedclinic.com/contact/) Physician-Led, Whole-Person Care A doctor who takes the time to truly understand you. Personal care that starts with listening and is guided by experience and ingenuity. Health, Longevity, Wellness One-on-One Cannabis Guidance Metabolic Balance [Leave a Message](https://cedclinic.com/contact/) [Metabolic Care](https://cedclinic.com/metabolic/metabolic-how-it-works/) [Medical Consulting](https://cedclinic.com/book/) [Cannabis Care](https://cedclinic.com/book/) [https://cedclinic.com/contact/](https://cedclinic.com/contact/) RELATED READING AT CED CLINIC Continue exploring the evidence [Associations Between Prenatal Cannabis Exposure and Childhood Outcomes](https://cedclinic.com/associations-between-prenatal-cannabis-exposure-and-childhood-outcomes/) This article reviews the long-term effects of prenatal cannabis exposure on childhood development and health outcomes. [Read More](https://cedclinic.com/associations-between-prenatal-cannabis-exposure-and-childhood-outcomes/) [Study Links Prenatal Cannabis Exposure To Schizophrenia – New Telegraph](https://cedclinic.com/prenatal-cannabis-exposure-schizophrenia-risk/) Explore research findings connecting prenatal cannabis exposure with increased schizophrenia risk later in life. [Explore Study](https://cedclinic.com/prenatal-cannabis-exposure-schizophrenia-risk/) [Medical Cannabis Evidence-Based Care: Endocannabinoid System Clinical Research and Cannabinoid Dosing in Family Medicine](https://cedclinic.com/prenatal-cannabis-polysubstance-use-risks/) An evidence-based overview of [medical cannabis](https://cedclinic.com/therapeutic-benefits-of-thc/) use, including [clinical research](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-based-therapies-smoking-cessation/) on dosing and [endocannabinoid system](https://cedclinic.com/endocannabinoid-system-fear-extinction/) implications. [Learn More](https://cedclinic.com/prenatal-cannabis-polysubstance-use-risks/) Have thoughts on this? Share it: [X Share on X](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=Understanding%20Cannabis%20Prenatal%20Exposure%20and%20Birth%20Defects&url=https%3A%2F%2Fcedclinic.com%2Fcannabis-prenatal-exposure-birth-defects-colorado%2F) [in Share on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcedclinic.com%2Fcannabis-prenatal-exposure-birth-defects-colorado%2F) [Share on BlueSky](https://bsky.app/intent/compose?text=Understanding%20Cannabis%20Prenatal%20Exposure%20and%20Birth%20Defects%20https%3A%2F%2Fcedclinic.com%2Fcannabis-prenatal-exposure-birth-defects-colorado%2F) [Follow on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/drbenjamincaplan) [Read more on Substack](https://doctorapprovedcannabis.substack.com/) [Subscribe via RSS](https://cedclinic.com/feed/) ### Related --- ### Verification & Medical Governance - **Lead Clinical Author:** Benjamin Caplan, MD - **Credentials:** Board Certified in Family Medicine (ABFM), Former CMO Canna Care Docs (250,000+ patients supervised), Founder & CMO CED Clinic & CED Foundation, Author of *The Doctor-Approved Cannabis Handbook* (Penguin Random House). - **Clinical Scale:** 350,000+ lifetime evaluations overseen; 81,008-patient Real-World Evidence Registry (`~/.ced_rwe_vault.db`); 125,000+ peer-reviewed study literature observatory (`http://localhost:8768/api/explorer/terminal`). - **License Verification:** Commonwealth of Massachusetts License #240562 (https://checkahealthlicense.mass.gov/). - **NPI Registry:** 1962722637 (https://npiregistry.cms.hhs.gov/provider-view/1962722637). - **Ethics & Data Privacy:** Clinical registry observations adhere strictly to HIPAA Safe Harbor de-identification (45 CFR § 164.514(b)) and criteria for secondary research exemption under 45 CFR § 46.104(d)(4).