More pregnant individuals are using cannabis in the context of changing policy, despite recent studies showing perinatal and neurodevelopmental risks, and healthcare providers often fail to discuss the topic with patients.
Obstetricians, pregnant individuals, medical education programs
HCPs reluctant to discuss cannabis in pregnancy
What the researchers found
Recent studies show possible perinatal and longitudinal neurodevelopment risks from prenatal cannabis exposure. Healthcare providers are reluctant to discuss cannabis with pregnant patients for various reasons. Increased access through legalization may increase adverse effects.
Why it matters
The gap between increasing prenatal cannabis use and incomplete clinician communication about risks means many pregnant individuals are making decisions without adequate information about potential consequences.
The numbers in context
Cannabis use during pregnancy is increasing in the context of liberalized policy. Healthcare providers cite multiple reasons for reluctance to discuss cannabis with pregnant patients.
How the study worked
Narrative review of recent evidence on prenatal cannabis effects, covering perinatal outcomes, neurodevelopmental risks, and healthcare provider communication barriers.
What this study cannot tell us
Brief narrative review without systematic methodology. Does not quantify specific risk magnitudes. Healthcare provider perspectives not directly measured.
How to read the evidence
Brief narrative review provides an overview of current concerns but without systematic evidence synthesis.
When this study was published
2024 review of recent prenatal cannabis evidence
The bigger picture
The review highlights a systemic failure: even as evidence of prenatal cannabis risks accumulates, the medical system has not adequately translated this evidence into routine clinical conversations, leaving pregnant individuals to rely on non-medical information sources.
Questions still open
- What specific barriers prevent clinicians from discussing cannabis with pregnant patients? Would standardized screening and counseling protocols improve prenatal cannabis conversations?
Common questions
Why are more pregnant people using cannabis?
Why don't doctors discuss cannabis with pregnant patients?
Read the original research
Cannabis and Pregnancy.
Current psychiatry reports, 26(11), 643-649
Citation
Bespalova, Nadejda; Bunt, Gregory; Hill, Kevin P. (2024). Cannabis and Pregnancy.. Current psychiatry reports, 26(11), 643-649. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-024-01536-x
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