Everybody says weed is good for the baby: Beliefs and attitudes regarding perinatal marijuana use from the perspectives of pregnant women who report continued use.

Chang JC, Tarr JA, Holland CL, Rodriguez KL, Sheeder J, Kraemer K, Day N, Rubio D, Arnold

RMUniversity of Pittsburgh

Study Funded by the National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA) R01DA026410-03SI

Background Marijuana is the most commonly used illicit drug

during pregnancy in the United States.

Two states have recently legalized recreational marijuana use (Colorado & Washington)

In 11 states, 50% residents support legalizing marijuana

Limited information is known about women’s attitudes & concerns about perinatal marijuana use

Objectives

To describe what pregnant women who use marijuana think about marijuana use during pregnancy, their reasons for use, and their concerns for potential consequences.

Study Setting

Hospital-based clinic in an urban academic medical center

Marijuana use is currently illegal in Pennsylvania

Methods

Semi-structured interviews with pregnant women who used marijuana to explore:

Use prior to pregnancy compared to use during pregnancy

Reasons and concerns about use during pregnancy

Participant Characteristics

17 women Age: 19-36 years;

Mean 27

65% African American

18% Caucasian

17% Other

47% high school graduates

23% some college education

18%grade school

12% associates degree

Participant Characteristics

47% Income level <$4,999/year

Gravida mean=3.2 ± 1.9; Range: 1 - 7

Para mean=1.2 ± 1.6); Range: 0 - 5

Marijuana is “natural” Helps with nausea and appetite Decreased use during pregnancy Limited information about risks Primary perceived risk is child

protective services

Themes

Marijuana is “natural”

I consider crack cocaine, you shouldn’t do that. But marijuana, you can actually grow that….

It is just like, it is from the earth. I don’t want to sound like a hippie, but it is from the earth.

Helps with nausea and appetite

…I don’t want to smoke marijuana but it helps me not being sick ….

Decreased use during pregnancy

I was a heavy smoker then, but when I found out I was pregnant, now, it is just like…I might take two puffs, and then I give it up…I used to smoke sssshhh like 5-6 blunts a day….

Limited information

There’s so much conflicting research. Like you’ll go on different sites and they say, pros and the cons. So it pretty much evens out so nobody really knows. But if there was more research….

I never once, I could not tell you one thing that happens to you when you smoke marijuana while your pregnant….I mean I know what cigarettes and alcohol does….

Concerns for potential consequences reported/CYF

She didn’t leave no punches. She said you’re going have to quit smoking because when…you have your baby and they test you and your baby, if you come back positive CYF [Child Youth and Families services] will be right there.

Conclusions Although our study participants

viewed marijuana as natural and helpful with pregnancy symptoms, they did describe reducing use and wanting more information about risks.

The primary negative consequence of perinatal marijuana use perceived by the women was the involvement of child protective services.

Limitations

Majority subjects African American Pennsylvania is a non-legal state Perspectives only from pregnant

women who use marijuana

Practice Implications

Counseling discussions regarding perinatal marijuana use need to include medical & health information and resources, rather than relying on legal threats or child custody concerns.

Need more research

[I told my friends] “I’m doing a research study.” They were like, ‘You are so stupid. You are going to get in trouble.” I’m like, “No I’m not… I’m helping. I’m helping them learn.” It is just like everyone tries to say, it is just bad. It is going to hurt the baby. So, I want to see what happens. I want to know….