Six percent of women reported using cannabis while pregnant, according to a recent study, despite studies indicating that using cannabis during pregnancy can be harmful to both the fetus and the expectant mother.
Researchers from the University of Georgia found this concerning as it suggests more than one in every 20 pregnancies may be affected by marijuana use. Most women surveyed seemed to perceive cannabis as a harmless remedy and have turned to it to manage symptoms like morning sickness.
According to the study’s lead author, Mohammad Haider, using cannabis for nausea during pregnancy is risky. He emphasized that this isn’t a safe solution for expectant mothers. The study analyzed data from federal surveys of 4,338 expectant women. Of those surveyed, around 5.7% reported using marijuana in the previous month.
The findings indicated that marijuana use among pregnant women is highest during the first trimester and declines as pregnancy advances, likely suggesting its use as a response to early pregnancy nausea. Interestingly, a large portion of these women—around 71%—believed that their marijuana use posed little or no risk to themselves or their babies. However, previous research has linked cannabis use in pregnancy to premature delivery, low weight at birth, and developmental issues in children.
The study also pointed out that two-thirds of the pregnant women who reported using marijuana lived in one of the states where medical cannabis is legal. Haider noted that the accessibility of marijuana in these states could unintentionally contribute to its use during pregnancy.
He explained that when medical cannabis is legally available in pharmacies, it becomes more accessible, which may lead pregnant women to use it without fully understanding the potential dangers. He suggested that states with legal access to medical cannabis should implement policies that educate pregnant women on the possible negative effects of cannabis use during pregnancy.
Haider and his research team noted that safer, prescribed medications are available to alleviate morning sickness. They recommended that women consult their healthcare providers to explore alternatives before considering cannabis. Additionally, Haider highlighted that women with a history of mental health issues or substance use may be more likely to turn to cannabis while pregnant, putting them and their babies at further risk.
“This is a vulnerable group,” Haider stated, “and research shows that cannabis use during pregnancy can be harmful to both child and mother.” He added that more state-level policies are needed to guide and inform women about the potential risks associated with marijuana use during pregnancy.
As pressure mounts to make even more federal regulatory changes to marijuana policies, industry actors like TerrAscend Corp. (TSX: TSND) (OTCQX: TSNDF) will find it easier to conduct studies geared at giving patients more targeted information about how best to benefit from their products while keeping risks minimal.
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