Cannabis Use, Knowledge, and Counseling Needs During Pregnancy and Early Parenthood

Cannabis use during pregnancy and early parenthood is an increasing public health concern, particularly as high-concentration cannabis (HCC) products have become more widely available. Although prior research has examined perinatal cannabis use and risk perceptions, less is known about cannabis knowledge, HCC use, and confidence in risk-reduction behaviors across stages of early parenthood. This study compared these factors among parents at different stages of parenthood.

This cross-sectional study analyzed data from an online survey panel of adults living in Colorado. Of 630 initial respondents, 564 completed at least 80% of survey items; 327 identified as parents and were included in this analysis. Analyses compared participants who were pregnant or parenting a child aged younger than 2 years, defined as the early parenthood group (n = 76), with parents of children aged older than 2 years, defined as the older parenthood group (n = 256). Survey items assessed cannabis or HCC use, product and health-related knowledge, perceived harms, and self-efficacy intentions. Group differences were examined using ^χ2 tests and analysis of variance.

Current cannabis use was similar between groups. HCC use was higher in the early parenthood group than in the older parenthood group, but this difference was not statistically significant (22.4% vs 14.1%; P =  .08). When compared with the older parenthood group, the early parenthood group had lower health-related knowledge scores (P =  .01), lower overall knowledge scores (P =  .03), lower confidence in declining HCC (P =  .007), and lower confidence in choosing alternatives (P =  .009).

The early parenthood group demonstrated lower cannabis knowledge and confidence in risk-reduction behaviors than the older parenthood group. Findings highlight the need for counseling that addresses cannabis potency, perceived risks and benefits, and practical skills for reducing use during pregnancy and early parenthood.