Prenatal care providers avoid cannabis conversations to maintain patient trust

Interviews with 10 maternal health providers revealed three patterns: relying on self-education due to lack of formal training, taking case-by-case approaches rather than following standardized protocols, and actively avoiding cannabis discussions to maintain patient alliances. Providers recognized that reluctance to counsel overlooks the lack of resources and healthcare alternatives available to low-income patients.

Qualitative constructivist grounded theory study with semi-structured remote interviews of 10 providers (2 midwives, 6 OB/GYN physicians, 2 residents) in Southern California safety-net settings, conducted March-April 2022.

When providers avoid cannabis discussions to preserve relationships, patients in safety-net settings lose access to one of their few sources of medical guidance, potentially reinforcing health disparities.

The tension between maintaining therapeutic relationships and providing evidence-based counseling reflects a broader challenge in prenatal care as cannabis use becomes more normalized.

Small sample of 10 providers from one region. Safety-net setting focus may not reflect private practice perspectives. Self-selected participants may represent those more willing to discuss cannabis.