Alcohol Consumption During Pregnancy and State Implementation of Legal Nonmedical Cannabis Retail Sales in the U.S., 2011-2023.

Abstract

Alcohol consumption during pregnancy can cause fetal alcohol spectrum disorders and may increase the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as miscarriage and stillbirth. It is unknown whether legalization of cannabis influences alcohol consumption during pregnancy. This analysis estimates the association between state implementation of legal nonmedical cannabis retail sales and alcohol consumption during pregnancy. Data from the 2011 to 2023 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System were analyzed in 2023-2024. Adjusted prevalence ratios comparing current and binge drinking during pregnancy in states after implementation of legal nonmedical cannabis retail sales with those in states before or without implementation were estimated, adjusting for demographic factors. Difference-in-difference analyses, which adjusted for state and time variability, estimated the association between the implementation of legal nonmedical cannabis retail sales and the change in current and binge drinking during pregnancy, controlling for selected demographic and policy variables. Prevalence of current and binge drinking during pregnancy were 1.43 (95% CI=1.18, 1.73) and 2.13 (95% CI=1.47, 3.09) times higher, respectively, among respondents in states with implementation of legal nonmedical cannabis retail sales than among respondents in states before or without implementation. Implementation of legal nonmedical cannabis retail sales was significantly associated with a 4.96 (95% CI=1.22, 8.70) percentage point increase in binge drinking and a nonsignificant change in current drinking of 3.18 (95% CI= -1.03, 7.39) percentage points. Alcohol consumption among pregnant women may be higher where legal nonmedical cannabis retail sales has been implemented, and implementation may be associated with an increase in binge drinking among pregnant women. Improving alcohol screening and counseling during pregnancy and patient education may be considered.