A recent report has revealed that signs at cannabis dispensaries warning about the potential effects of using marijuana while pregnant are ineffective. The report was conducted by Rutgers University and published in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs. It found that pregnant cannabis users may even be distrustful of the contents of these warning signs.
According to lead researcher and University of California Professor Sarah C. M. Roberts, the mandatory warning signs posted at cannabis dispensaries aren’t working as intended. She says some of the participants involved in the study view the warning signs as stigmatizing pregnant women who use marijuana. In some cases, these individuals can avoid healthcare as a result.
Research has shown that using marijuana during pregnancy is linked with a high risk of low birth weight and behavioral, emotional, and cognitive issues. While the amount of research on how cannabis impacts pregnancy barely compares to what we know about pregnancy and alcohol, existing research suggests that pregnant women shouldn’t use marijuana.
The need for scientifically backed information on the effects of using marijuana during pregnancy is at an all-time high now that dozens of states have legalized adult-use cannabis and tens of millions of Americans now have easy access to the drug. To that end, five states with adult-use markets have issued policies requiring cannabis dispensaries to post warning signs similar to the ones at liquor stores, restaurants, and bars.
These signs seek to dissuade pregnant women from using cannabis and advise them to seek other alternatives if they are using marijuana to alleviate pregnancy-associated issues such as aches or nausea. However, a survey of 34 recently pregnant or pregnant women who used marijuana during or before their pregnancies found that the warnings aren’t effective.
More than 50% of the participants reacted negatively to the warning signs, researchers found, and many of them questioned whether the warnings were backed by enough scientific evidence to back their existence. Roberts says cannabis users displayed overwhelming distrust in the information provided on the point-of-sale warnings.
Over 50% of the participants noted that the warning signs weren’t relevant and useful and could lead to a ‘shaming effect’ that prevented pregnant women from seeking healthcare. 18 of the participants noted that there wasn’t enough scientific evidence to support the warnings while 16 of the 34 participants said the warning signs were not effective and could not prevent a pregnant individual from using cannabis.
Roberts urges health officials to listen to pregnant women who use cannabis and consider their needs and preferences as they design public health messages.
Marijuana companies like Trulieve Cannabis Corp. (CSE: TRUL) (OTCQX: TCNNF) also have to step up their efforts in helping pregnant women to make informed choices while considering marijuana products as options to relieve some of the symptoms they are prone to, such as loss of appetite and nausea.
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