(012) Cannamoms' & the "Postpotum" Stage: Assessment of Cannabis Use and Potential Benefits for Mental Health, Sexual Function & Pleasure, and Parenting Among Postpartum Mothers

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Public opinion on cannabis continues to shift as more people emerge from the “green closet” in support of both recreational and medicinal use. ‘Cannamoms,’ a subgroup of cannabis users, represent moms who use cannabis to manage both physical and mental postpartum changes; these moms are attempting to diminish the stigma surrounding cannabis while making the case for how it can be beneficial for postpartum mental health, sex and parenting. For centuries, cannabis has been cited for its multiple benefits, including its anti-depressant and anti-anxiety properties (Zaske, 2018; Stoner, 2017) and its potential to improve sexual health, functioning and pleasure (Kasman et al., 2020; Wiebe & Just, 2019; Testa et al., 2019; Lynn et al., 2019; Sun & Eisenberg, 2017); though multiple studies exist on these topics alone, few have been carried out to investigate how cannabis has the potential to benefit postpartum moms specifically in these areas. Objective The purpose of this study is to investigate how cannabis has the potential to be beneficial for moms during the postpartum stage, specifically as it relates to improving mental health, sex and parenting. Methods Postpartum moms (participants) were invited to participate in two uncompensated Instagram surveys on May 8, 2021 and May 8, 2022. The survey included 3 poll questions, 4 question & answer sections (Q&A’s) and 1 personal interview. The survey assessed baseline demographics, cannabis use habits and the ways in which participants use cannabis to benefit their mental health, sex lives, and approaches to parenting. A meta-analysis of existing research was also performed to support study findings. Results A total of 107 participants between the ages of 18 and 45 were surveyed via Instagram polling, Q&As and personal interviews. Participants reside in the United States and represent multiple racial & ethnic groups (33% Caucasian, 24% Hispanic/Latinx, 25% Black/African American, 1% Native/American Indian, 1% Asian American/Pacific Islander, & 13% Two or more races). 61% of participants endorsed regular use of cannabis, mostly through smoking cannabis flower (46%) or consuming cannabis edibles (36%). Of those participants, 75% agreed that cannabis improves their mental health (including symptoms of depression and anxiety); 89% agreed that cannabis improves their sex lives; and 89% agreed that cannabis improves their approach to parenting. Conclusions Cannabis use among postpartum mothers is associated with improved mental health, better sex and better parenting. These results suggest a need for more research on the potential benefits of safe & responsible cannabis use during the postpartum stage. Disclosure No