In a cohort of 186 pregnant women under 22, about 20% had tried CBD products, with prior alcohol and drug use being the strongest predictor of CBD use.
Prenatal care providers, CBD safety researchers, maternal health educators
1 in 5 young pregnant women had tried CBD products
What the researchers found
Among 186 pregnant participants under age 22 (75% Black or Biracial), approximately one in five had ever used CBD products. Few reported CBD use during the current pregnancy specifically. Those who had tried CBD were more likely to report alcohol and other drug use prior to pregnancy, even after controlling for race. CBD is marketed to pregnant people for common conditions, but preclinical evidence links CBD exposure to embryotoxicity and developmental effects.
Why it matters
CBD products are widely marketed as natural and safe, including to pregnant people. This is one of the first studies to examine CBD use specifically (not just cannabis) in a pregnant population.
The numbers in context
186 participants; 75% Black or Biracial; ~20% ever used CBD; prior alcohol and drug use predicted CBD use; under age 22
How the study worked
Prospective cohort from the YoungMoms study of pregnant people under 22. Examined demographic, medical, and psychosocial correlates of CBD use using logistic regression controlling for race.
What this study cannot tell us
Small cohort of 186 from one site. Young, predominantly Black/Biracial sample may not generalize. "Ever used" does not distinguish timing or frequency. Self-reported use may underestimate prevalence.
How to read the evidence
Prospective cohort providing novel data on CBD use in pregnancy, but small single-site sample limits generalizability.
When this study was published
Published 2023
The bigger picture
As CBD products proliferate without FDA regulation and are marketed for pregnancy-related complaints like nausea and anxiety, understanding who uses them during pregnancy becomes critical for prenatal safety messaging.
Questions still open
- Are pregnant women using CBD because they believe it is safer than THC-containing cannabis? Would clearer labeling about pregnancy risks reduce CBD use during pregnancy?
Common questions
Do pregnant women use CBD?
Is CBD safe during pregnancy?
Read the original research
Factors associated with ever using cannabidiol in a cohort of younger pregnant people.
Neurotoxicology and teratology, 96, 107162
Citation
De Genna, Natacha M; Kennon-McGill, Stefanie; Goldschmidt, Lidush; Richardson, Gale A; Chang, Judy C. (2023). Factors associated with ever using cannabidiol in a cohort of younger pregnant people.. Neurotoxicology and teratology, 96, 107162. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ntt.2023.107162
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