Exploring Peripartum Cannabis Use Among Young Sexual Minority People: A Qualitative Study

Young childbearing sexual minority (SM) people are more likely to use cannabis and to have an unintended pregnancy than their heterosexual peers; however, little is known about their perceptions and experiences of peripartum cannabis use. This qualitative study explores the relationships young pregnant and parenting SM people have with cannabis, as well as their feelings and opinions about prenatal cannabis use.

Participants who identified as SM from baseline surveys of the YoungMoms study were recruited for semi-structured qualitative interviews (n = 13). Interviews focused on cannabis use experiences before and during pregnancy. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis.

Data analysis revealed 3 key themes. Participants described the contextual adaptivity of their cannabis use, discussing how their use changed based on social context, mental health, and stress but was not directly related to their sexuality. Pregnancy was identified as a potential turning point for cannabis use as participants described trying to reduce or abstain during pregnancy, although some struggled to do so or continued use to address pregnancy symptoms. Facilitating factors of prenatal cannabis reduction were described, including focusing on the financial toll, social environment changes, access to health-related guidance, and replacement hobbies.

This study provides novel information about a public health concern among a pregnant population that is often overlooked in prenatal substance use research. Similar to their heterosexual peers, pregnancy may serve as an opportune time for intervention among young SM people who use cannabis, but consideration of unique factors that contribute to their cannabis use is needed.