Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Date

2025

Document Type

Thesis (Access Restricted)

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Psychology

Committee Chair

Helen Sable

Committee Member

Helen Sable

Committee Member

Meghan McDevitt-Murphy

Committee Member

Nicholas Simon

Abstract

Legalization and normalization of cannabis use has contributed to an increase in use during pregnancy. Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (∆9-THC), the primary psychoactive constituent in cannabis, crosses the placental barrier and is secreted in breastmilk, thereby exposing the developing fetus and neonate. Both epidemiological and preclinical research suggests ∆9-THC produces behavioral dysregulation in offspring, including deficits in inhibitory control. This study analyzed the effects of perinatal ∆9-THC exposure on impulsive choice. Female, Wistar rats were orally administered either 0 (vehicle) or 5.0 mg/kg/day ∆9-THC beginning 14 days before breeding through the 14th postnatal day. Impulsivity was analyzed in adulthood by using a delay discounting task that measured preference for smaller, immediate rewards versus larger, delayed rewards. It was hypothesized that rats perinatally exposed to ∆9- THC would display an increase in impulsive choice by showing greater preference for the smaller, immediate reward. However, there were no deleterious effects of perinatal ∆9-THC exposure on percent choice for the larger reward. Additional research with a broader dose range and additional exposure during adolescence is needed.

Comments

Data is provided by the student.

Library Comment

Dissertation or thesis originally submitted to ProQuest.

Notes

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