Hospital admissions for cannabis use disorder among pregnant women have increased, reflecting broader trends in prenatal cannabis use.
OB-GYN providers, prenatal care researchers, addiction medicine specialists
Rising hospital admissions for cannabis use disorder during pregnancy
What the researchers found
A retrospective analysis found rising rates of hospital admissions with cannabis use disorder diagnoses among pregnant women, suggesting growing prenatal cannabis use or improved diagnostic detection.
Why it matters
Cannabis use during pregnancy remains controversial. Rising hospital admissions signal a growing clinical challenge that requires clearer guidelines and better prenatal screening approaches.
The numbers in context
Trend data from hospital admission records; specific rates and time periods in full text.
How the study worked
Retrospective cohort study using hospital admission records to track trends in cannabis use disorder diagnoses among pregnant women over time.
What this study cannot tell us
Administrative data relies on diagnostic coding, which may undercount or overcount cases. Cannot determine whether increases reflect true prevalence changes or better detection. Does not capture outcomes for mothers or infants.
How to read the evidence
Large administrative dataset captures trends but cannot determine causation or distinguish true prevalence from improved detection.
When this study was published
2025 study analyzing trends in pregnancy-related cannabis use disorder admissions.
The bigger picture
As cannabis becomes more accessible and social stigma decreases, prenatal use appears to be rising. The potential effects on fetal development remain an active area of research with conflicting findings.
Questions still open
- Are rising admissions due to more prenatal cannabis use or better screening? What outcomes are associated with cannabis use disorder specifically during pregnancy?
Common questions
Is cannabis use during pregnancy increasing?
Is cannabis use disorder during pregnancy harmful?
Read the original research
Trends and variations in admissions for cannabis use disorder among pregnant women in United States.
Journal of perinatal medicine, 53(3), 402-406
Citation
Mejia, Maria C; Sacca, Lea; Ferris, Allison H; Hennekens, Charles H; Kitsantas, Panagiota. (2025). Trends and variations in admissions for cannabis use disorder among pregnant women in United States.. Journal of perinatal medicine, 53(3), 402-406. https://doi.org/10.1515/jpm-2024-0487
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