In utero exposure to cannabidiol disrupts select early-life behaviors in a sex-specific manner

Abstract

Cannabidiol (CBD), one of the main components of cannabis, is generally considered safe, despite the lack of studies on the possible consequences of its consumption during critical periods of neurodevelopment, including prenatal life. Although CBD crosses the placenta and its use during pregnancy is steadily increasing, the impact of gestational CBD exposure on early life is unknown. Here, we combined behavioral exploration and deep learning to assess how in utero exposure to low doses of CBD alters pre-weaning behaviors in mouse pups of both sexes. The data reveal that pups from CBD-treated dams exhibit sex-specific alterations in weight growth, homing behavior, and the syllabic repertoire of ultrasonic vocalizations. Thus, prenatal CBD is associated with alterations in innate behavioral responses and communication skills.