Marijuana-derived cannabinoids inhibit uterine endometrial stromal cell decidualization and compromise trophoblast-endometrium cross-talk

Marijuana (cannabis) use by pregnant women in the United States is increasing and there is a dire need to understand the beneficial or harmful effects of cannabis during pregnancy. Uterine endometrial stromal cells are fibroblast-like cells that differentiate into secretory cells, a process called decidualization, to create a micro environment conducive for placenta formation and early embryonic growth. In this study, using model human cell lines, we for the first time demonstrate that Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabinol (CBN) inhibit endometrial stromal cell decidualization and have adverse effects on trophoblast-endometrium cross-talk.