A Simple Walking Program Helped Pregnant Women Dramatically Reduce Cannabis Use
A 10-week walking intervention reduced prenatal cannabis use from 62.5% to 16.6% of participants, while also increasing physical activity and decreasing anxiety and depression — with 88% completing the program.
Quick Facts
What This Study Found
Prenatal cannabis use dropped from 62.5% at baseline to 16.6% by 36 weeks gestation; daily steps increased from 5,738 to 6,562; anxiety and depression significantly decreased; 88% retention rate with mean 5.8/6 sessions attended.
Key Numbers
16 participants; 88% completion; 5.8/6 sessions attended; cannabis use: 62.5% → 16.6%; daily steps: 5,738 → 6,562; no adverse events; significant anxiety and depression reductions.
How They Did This
Open pilot trial of a 10-week prenatal walking intervention with 16 pregnant individuals seeking to reduce cannabis use, using Fitbit tracking, 6 coaching sessions, and assessments of cannabis use, physical activity, and mental health.
Why This Research Matters
There are virtually no evidence-based interventions for prenatal cannabis use — this simple, low-cost walking program achieved remarkable reductions while also improving the mental health conditions that often drive cannabis use during pregnancy.
The Bigger Picture
The dual benefit — reducing cannabis use while improving the mental health symptoms that drive it — suggests physical activity addresses the root cause rather than just the behavior.
What This Study Doesn't Tell Us
Very small sample (n=16); no control group; open-label design; self-reported cannabis use; participants were motivated (self-selected to reduce use).
Questions This Raises
- ?Would these results hold in a larger controlled trial?
- ?Could similar interventions work for other prenatal substance use?
- ?Is the mechanism primarily through mood improvement or behavioral replacement?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- Evidence Grade:
- Small open pilot trial with no control group provides preliminary evidence only, but the effect size and retention are promising for a first-of-its-kind intervention.
- Study Age:
- Published in 2026, representing the first physical activity intervention specifically targeting prenatal cannabis use.
- Original Title:
- Feasibility and acceptability of a physical activity intervention to reduce prenatal cannabis use: results of an open pilot trial.
- Published In:
- Frontiers in psychiatry, 17, 1729092 (2026)
- Authors:
- Battle, Cynthia L, Dreyer-Oren, Sarah E, Vijil Morin, Andrea, Hoyt, Morgan N, Metrik, Jane, Abrantes, Ana M
- Database ID:
- RTHC-08110
Evidence Hierarchy
Frequently Asked Questions
Can exercise help pregnant women stop using cannabis?
This pilot study found a 10-week walking program reduced cannabis use from 63% to 17% of participants, while also improving mood and physical activity — though larger trials are needed.
What did the walking program involve?
Participants wore Fitbits, attended 6 coaching sessions over 10 weeks, and gradually increased their daily step count. The program focused on achievable, gradual changes rather than dramatic lifestyle overhauls.
Read More on RethinkTHC
Cite This Study
https://rethinkthc.com/research/RTHC-08110APA
Battle, Cynthia L; Dreyer-Oren, Sarah E; Vijil Morin, Andrea; Hoyt, Morgan N; Metrik, Jane; Abrantes, Ana M. (2026). Feasibility and acceptability of a physical activity intervention to reduce prenatal cannabis use: results of an open pilot trial.. Frontiers in psychiatry, 17, 1729092. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2026.1729092
MLA
Battle, Cynthia L, et al. "Feasibility and acceptability of a physical activity intervention to reduce prenatal cannabis use: results of an open pilot trial.." Frontiers in psychiatry, 2026. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2026.1729092
RethinkTHC
RethinkTHC Research Database. "Feasibility and acceptability of a physical activity interve..." RTHC-08110. Retrieved from https://rethinkthc.com/research/battle-2026-feasibility-and-acceptability-of
Access the Original Study
Study data sourced from PubMed, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
This study breakdown was produced by the RethinkTHC research team. We analyze and report published research findings without making health recommendations. All interpretations are based solely on the published abstract and study data.