Analysis of surveillance data representing about 803,000 live births found mental health (82.8%) and gastrointestinal symptom relief (77.1%) were the most common motivations for prenatal cannabis use, with 84% of users citing two or more reasons.
Prenatal care providers, public health officials, pregnant people considering cannabis use, and researchers studying substance use during pregnancy.
83% used cannabis for mental health; 77% for GI symptoms
What the researchers found
The most common motivations for prenatal cannabis use were mental health reasons (82.81%), gastrointestinal symptom relief (77.10%), pain relief (48.67%), fun or relaxation (40.18%), and chronic condition symptoms (26.31%). Most women (84.32%) reported multiple reasons, which was associated with daily or near-daily use.
Why it matters
Understanding why pregnant women use cannabis is essential for developing effective clinical conversations. The finding that most users cite multiple overlapping reasons, particularly mental health and nausea, suggests they may be self-treating common pregnancy symptoms.
The numbers in context
Data representing ~802,954 live births from 10 states. Mental health: 82.81%. GI symptoms: 77.10%. Pain: 48.67%. Fun/relaxation: 40.18%. Chronic conditions: 26.31%. Multiple reasons: 84.32%. Write-in responses: 54.90% cited pregnancy-related symptoms (nausea, appetite, sleep).
How the study worked
Analysis of 2017-2021 Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) Marijuana Supplement data from 10 U.S. states. Weighted prevalence estimates of self-reported motivations for prenatal cannabis use were calculated and examined across sociodemographic characteristics and frequency of use.
What this study cannot tell us
Self-reported data from a surveillance system. Only 10 U.S. states participated in the marijuana supplement. Data from 2017-2021 may not reflect current patterns. Women who did not report cannabis use are excluded, likely underestimating prevalence.
How to read the evidence
Strong: large population-based surveillance data from 10 U.S. states with weighted prevalence estimates representing over 800,000 births.
When this study was published
Published 2026. Data from 2017-2021 PRAMS.
The bigger picture
This is one of the largest analyses of prenatal cannabis use motivations, drawn from a CDC surveillance system. The dominance of mental health and GI motivations suggests many women may be using cannabis as a substitute for medications they perceive as risky during pregnancy.
Questions still open
- Are women receiving adequate mental health support during pregnancy that might reduce cannabis use? Do providers discuss safer alternatives for nausea and anxiety during prenatal visits? How does frequency of use differ by motivation?
Common questions
Why do pregnant women use cannabis?
Is prenatal cannabis use associated with daily use?
Read the original research
Motivations for Cannabis Use During Pregnancy: An Analysis of 2017-2021 Pregnancy Assessment Monitoring System Data.
Journal of women's health (2002), 15409996261424794
Citation
Skelton, Kara R; Iobst, Stacey E; Benjamin-Neelon, Sara E. (2026). Motivations for Cannabis Use During Pregnancy: An Analysis of 2017-2021 Pregnancy Assessment Monitoring System Data.. Journal of women's health (2002), 15409996261424794. https://doi.org/10.1177/15409996261424794
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