Cannabis Use During Pregnancy and Lactation

American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists

Cannabis is the most commonly used illicit drug under U.S. federal law. With increasing social acceptability, accessibility, and legalization in many states, the prevalence of cannabis use among pregnant and lactating individuals has increased significantly. Substance use in pregnancy, including cannabis use, has been associated with adverse outcomes such as spontaneous preterm birth, low birth weight, and developmental delay. Clinicians should be aware of the possibility of pregnant and lactating patients' use of cannabis and be prepared to counsel and screen all patients and use evidence-based strategies to reduce cannabis use.  These include supportive home visits, psycho-behavioral strategies, or brief electronic or text messaging interventions to reduce cannabis use in pregnancy and the postpartum period to promote parental and newborn health.

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