ACFP 2022

Title: Maternal Cannabis Use

Authors: Marie Hafez, Erinn C. Cameron, & Kristine M. Jacquin

Presenting author: Hafez, M. undergraduate student, Seattle Pacific University, Department

of Psychology and Physiology, mhafez@spu.edu

Co-authors: Cameron, E. C., M.A., Fielding Graduate University, Doctoral Candidate,

School of Psychology, ecameron@email.fielding.edu, Jacquin, K.M., Ph.D., Dean, School of
Psychology, kjacquin@fielding.edu.

Cannabis is the most commonly abused illicit substance worldwide, including among
pregnant women (Dong et al., 2020). Maternal cannabis use has been associated with many
health deficits for offspring, including low birth weight, head abnormalities, adverse
cognitive effects, emotional triggers that result in aggression, hyperactivity, damage to
immune cells, and an increased risk for developing a substance use disorder later in life
(Dong et al., 2020; Navarrete et al., 2020). Despite studies indicating adverse consequences
of maternal cannabis use for offspring, cannabis use among pregnant women is increasing
(Hurd et al., 2019; Roncero et al., 2020). Prevalence of maternal cannabis use varies widely
in North America, from 3% to upwards of 35% (Nashed et al., 2021; Navarrete et al., 2020).
However, studies utilizing urine analysis have indicated that cannabis use rates are even
higher than reported and that self-report methods often result in inaccurate results as pregnant
women may be hesitant to report cannabis use (National Institute of Health, 2019). Increased
maternal cannabis use is mirrored by increasing global legalization and the overall
perceptions of safety, even during pregnancy (Nashed et al., 2021). Additionally, studies have
indicated that pregnant women report cannabis use primarily for morning sickness, chronic
pain, mood regulation, and recreation (Dong et al., 2020; Nashed et al., 2021; Navarrete et
al., 2020). Further, while many studies address the consequences of maternal cannabis use for
offspring, there are limited studies regarding the effects of maternal cannabis use for the
mother, especially in the neurocognitive realm (Hurd et al., 2019, Roncero et al., 2020). This
lack of available studies is partially due to the stigma associated with maternal cannabis use.
Women who use cannabis during pregnancy may fear experiencing stigma, losing custody of
their child, and experiencing extreme guilt regarding possible adverse consequences to the
fetus (Roncero et al., 2020). These challenges are further compounded by a lack of evidence-
based policy and guidelines for prenatal cannabis use, which has led to inconsistent
messaging by healthcare providers and medically licensed cannabis dispensaries regarding
prenatal cannabis use for the treatment of symptoms commonly associated with pregnancy
such as morning sickness. Further, using maternal use of cannabis to treat symptoms of
depression and anxiety, which sometimes increase or materialize during pregnancy, is a
growing medical concern (Nashed et al., 2021). Additionally, the lack of regulation and
standardization regarding THC and CBD concentrations of commonly available cannabis
products further increases the risk for maternal cannabis use. A more rigorous investigation
of the short- and long-term effects of maternal cannabis use for mothers is an urgent public
health crisis. Providing educational resources for women regarding cannabis use and safe
spaces for women to seek educational and intervention programs regarding maternal cannabis
use may help alleviate stigma and decrease barriers to seeking treatment and improve data
collection efforts. Additionally, governing bodies need to be held accountable for regulating
THC and CBD content in all commercially available cannabis products and include warning
labels regarding maternal cannabis use.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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