Following Germany's 2024 cannabis legalization, midwives reported gaps in knowledge about prenatal cannabis risks and inconsistent screening and counseling practices.
Midwives, obstetricians, prenatal care providers, and policymakers implementing cannabis legalization alongside healthcare education.
What the researchers found
German midwives showed variable self-rated knowledge of cannabis risks in pregnancy and inconsistent frequency of screening and counseling patients about cannabis use, despite their central role in prenatal care.
Why it matters
Germany legalized recreational cannabis in 2024. Midwives are primary prenatal care providers there, so their knowledge and practices around cannabis directly affect whether pregnant women receive appropriate guidance.
The numbers in context
Survey of German midwives following 2024 legalization — specific sample size in full text. Assessed knowledge, risk perception, and counseling frequency.
How the study worked
Cross-sectional survey of German midwives assessing self-rated knowledge, risk perception, and frequency of screening and counseling practices related to cannabis use during pregnancy.
What this study cannot tell us
Self-rated knowledge may not reflect actual knowledge. Survey response bias may skew toward more engaged midwives. German healthcare system may not generalize to other countries.
How to read the evidence
Cross-sectional survey providing a snapshot of provider readiness — useful for identifying training gaps but limited by self-report methodology.
When this study was published
Timely study conducted shortly after Germany's landmark 2024 cannabis legalization, capturing immediate impact on prenatal care.
The bigger picture
As countries legalize cannabis, healthcare systems must adapt. This study highlights that legalization can outpace clinical education, leaving frontline providers without the knowledge to guide patients effectively.
Questions still open
- How can midwifery education programs rapidly integrate cannabis counseling? Do countries with longer legalization histories show better provider knowledge?
Common questions
Is cannabis safe during pregnancy?
Why focus on midwives specifically?
Read the original research
Pregnancy Care in Times of Cannabis Legalization: Self-Rated Knowledge, Risk Perception and Communication Practices of Midwives in Germany.
Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland), 13(11)
Citation
Wollscheid, Julia; Burke, Matthias; Kimmel, Theresa; Kaufmann, Tobias; Batra, Anil; Binder, Annette. (2025). Pregnancy Care in Times of Cannabis Legalization: Self-Rated Knowledge, Risk Perception and Communication Practices of Midwives in Germany.. Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland), 13(11). https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13111228
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