What topics does this cannabis study cover?

This study covers research on: Endocannabinoid.

Where was this research published?

Published in European journal of pharmacology on February 7, 2026.

Endocannabinoid

CBD's Complex Journey: Pregnancy, Placenta, and Potential Risks

Placental transfer and vasoactivity of cannabidiol: beware of rapid oxidation.

European journal of pharmacology • February 7, 2026 • Moderately Relevant

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AI Summary

This groundbreaking study explores the complex interactions of cannabidiol (CBD) in the placenta, revealing critical insights for pregnant women considering cannabis use. Researchers discovered that CBD undergoes rapid oxidation, which initially prevents its transfer across the placental barrier. By adding antioxidants like sodium ascorbate and albumin, scientists were able to stabilize CBD and observe its potential placental effects.

The study uncovered significant differences between CBD and THC in their vascular impacts. CBD was found to dilate placental arteries by 36%, an effect mediated through both CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors. In contrast, THC demonstrated vasoconstriction, potentially suggesting different physiological responses. The research highlights the importance of understanding cannabinoid behavior during pregnancy, as these molecular interactions could have profound implications for fetal development and maternal health.

Critically, the study provides important cautions for pregnant women using CBD products. The rapid oxidation of CBD means that without proper stabilization, the compound may not transfer effectively across the placenta. Moreover, the varying vascular effects of CBD and THC underscore the need for careful, scientifically-informed decisions about cannabis use during pregnancy.

📄 Original Abstract

Cannabis use is increasing among pregnant women, although such use associates with fetal growth restriction and preeclampsia. While most research focuses on Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), many pregnant women use cannabidiol (CBD)-containing products like CBD-oils. It is unknown whether CBD is transferred across the placenta. CBD transfer was studied using an ex vivo placental perfusion model, making use of healthy term placentas. CBD was added to the maternal side. Placentas were perfused for 180 minutes. Using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, CBD was quantified in perfusates and post-perfusion biopsies. Vascular reactivity of CBD and THC was determined in chorionic plate arteries using wire-myography with and without antagonists for the 2 types of CB receptors (CB1 and CB2). CBD concentrations in the maternal buffer dropped by >80% within 30 minutes due to rapid oxidation and remained undetectable in fetal samples. Albumin in combination with the anti-oxidant sodium ascorbate prevented this rapid drop. With albumin and sodium ascorbate being present, CBD transfer to the fetal side could be observed, reaching a fetal/maternal ratio of 0.32±0.23, while 11±4% was recovered in tissue. Furthermore, CBD dilated healthy placental arteries by 36±4%. This was attenuated by AM251 (CB1 receptor antagonist) and AM630 (CB2 receptor antagonist). THC induced vasoconstriction in the presence of AM251. Rapid oxidation of CBD can be prevented by adding an antioxidant. Under those conditions, CBD transfers to the fetus. CBD dilates fetoplacental vessels, while THC induces constriction. These data may help to understand potential risks of cannabis use in pregnancy.

Paper Type

📄 Research

Publication

Journal: European journal of pharmacology
Published: February 7, 2026
PMID: 41662900
DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2026.178653

Authors (7)

M S Harhangi Department of Neonatal and Pediatric Intensive Care, Division of Neonatology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Pharmacology and Vascular Medicine, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Division of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands. Electronic address: m.harhangi@erasmusmc.nl.
L Höfert Institute of Legal Medicine, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany.
A H J Danser Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Pharmacology and Vascular Medicine, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
S H P Simons Department of Neonatal and Pediatric Intensive Care, Division of Neonatology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
I K M Reiss Department of Neonatal and Pediatric Intensive Care, Division of Neonatology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Divison of Neonatology and Pediatric Intensive Care, University Children's Hospital Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
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