The study “Cannabis Use Patterns, Motivations, and Reasons for Abstinence in Pregnancy” (Blair et al., 2025) explores the complex relationship between cannabis use, motivations for use, and reasons for abstinence among pregnant individuals. Conducted with 59 participants recruited from prenatal clinics, this research examined not only the prevalence of cannabis use during pregnancy but also the psychological, physical, and social factors driving continued use or cessation. Findings showed that 61% of participants reported cannabis use in the past 30 days, with most engaging in frequent or daily use. Motivations included managing symptoms such as nausea, stress, anxiety, sleep difficulties, and pain, while reasons for abstaining centered largely on concerns for fetal health and uncertainty about safety. The study emphasizes that multiple overlapping motivations, particularly when individuals endorsed five or more, were strongly associated with continued use. It calls attention to the need for compassionate, evidence-informed clinical and policy responses that recognize both the physiological and psychosocial drivers behind prenatal cannabis use.
Reflection for FASD Prevention Conversation Facilitators
This research reinforces the need for prevention messaging that is compassionate, evidence-informed, and responsive to real-life challenges faced during pregnancy. For Prevention Conversation Facilitators, the findings highlight that many individuals use cannabis to manage symptoms like nausea, anxiety, or sleep issues, not to cause harm, but to cope. In training and community presentations, facilitators can use this evidence to help professionals understand the motivations behind substance use and the importance of non-judgmental, supportive dialogue.