Current marijuana use among women of reproductive age

The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of current (past 30 days) marijuana use and its associations with demographic, other substance use, chronic disease, physical health and mental health measures among women of reproductive age (18-44 years) in 12 US states.

This analysis used 2016 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) data from 16,556 women of reproductive age in 12 US states. Women self-reported current marijuana use and covariates. Weighted χ² statistics and adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) were calculated accounting for the complex survey design.

Among women of reproductive age, 9.9 % reported current marijuana use. Current cigarette use (aPR: 2.0, 95 % CI: 1.6, 2.6), current e-cigarette use (aPR: 1.9, 95 % CI: 1.4, 2.6), binge drinking (aPR: 2.6, 95 % CI: 1.9, 3.6), ever having received a depression diagnosis (aPR: 1.6, 95 % CI: 1.2, 2.1), and ≥14 days of poor mental health in the past 30 days (aPR: 1.8, 95 % CI: 1.3, 2.4) were all associated with higher adjusted prevalence of current marijuana use. Reporting ≥14 days of poor physical health within the last 30 was associated with a 40 % lower adjusted prevalence of current marijuana use (aPR: 0.6, 95 % CI: 0.4, 0.8).

Current marijuana use among women of reproductive age was associated with other substance use, poor mental health, and depression. As state laws concerning marijuana use continue to change, it is important to monitor usage patterns and to assess associated health risks in this population.