A new study from the University of Georgia College of Public Health found that about 6% of pregnant women reported using marijuana during the last month, and many did not associate it with health risks. The study highlights the importance of education surrounding marijuana use during pregnancy, said lead researcher Mohammad Rifat Haider. Published in The American Journal on Addictions , the study utilized responses from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health.
Among 4,338 pregnant mothers , 5.7% reported using marijuana during the last month. Within that group, 70.
9% perceived little to no risk associated with marijuana use during pregnancy, even though it has been associated with low birth weight , premature birth and neurodevelopmental effects. While other substances, like alcohol or illegal drugs, have clearly identified adverse effects, marijuana has some conflicting perceptions, said Haider, an assistant professor in health policy and management. It can be seen as helpful in reference to cancer patients seeking to minimize nausea, but studies have also shown harmful side effects of continued use.
During pregnancy, however, the evidence clearly points to negative effects, Haider said. 2 of 3 pregnant women who used pot live in states where medical marijuana is legal Marijuana use is legal for recreational use in 25 states and or medical purposes in 14 more. Two-thirds of the pregnant women who reported using marijuana lived in a state where medical marijuana was legal .