New Mothers Who Use Cannabis Report Negative Interactions With Healthcare Providers
A pilot study of postpartum cannabis users found frequent use, THC in breastmilk, and mostly negative experiences when discussing cannabis with healthcare providers.
Quick Facts
What This Study Found
Postpartum mothers reported using cannabis an average of 24 out of 30 days, primarily by smoking. THC metabolites were confirmed in both urine and breastmilk. Qualitative interviews revealed predominantly negative healthcare provider interactions regarding cannabis use.
Key Numbers
196 screened, 21 eligible (11%), 12 completed clinic visits. Average cannabis use: 24 of 30 days. THC metabolites confirmed in urine and breastmilk. 4 qualitative themes identified from 9 interviews.
How They Did This
Mixed-methods feasibility study recruiting 12 new mothers (0-12 months postpartum) who use cannabis via Facebook ads. Included surveys, urine and breastmilk toxicology, and semi-structured interviews with 9 participants.
Why This Research Matters
With cannabis legalization expanding, more postpartum mothers may use cannabis. This study highlights a communication gap between mothers and healthcare providers that could affect both maternal and infant health outcomes.
The Bigger Picture
The study reveals a catch-22: mothers use cannabis frequently but feel judged by providers, leading to less disclosure. Meanwhile, THC is passing into breastmilk. Better provider communication and evidence-based guidelines are needed to support informed decision-making.
What This Study Doesn't Tell Us
Very small sample (12 participants) from one geographic area. Self-selection bias — only mothers willing to disclose cannabis use participated. Cross-sectional design can't assess health outcomes for infants.
Questions This Raises
- ?What are the actual health effects of THC in breastmilk on infant development?
- ?How can healthcare providers have more productive conversations about cannabis with new mothers?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- Evidence Grade:
- Very small feasibility pilot (n=12) from one region — provides initial data but cannot be generalized.
- Study Age:
- Published in 2026, addressing a growing public health question as cannabis access expands.
- Original Title:
- Cannabis use among new mothers. A feasibility mixed-method study to investigate motives and perceptions.
- Published In:
- Addictive behaviors, 173, 108554 (2026)
- Authors:
- Chuisano, Samantha A, Miriani, Paul, Alshaarawy, Omayma(9)
- Database ID:
- RTHC-08172
Evidence Hierarchy
A snapshot of a population at one point in time.
What do these levels mean? →Frequently Asked Questions
Does THC pass into breastmilk?
Yes — this study confirmed significant concentrations of THC metabolites in breastmilk samples from mothers who used cannabis, consistent with prior research.
Why do new mothers use cannabis?
Interviews identified cannabis use as self-treatment or therapy, with mothers describing it as helping with postpartum challenges. However, they reported feeling judged by healthcare providers when discussing it.
Read More on RethinkTHC
Cite This Study
https://rethinkthc.com/research/RTHC-08172APA
Chuisano, Samantha A; Miriani, Paul; Alshaarawy, Omayma. (2026). Cannabis use among new mothers. A feasibility mixed-method study to investigate motives and perceptions.. Addictive behaviors, 173, 108554. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.addbeh.2025.108554
MLA
Chuisano, Samantha A, et al. "Cannabis use among new mothers. A feasibility mixed-method study to investigate motives and perceptions.." Addictive behaviors, 2026. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.addbeh.2025.108554
RethinkTHC
RethinkTHC Research Database. "Cannabis use among new mothers. A feasibility mixed-method s..." RTHC-08172. Retrieved from https://rethinkthc.com/research/chuisano-2026-cannabis-use-among-new
Access the Original Study
Study data sourced from PubMed, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
This study breakdown was produced by the RethinkTHC research team. We analyze and report published research findings without making health recommendations. All interpretations are based solely on the published abstract and study data.