In our latest paper, we find that exposing mouse embryos to cannabidiol (CBD) in whole embryo culture diminishes their ability to close the neural tube. This happens at concentrations which do not impair the development of other embryonic structures such as somites and does not change cell proliferation or apoptosis, suggesting a selective effect on the neural tube. It’s important not to over-interpret this paper: we exposed embryos to CBD directly not from their mother and we do not know what the mechanism behind the observed effect is. Congratulations to Yosuf who completed most of this work during his iBSC as part of his UCL medical degree.

You can access the paper here.