Cannabis Use Among Pregnant and Nonpregnant Women of Childbearing Age: Findings From the 2021-2023 National Survey of Drug Use and Health.

Abstract

Cannabis use during pregnancy poses potential risks to maternal and neonatal health. This study examines cannabis-use prevalence, methods of use (e.g., smoking, vaping, edibles), and associated factors among pregnant and nonpregnant women of reproductive age (12-44 years) using data from the 2021-2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Secondary analyses of data from the 2021-2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health assessed prevalence of cannabis use and method of use (e.g., smoking, vaping, edibles) along with sociodemographic factors, other substance use, and past-year major depressive episode. Multivariable logistic regression models assessed the correlates of cannabis use, adjusting for survey design. Cannabis-use prevalence was 12.6% among nonpregnant and 6.8% among pregnant women (unweighted n=94,225 women of reproductive age with 2,051 pregnant women). First-trimester use was highest at 10.1%, peaking at 14.2% in 2022. Smoking was the predominant method (nonpregnant: 72.7%; pregnant: 65.4%), followed by vaping and edibles. Covariates of cannabis use included past 30-day alcohol (AOR=7.51; 95% CI=2.71, 20.82), tobacco (AOR=3.04; 95% CI=1.50, 6.19), and illicit drug (AOR=4.70; 95% CI=1.37, 16.11) use and past-year major depressive episode (AOR=2.52; 95% CI=1.35, 5.03). Younger age, lower income, and having no children were associated with increased odds of cannabis use. Cannabis use among nonpregnant women increased over the observed period, reflecting increasingly normalized use of cannabis, whereas pregnant women demonstrated stable rates, with higher first-trimester use. Concurrent substance use and mental health conditions highlight the need for integrated interventions during prenatal care to mitigate risks. These findings underscore the importance of targeted prevention strategies and early interventions, particularly for high-risk groups, to improve maternal and child health outcomes.