
Sakthi T. 2025 | BASIS Independent Fremont
- Project Title: The Impact of Prenatal Marijuana Exposure on the Developing Human Brain
- BASIS Independent Advisor: Dr. Zeynep Araci
As cannabis (more commonly known as marijuana) legalization spreads, especially in the United States, more people are using it without fully understanding the risks, with up to 19% of pregnant individuals in California using cannabis, believing it is safe. While many view marijuana as a safer alternative to prescription meds or alcohol, it can actually have serious consequences for brain development, especially in the early stages of life. For my project, I’m focusing on how prenatal exposure to cannabis, specifically tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD), affects brain development. To explore this, I’ll be using cortical organoids, which are 3D models of the brain created from stem cells. These organoids mimic human brain development and allow me to study how exposure to THC and CBD impacts brain cells, particularly those responsible for brain signaling. With guidance from my advisor, Dr. Tanzila Mukhtar, I’ll be examining how these compounds affect the growth and function of neurons, especially excitatory and inhibitory neurons that are critical to brain activity. By the end of this project, I hope to uncover the specific ways cannabis affects fetal brain development. This research will help provide clearer guidance for public health recommendations, potentially shaping policies that inform expecting parents and healthcare providers about the risks of cannabis use during pregnancy. Ultimately, it will contribute to the ongoing conversation about the safety of cannabis during pregnancy, leading to better informed decisions for both individuals and healthcare systems.