Cannabis use in pregnancy linked to poor outcomes, says study

Many states have now legalized cannabis, and pregnant parents often turn to the substance to relieve nausea and pain. However, new data reveal a link to negative pregnancy outcomes.

According to new study findings published in JAMA, unfavorable birth outcomes occurred at a rate of 25.9% with cannabis use versus 17.4% without when researchers analyzed urine samples from more than 9,000 pregnant individuals between 2010 and 2013.

In the multicenter observational cohort, small-for-gestational-age birth, preterm birth, stillbirth, or hypertensive disorders in pregnancy were more frequent in pregnant individuals with cannabis exposure.

Ongoing cannabis use and greater levels of exposure tracked with higher risk, researchers reported.

Of particular concern was the especially robust association between cannabis use and low birth rate, although preterm birth, stillbirth, and preeclampsia were identified as other poor outcomes.