1 in 25 report using marijuana during pregnancy

Consistent with previous reports, a new study finds that around 4% of pregnant individuals report using marijuana during pregnancy. The study — based on 2017 data from eight states — found that while nearly 1 in 10 expectant mothers reported using marijuana before pregnancy, fewer than half said they used the substance while pregnant, while around 6% said they used marijuana after pregnancy. Smoking was the most common mode of use, and most said they used marijuana for relief from anxiety and nausea. As more states have moved to legalize recreational and medical marijuana, physicians and expectant mothers are grappling with how to talk about using the drug while pregnant, and the authors of the new study also suggest that continuing to survey marijuana use during pregnancy — including reasons for using the substance — will be necessary to inform policy.