Among pregnant people who screened positive for cannabis, 62% continued use after recognizing their pregnancy, and those who viewed their use as medical were four times more likely to continue.
Obstetricians, prenatal care providers, maternal health researchers
4x more likely to continue cannabis in pregnancy if use was considered medical
What the researchers found
Of 105 pregnant respondents who screened positive for cannabis, 40 (38%) reported complete abstinence after pregnancy recognition while 65 (62%) continued use. Those who considered their use medical or mixed were four times as likely to continue (OR 4.0, 95% CI 1.3-12.8). Continued users were significantly more likely to discuss use with their obstetrician (89.2% vs 50%, P<0.001).
Why it matters
Understanding why pregnant people continue cannabis use can inform more effective clinical conversations. The finding that continued users were more likely to disclose to their providers suggests openness to clinical guidance.
The numbers in context
105 enrolled of 117 approached; 38.1% achieved abstinence; 61.9% continued; of continuers, 53.8% decreased use, 40% maintained, 6.2% increased; medical users 4x more likely to continue (OR 4.0); 89.2% of continuers disclosed to OB vs 50% of abstainers (P<0.001)
How the study worked
Cross-sectional survey of 105 pregnant patients at one prenatal practice in Baltimore, MD, who either self-reported cannabis use or tested positive on urine toxicology. Anonymous survey with multiple choice questions on frequency and reasons for use before and after pregnancy recognition.
What this study cannot tell us
Single prenatal practice in Baltimore limits generalizability. Self-reported data on timing and reasons for use. Cross-sectional design cannot capture changes over pregnancy. Cannabis use may be underreported despite anonymous survey.
How to read the evidence
Small single-site cross-sectional survey with self-reported data; provides useful descriptive information but limited generalizability.
When this study was published
Published 2023
The bigger picture
The shift from recreational to symptom-control motivations after pregnancy recognition suggests that providing safe, effective alternatives for symptoms like nausea could be a key strategy for reducing prenatal cannabis exposure.
Questions still open
- Would offering evidence-based symptom management alternatives reduce continued cannabis use in pregnancy? Do pregnancy outcomes differ between those who quit and those who continue with reduced use?
Common questions
How many pregnant people continue cannabis after learning they are pregnant?
Why do pregnant people continue using cannabis?
Read the original research
Reported Reasons for Cannabis Use Before and After Pregnancy Recognition.
Journal of addiction medicine, 17(5), 563-567
Citation
Besse, Margaret; Parikh, Kajal; Mark, Katrina. (2023). Reported Reasons for Cannabis Use Before and After Pregnancy Recognition.. Journal of addiction medicine, 17(5), 563-567. https://doi.org/10.1097/ADM.0000000000001178
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