Table of Contents
- 1 6.3% of pregnant Californian women consume cannabis
- 2 Prenatal cannabis use promotes maternal complications during pregnancy
- 3 **What are the ethical considerations regarding informed consent and potential bias in research on cannabis use during pregnancy, given the legal and social stigma surrounding the topic?**
The consumption of cannabis on the health of the fetus, the child and even the mother during pregnancy poses serious risks. The results of a new study conducted on a cohort of women used to using cannabis suggest an association between prenatal (before the birth of the child) use of this drug and the occurrence of maternal complications during pregnancy .
6.3% of pregnant Californian women consume cannabis
This population study, based on 316,722 pregnancies, took place in Northern California between January 2011 and December 2019. In this American state, due to its legalization in 2016, cannabis is widely consumed, including by pregnant women. Prenatal cannabis use was defined as any reported use early in pregnancy or a positive result on a toxicology test taken between 8 and 10 weeks of gestation. Urine tests were carried out to reveal unadmitted consumption. The consumption declared was daily, weekly or monthly.
Prenatal cannabis use promotes maternal complications during pregnancy
Cannabis use during pregnancy was associated with an increased risk of gestational (or “pregnancy”) hypertension of almost 20%, preeclampsia of almost 10% (a complication of pregnancy combining hypertension and organ damage, sometimes serious for the mother and the fetus) as well as placental abruption of almost 20%. But cannabis use was also associated with a reduced risk of gestational diabetes.
« Reduced risk of gestational diabetes may result from attenuation of inflammatory response, stress signals and free radical productionsuggests Professor Jean Costentin, director of the neuro-psycho-pharmacology unit of the CNRS in Rouen and president of the CNPERT (National Center for Prevention of Studies and Research on Drug Addiction).
Further research is needed to determine whether specific characteristics of prenatal use (dose, mode of consumption, timing) influence these associations. But already, a correlation has been highlighted between the importance of cannabis consumption and the risk of pregnancy-related hypertension.
Source: Young-Wolff KC, Adams SR, Alexeeff SE, et al Prenatal Cannabis Use and Maternal Pregnancy Outcomes. JAMA Intern Med. 2024 Sep 1;184(9):1083-1093; CNPERT press release, November 2024; Spilka S, Le Nézet O, Janssen E, et al. Levels of use of illicit drugs in France in 2023. Observatory of drugs and addictive trends June 2024
## World Today News: Cannabis and Pregnancy – A Complex Conversation
**Intro:**
Welcome to World Today News. Today’s topic is a sensitive one: the evolving discussion around cannabis use during pregnancy. We’re joined by two esteemed guests: Dr. [Guest 1’s Name], a leading OB-GYN with expertise in maternal health, and [Guest 2’s Name], a researcher specializing in the effects of cannabis on the developing brain. Dr. [Guest 1’s Name], let’s start with you.
**Section 1: Prevalence and Context**
* **Host:** The article states that 6.3% of pregnant women in California consume cannabis. Can you shed light on national and global trends in this area? What factors might contribute to this usage during pregnancy?
* **Guest 1:** …
* **Host:** I’d like to turn to [Guest 2’s Name] now. As a researcher, what are your thoughts on the societal context surrounding cannabis use particularly amongst young adults tempted to use during pregnancy due to its perceived safety compared to other substances?
* **Guest 2:** …
**Section 2: The Study and its Findings**
* **Host:** The study highlighted some concerning associations between prenatal cannabis use and pregnancy complications. Dr. [Guest 1’s Name], could you elaborate on the specific complications linked to cannabis use and their potential impact on both mother and child?
* **Guest 1:** …
* **Host:** [Guest 2’s Name], the study also mentioned a reduced risk of gestational diabetes. Can you discuss the potential mechanisms behind this seemingly contradictory finding?
* **Guest 2:** …
**Section 3: Ethical Considerations and Future Research**
* **Host:** This research presents complex ethical dilemmas. How do we balance a woman’s right to autonomy and informed decision-making with the potential risks to fetal well-being?
* **Guest 1:** …
* **Host:** What crucial questions remain unanswered? What future research is needed to better understand the complex relationship between cannabis use and pregnancy outcomes?
* **Guest 2:** …
**Section 4: Public Health Implications**
* **Host:** Based on these findings, what public health strategies could be implemented to address maternal cannabis use? How can we effectively communicate these findings to the public without perpetuating fear or stigma?
* **Guest 1:** …
* **Guest 2:** …
**Outro: **
This has been a fascinating and important conversation. It’s clear that while there is still much to learn, awareness about the potential risks and benefits of cannabis use during pregnancy is crucial. Dr. [Guest 1’s Name] and [Guest 2’s Name], thank you for sharing your expertise.
