5 days ago
Cannabis Use Varies by Pregnancy Status
TOPLINE:
From 2021 to 2023, the use of cannabis increased in nonpregnant women and stayed stable in pregnant women, with smoking being the most common method used by both. Among pregnant women, the use of cannabis was highest during the first trimester.
METHODOLOGY:
Researchers conducted a secondary analysis of US national survey datasets on drug use and health (2021-2023) to examine the use of cannabis among women of reproductive age (unweighted n = 94,225; age, 12-44 years), including 2051 pregnant women.
The primary outcome was the use of cannabis in the past 30 days.
The women were additionally asked about their methods of using cannabis, including smoking, vaping, dabbing, edibles, and other forms.
The use of other substances in the past 30 days and depression status (specifically a major depressive episode) in the past year were also noted.
TAKEAWAY:
The use of cannabis in nonpregnant women increased from 11.3% in 2021 to 13.5% in 2023, with a pooled prevalence of 12.6% (95% CI, 12.2%-13.0%), whereas it declined in pregnant women during the same period, although not significantly.
Smoking was the most common method of cannabis use in both nonpregnant and pregnant women (72.8% and 65.4%, respectively).
Across the study period, the use of cannabis among pregnant women was highest in the first trimester (10.1%) — peaking at 14.2% in 2022 — and declined in the second and third trimesters.
The use of alcohol, tobacco, and illicit drugs in the past 30 days and a major depressive episode in the past year were significantly associated with the use of cannabis in both pregnant and nonpregnant women. Having more than one child was protective against the use of cannabis relative to having no children at home.
IN PRACTICE:
'Public health campaigns should prioritize clear, accessible messaging about risks associated with cannabis use during pregnancy. Healthcare providers should adopt holistic approaches to address co-occurring substance use and mental health conditions while addressing cannabis-related health concerns,' the authors wrote.
SOURCE:
This study was led by Timothy J. Grigsby, PhD, of the Department of Social and Behavioral Health at the University of Nevada in Las Vegas. It was published online on July 01, 2025, in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.
LIMITATIONS:
The researchers could not establish that certain factors caused increased cannabis use as the survey data were cross-sectional. The sample size for prenatal use of cannabis was small. Women self-reported their pregnancy trimesters and use of cannabis, which may have led to inaccuracies.
DISCLOSURES:
The authors of this study reported having no specific funding or conflicts of interest.
This article was created using several editorial tools, including AI, as part of the process. Human editors reviewed this content before publication.
