A new study from MSU researchers reveals a concerning trend — approximately one in six women in Michigan use cannabis during pregnancy. The findings, recently published in the scientific journal Addiction, highlight the growing normalization of cannabis use and its potential risks to maternal and infant health.
The study by MSU researchers used both self-reported data and urine toxicology testing from the Michigan Archive for Research on Child Health, analyzing data from more than 1,100 women between 2017 and 2023. The research indicates that despite widespread education on prenatal health, many women continue to use cannabis during pregnancy, often without fully understanding its potential impact on fetal development.
The Growing Trend to Use Cannabis During Pregnancy
Since medical cannabis was legalized in 2008 and recreational cannabis in 2018, Michigan has seen a significant shift in attitudes toward marijuana. However, MSU researchers warn that this changing social landscape may have unintended consequences, particularly for pregnant women who use cannabis.
Lead author Dr. Ban Al-Sahab, assistant professor in MSU’s Department of Family Medicine, says that not enough people understand the risks associated with cannabis use during pregnancy. “This changing legal and social landscape around cannabis necessitates a deeper understanding of trends and characteristics related to how people use cannabis,” she explained in a university blog post.
Health Risks of Cannabis Use During Pregnancy
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, cannabis use while pregnant can cause several complications, including fetal growth restriction and preterm birth. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) further emphasizes that there is no safe way to use cannabis during pregnancy. The active ingredient THC — tetrahydrocannabinol — can cross the placenta, directly affecting the developing baby’s brain.
The CDC has also linked cannabis use during pregnancy to issues with attention, memory, and problem-solving in children.
MSU Researchers Call for Greater Awareness
Dr. Al-Sahab and her team of MSU researchers believe the findings underscore an urgent need for public education. “Our data highlight why it’s so important to understand why so many women use cannabis during pregnancy and how we can help them make safer choices,” she said.
Moving forward, the MSU researchers plan to develop targeted interventions to reduce cannabis use among expectant mothers and improve maternal and infant health outcomes. Their work serves as a critical reminder that while legalization has broadened access, education about the risks of cannabis use — especially during pregnancy — is more important than ever.
