An Update on Perinatal Cannabis Use

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Public Health
• Cannabis Research

Background:

• Legalization of non-medical cannabis has increased questions about its use during pregnancy.
• Prenatal cannabis exposure poses potential risks to fetal development and child outcomes.
• Healthcare providers need updated information to address patient concerns and guide care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the literature on cannabis use in pregnancy.
• To identify high-risk populations and predictors of use.
• To inform obstetrical care providers with evidence-based strategies.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and synthesis of existing research on prenatal cannabis exposure.
• Analysis of factors influencing cannabis use decisions during pregnancy.
• Examination of documented short- and long-term infant and child outcomes.

Main Results:

• Identifies specific demographic and psychosocial factors associated with higher rates of cannabis use.
• Explores motivations for continued or cessation of cannabis use during pregnancy.
• Summarizes known adverse effects on neurodevelopment and behavior in exposed offspring.

Conclusions:

• Healthcare providers can mitigate risks by understanding patient use patterns and providing evidence-based counseling.
• Informed decision-making is crucial for optimizing care for pregnant individuals using cannabis.
• Further research is needed to fully elucidate long-term impacts and effective interventions.