In interviews with 52 pregnant and lactating cannabis users in Canada, most reported seeking risk information online because clinicians were either uninformed or judgmental, and nearly all found available information insufficient.
OB/GYN providers, midwives, health communication researchers, and anyone developing patient education materials about cannabis in pregnancy.
52 pregnant/lactating participants; most found available cannabis safety information insufficient
What the researchers found
Participants deliberately sought information about cannabis risks during pregnancy but found it inadequate. Online sources and social networks were primary information channels. Healthcare providers were not viewed as knowledgeable or supportive sources on this topic.
Why it matters
Pregnant people are making decisions about cannabis with inadequate information and without clinical support. Understanding their information needs and barriers is essential for developing better guidance.
The numbers in context
52 participants interviewed. Most searched for risk information. Online material and social networks were the primary sources. Clinicians were rarely described as helpful. Participants overwhelmingly described available information as insufficient.
How the study worked
Qualitative study with semi-structured interviews of 52 pregnant and lactating people in Canada who decided to start, stop, or continue cannabis use. Recruited from prenatal clinics and social media. Inductive analysis focused on information-seeking and decision-making.
What this study cannot tell us
Qualitative study cannot quantify prevalence of information gaps. Canadian healthcare context may differ from other countries. Self-selected sample may overrepresent people motivated to seek information. Social desirability may affect interview responses.
How to read the evidence
Qualitative study with reasonable sample size. Provides important patient perspective but cannot be generalized quantitatively.
When this study was published
Published 2023.
The bigger picture
The disconnect between rising cannabis use in pregnancy and the lack of trustworthy information creates a vacuum filled by anecdote, marketing, and peer advice. Healthcare systems have an opportunity to step into this gap with balanced, evidence-based communication.
Questions still open
- What would effective, balanced clinical communication about cannabis in pregnancy look like? Would training clinicians to discuss cannabis non-judgmentally change patient behavior?
Common questions
Where do pregnant people get information about cannabis?
What information do pregnant cannabis users want?
Read the original research
Making informed choices about cannabis use during pregnancy and lactation: A qualitative study of information use.
Birth (Berkeley, Calif.), 50(3), 504-512
Citation
Taneja, Shipra; Panday, Janelle; Popoola, Anuoluwa; Greyson, Devon; McDonald, Sarah D; Patel, Tejal; Vanstone, Meredith. (2023). Making informed choices about cannabis use during pregnancy and lactation: A qualitative study of information use.. Birth (Berkeley, Calif.), 50(3), 504-512. https://doi.org/10.1111/birt.12668
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