Amie Goodin
University of Florida
Co-Authors: Karamveer Dhillon1, Sahar Kaleem1, Bruce Goldberger1, Reem Abu-Rustum1, Adolfo Ramirez-Zamora1, Deepthi S. Varma1, Dikea Roussos-Ross1
1University of Florida
Background
The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology advises against cannabis and cannabidiol (CBD) use during pregnancy. However, recent studies suggest cannabis and CBD use is increasing for the relief of pregnancy-related symptoms, such as nausea and anxiety.
Objective
To assess risk perceptions of cannabis and CBD use during pregnancy among pregnant and non-pregnant patients.
Methods
The study design is a cross-sectional survey. Participation was offered in a tertiary care OBGYN Women’s Health Clinic in Florida from October 2022 through February 2023. The survey instrument combined question items from validated instruments that assess cannabis and CBD use and risk perceptions, including: the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) the NIDA-modified Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Survey (NM-ASSIST), and items assessing sociodemographics and pregnancy/breastfeeding status. Respondents were presented with a statement explaining: 1) preservation of anonymity, and 2) completion of the survey was an indication of consent. Comparisons of response frequency distributions for pregnant versus nonpregnant participants were calculated with chi-square analysis for individual risk perception question items.
Results
A total of 261 participants submitted survey responses. Of these, 198 (75.9%) were currently pregnant, 55 (21.1%) were not pregnant, and 8 (3.1%) did not disclose pregnancy status. Approximately 5.0% (n=13) reported currently breastfeeding. For the question, “How risky is it to use marijuana [cannabis] once or twice a week during pregnancy?”, pregnant versus nonpregnant participants responded as follows: “Great risk” (29.2% vs. 27.3%), “Moderate risk” (13.8% vs. 18.2%), “Slight risk” (6.2% vs. 7.3%), “No risk” (10.8% vs. 12.7%), and “Not sure” (40.0% vs. 34.5%), where p=0.88 (not significant) between pregnant vs. nonpregnant response distribution. For the question, “How risky is it to use CBD once or twice a week during pregnancy?” pregnant vs. nonpregnant participants responded as follows: “Great risk” (22.1% vs. 20.0%), “Moderate risk” (10.3% vs. 10.9%), “Slight risk” (4.6% vs. 14.5%), “No risk” (10.8% vs. 12.7%), and “Not sure” (52.3% vs. 41.8%), where p=0.12 (not significant).
Conclusion
Findings indicate uncertainty of risk about cannabis and CBD use during pregnancy regardless of current pregnancy status, suggesting an urgent need for tailored risk communication about cannabis and CBD in pregnancy.