Two-thirds of Colorado mothers reported a healthcare worker discussed cannabis during prenatal visits, but perinatal cannabis users were more likely to trust cannabis websites and stores than healthcare providers for information.
Obstetricians, maternal health educators, perinatal cannabis prevention programs
29% of users trusted cannabis websites over clinicians
What the researchers found
67.8% of women reported an HCW discussed cannabis at prenatal visits. Women who used cannabis perinatally were more likely to report HCW discussions (82.2% vs. 65.3%, p<0.01). However, perinatal users more often trusted cannabis websites (28.9% vs. 6.5%), stores (15.7% vs. 3.8%), and word-of-mouth (28.4% vs. 17.1%). HCW discussions were not associated with cannabis use during breastfeeding.
Why it matters
Even when healthcare workers discuss cannabis, perinatal users trust non-medical sources more. This suggests the content or approach of clinical conversations may not effectively reach women most at risk.
The numbers in context
3,193 Colorado mothers. 5.8% used cannabis during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. 67.8% reported HCW discussion. Cannabis users trusted: cannabis websites (28.9%), word-of-mouth (28.4%), stores (15.7%).
How the study worked
Health eMoms longitudinal survey of 3,193 Colorado mothers (2018-2020). Logistic regressions assessed HCW cannabis discussions and perinatal/breastfeeding cannabis use, adjusted for sociodemographic factors.
What this study cannot tell us
Colorado-specific results in a state with legal recreational cannabis. Self-reported data. Cannot assess quality or content of HCW discussions. Women who used cannabis may recall discussions differently.
How to read the evidence
State-representative longitudinal survey with adequate sample, but self-reported data and Colorado-specific context.
When this study was published
2024 analysis of Colorado Health eMoms survey data from 2018-2020
The bigger picture
The disconnect between having clinical conversations and influencing behavior suggests healthcare workers may need different communication strategies. Simply telling patients to avoid cannabis is insufficient when competing information from cannabis industry sources contradicts that advice.
Questions still open
- What makes HCW cannabis conversations effective vs. ineffective? Would different messaging approaches reach perinatal cannabis users who currently trust commercial sources?
Common questions
Do doctors talk to pregnant women about cannabis?
Do these conversations change behavior?
Read the original research
Perinatal Cannabis Use and Cannabis Use during Breastfeeding: the Role of Health Care Workers.
American journal of perinatology, 41(S 01), e2686-e2695
Citation
Bhatia, Devika; Rosenberg, Sophie; Rees, Rebecca; Brooks-Russell, Ashley. (2024). Perinatal Cannabis Use and Cannabis Use during Breastfeeding: the Role of Health Care Workers.. American journal of perinatology, 41(S 01), e2686-e2695. https://doi.org/10.1055/a-2145-7775
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