CBD-only product use was nearly twice as common among pregnant women (20.4%) as non-pregnant women (11.3%), with anxiety, pain, and depression as top reasons for use.
Pregnant individuals using CBD, obstetricians, CBD product regulators
20.4% of pregnant women used CBD
What the researchers found
Prevalence of CBD-only use in pregnant women was 20.4% vs. 11.3% in non-pregnant women (p<0.001). Top reasons among pregnant women: anxiety (58.4%), pain (52.3%), depression (40.3%), PTSD (32.1%), headache (35.6%), nausea/vomiting (31.9%).
Why it matters
Many people assume CBD is safer than THC during pregnancy because it is non-psychoactive, but there is almost no safety data for prenatal CBD exposure. The 20% prevalence among pregnant women signals an urgent need for research.
The numbers in context
66,457 women surveyed, 1,096 pregnant. CBD-only use: 20.4% pregnant vs. 11.3% non-pregnant (p<0.001). Anxiety 58.4%, pain 52.3%, depression 40.3%, PTSD 32.1%.
How the study worked
International Cannabis Policy Study (2019-2021), repeated cross-sectional survey of 66,457 women ages 16-65 in the US and Canada, including 1,096 pregnant women. Compared CBD-only use patterns and reasons.
What this study cannot tell us
Self-reported survey data. Cannot verify actual CBD product contents or purity. Cross-sectional design cannot determine when during pregnancy use occurs. CBD product quality varies widely in consumer market.
How to read the evidence
Large population survey with clear prevalence data, but self-reported use and cross-sectional design limit insights into safety.
When this study was published
2024 analysis of International Cannabis Policy Study data from 2019-2021
The bigger picture
CBD is widely marketed as a wellness product with minimal risks, and pregnant women appear to be using it frequently for symptoms that are common in pregnancy. The absence of safety data for prenatal CBD exposure makes this a significant blind spot in public health.
Questions still open
- Is prenatal CBD exposure safe for fetal development? Are CBD-only products truly THC-free, or do mislabeled products expose pregnancies to THC? Should CBD products carry pregnancy warnings?
Common questions
Is CBD safe during pregnancy?
Why are pregnant women using CBD?
Read the original research
Cannabidiol-Only Product Use in Pregnancy in the United States and Canada: Findings From the International Cannabis Policy Study.
Obstetrics and gynecology, 144(2), 156-159
Citation
Bhatia, Devika; Battula, Sharonya; Mikulich-Gilbertson, Susan; Sakai, Joseph; Hammond, David. (2024). Cannabidiol-Only Product Use in Pregnancy in the United States and Canada: Findings From the International Cannabis Policy Study.. Obstetrics and gynecology, 144(2), 156-159. https://doi.org/10.1097/AOG.0000000000005603
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