Nausea and vomiting of pregnancy was associated with prenatal cannabis use in a Michigan cohort, with cannabis potency increasing and risk perception decreasing in the context of state-level legalization.
OB/GYN providers, pregnant individuals experiencing severe nausea, and public health professionals in legalized states.
Cannabis THC potency rose from 10% (2009) to 14% (2019)
What the researchers found
Women experiencing nausea and vomiting of pregnancy were more likely to use cannabis prenatally. The study documented increasing cannabis potency and decreasing risk perception alongside state-level recreational legalization.
Why it matters
Morning sickness is a primary reason pregnant women report using cannabis. Understanding this connection is important as legalization reduces perceived risk and cannabis potency increases.
The numbers in context
Over 70% of pregnancies experience nausea and vomiting. Cannabis potency (THC concentration) increased from 10% in 2009 to 14% in 2019. State-level legalization may contribute to increased use and reduced risk perception.
How the study worked
Cross-sectional analysis of a Michigan pregnancy cohort. Assessed associations between nausea/vomiting of pregnancy and prenatal cannabis use. Contextualized within trends of increasing THC potency and changing legalization landscape.
What this study cannot tell us
Cross-sectional design cannot determine whether nausea caused cannabis use or other factors explain both. Michigan-specific findings may not generalize. Self-reported cannabis use likely underestimates prevalence. Does not assess neonatal outcomes.
How to read the evidence
Cross-sectional study documenting an association. Cannot establish direction of causation.
When this study was published
Published 2023.
The bigger picture
The convergence of severe morning sickness, increasing cannabis potency, state legalization, and decreasing risk perception creates a perfect storm for rising prenatal cannabis exposure. Clinical guidance has not kept pace with these trends.
Questions still open
- Do safe and effective alternatives for severe morning sickness reduce prenatal cannabis use? Does increasing THC potency change the risk profile for fetal exposure compared to lower-potency products?
Common questions
Do pregnant women use cannabis for morning sickness?
Is cannabis safe for morning sickness?
Read the original research
Nausea and vomiting of pregnancy and prenatal cannabis use in a Michigan sample.
American journal of obstetrics & gynecology MFM, 5(12), 101171
Citation
Vanderziel, Alyssa; Anthony, James C; Barondess, David; Kerver, Jean M; Alshaarawy, Omayma. (2023). Nausea and vomiting of pregnancy and prenatal cannabis use in a Michigan sample.. American journal of obstetrics & gynecology MFM, 5(12), 101171. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajogmf.2023.101171
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