Crume TL, et al. - The state-level prevalence estimates of prenatal and early postnatal cannabis use were comprehensively analyzed by the authors in a state with legalized medical and recreational marijuana. They also examined the correlation with adverse neonatal outcomes. Data was collected from the 2014-2015 Colorado Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System with state-developed questions on cannabis use. As per the outcomes, the self-reported prevalence of cannabis use at any time during pregnancy was 5.7 ± 0.5% and the prevalence of early postnatal cannabis use among women who breastfed was 5.0%. A connection was disclosed between prenatal cannabis use with a 50% greater tendency of low birth weight, independent of maternal age, race/ethnicity, level of education and tobacco use during pregnancy. Hence, screening for cannabis use during prenatal care and the necessity of counselling regarding the adverse health consequences of continued use during pregnancy and lactation were found to be essential.

Methods

• A total of 3,207 respondents from the 2014-2015 Colorado Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System were assessed with state-developed questions on cannabis use.
• A scrutiny was performed of the variations in perinatal cannabis use with regard to maternal characteristics, breastfeeding patterns, and pregnancy intendedness.
• Using multiple logistic regression models, the correlation between prenatal cannabis use and adverse neonatal outcomes including low birth weight, small for gestational age, preterm birth, and admission to the neonatal intensive care unit was determined.

Results

• It was found that the self-reported prevalence of cannabis use at any time during pregnancy was 5.7 ± 0.5%.
• Obtained data revealed that the prevalence of early postnatal cannabis use (95% CI, 4.1%-6.2%) among women who breastfed was 5.0%.
• A connection was determined between prenatal cannabis use with a 50% greater likelihood of low birth weight, independent of maternal age, race/ethnicity, level of education, and tobacco use during pregnancy (OR, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.1-2.1; P=.02).
• Nonetheless, results did not exhibit any link between small for gestational age, preterm birth, and neonatal intensive care unit admission with prenatal cannabis use, independent of prenatal tobacco use.