Mar 26TH, 2025
Introduction
The topic of cannabis use during pregnancy raises important questions about potential risks, effects on fetal development, and the quality of available research. Since conducting controlled studies on pregnant individuals is unethical, most research relies on self-reported data and retrospective studies—both of which have significant limitations. Factors such as the frequency, dosage, and form of cannabis consumed are often unaccounted for, making it difficult to draw definitive conclusions.
Additionally, many studies fail to control for confounding variables such as tobacco and alcohol use, nutrition, and stress levels. This makes it challenging to isolate cannabis as the primary factor influencing pregnancy outcomes. Given these complexities, it’s essential to critically examine both the research and the reasons why some pregnant individuals choose to use cannabis.
Research on Cannabis Use During Pregnancy
Issues with Self-Reported Data
One of the biggest challenges in cannabis research is the reliability of self-reported data. A study by Shiono et al. highlighted discrepancies between reported cannabis use and actual blood serum levels. The findings suggested that many chronic users underreport their cannabis use, while casual users may not always test positive, making it difficult to determine the true extent of cannabis exposure during pregnancy.
The stigma surrounding cannabis use, especially during pregnancy, further contributes to underreporting. This means that any studies relying on self-reported cannabis use are likely to have inaccuracies, which can skew the reported outcomes.
Potential Effects on Pregnancy Outcomes
A meta-analysis by Jamie Lo et al. attempted to account for methodological issues in cannabis research. The study found that prenatal cannabis use was associated with an increased risk of preterm birth, small-for-gestational-age infants, and perinatal mortality. However, the researchers noted that their confidence in these findings was limited due to the lack of data on the timing and quantity of cannabis use.
Some studies suggest that cannabis exposure in utero may contribute to long-term neurodevelopmental effects in children, including issues with attention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. However, these studies primarily establish correlation rather than causation, making it unclear whether cannabis is directly responsible for these outcomes.
Perception of Risk and Information Sources
Many pregnant individuals who use cannabis do so while weighing potential risks against perceived benefits. A study by Meredith Vanstone et al. found that women sought information from a variety of sources, including healthcare providers, the internet, friends and family, and cannabis retailers.
Healthcare providers were often not a preferred source due to a lack of clear guidance and concerns about judgment or punitive responses. Instead, many relied on online sources for anonymous information-seeking. The study also found that women struggled to reconcile conflicting information from different sources, highlighting the need for clearer, evidence-based guidance.
Why Do Some Pregnant Individuals Use Cannabis?
Another study by Vanstone et al. explored the motivations behind cannabis use during pregnancy. The research identified three main reasons:
- Coping – Using cannabis to manage stress, anxiety, or other difficult emotions.
- Sensation-Seeking – Using cannabis recreationally to achieve a high.
- Symptom Management – Using cannabis to relieve nausea, pain, or other pregnancy-related symptoms, either with or without medical guidance.
The study found that many women reduced or altered their cannabis use during pregnancy, shifting away from recreational purposes and focusing more on symptom relief. However, patterns of use often returned to pre-pregnancy levels during lactation.
Conclusion
The relationship between cannabis use and pregnancy outcomes remains an area of uncertainty. While some studies suggest potential risks, methodological limitations make it difficult to establish clear causal links.
Pregnant individuals who use cannabis are often aware of the potential risks and try to balance them against the benefits. However, a lack of accessible, non-judgmental medical guidance leaves many relying on inconsistent or incomplete information. More research is needed to provide definitive answers, and healthcare providers must work towards offering clearer, unbiased education on the subject.
Ultimately, decisions about cannabis use during pregnancy should be made with the best available information, guided by both scientific evidence and personal health considerations.
