Overview
A systematic review of 21 studies found no strong association between cannabis use and later developmental delays, adding nuance to an area of medicine often dominated by assumption rather than evidence. While this does not serve as an endorsement of cannabis use during sensitive developmental windows, it underscores the importance of evidence-based conversations between clinicians and patients rather than fear-based messaging. As a physician managing over 30,000 cannabis patients, I find these findings reinforce the need for continued rigorous research to guide clinical recommendations.
Clinical Perspective
A newly highlighted systematic review of 21 studies found no strong evidence associating cannabis use with later developmental delays — a finding that deserves careful, measured attention from the medical community. Here are the key takeaways:
🔬 The systematic review synthesized data across 21 studies, providing a broad evidence base rather than relying on any single dataset.
🔹 No strong association was found, but this is not a blanket endorsement — clinical context always matters.
🔹 These findings challenge deeply entrenched assumptions that have often been used to shut down patient-clinician dialogue rather than enhance it.
🔹 In my practice of 30,000+ patients, I consistently see that evidence-based communication leads to better outcomes than stigma-driven restriction.
This is exactly the kind of research we need more of — not to prove cannabis is “safe” or “dangerous,” but to ensure our medical guidance is rooted in data rather than dogma.
Have thoughts on this? Share it: