College Students’ Perceptions of the Safety ofMarijuana and Cannabidiol Use While Breastfeeding

Abstract

Use of cannabidiol (CBD), the non-psychoactive component, and delta-9-tetrahydrocannibinol (THC), the active psychogenic component in marijuana, is increasing in the United States as more states continue to legalize sales and consumption. As the public is becoming informed on the broad spectrum of therapeutic properties of these substances, including easing nausea and vomiting an increasing number of pregnant women are using marijuana to help with these issues. There is very little research on how people feel about cannabidiol product use during breastfeeding. The objective of this study was to assess college students’ perceptions of marijuana product use during breastfeeding. A convenience sample of 675 college students completed a web-based survey that contained a valid general breastfeeding knowledge scale and questions to measure perceived level of agreement with the safety of marijuana products while breastfeeding. The mean breastfeeding knowledge score among this sample was low (179.84 ± 24.47; range 96 - 246), with those scoring highest having the lowest perceived safety of marijuana use while breastfeeding. Significant differences in perceived safety were found based on gender (p=0.036), race (p=0.007), and personal breastfeeding experience (p= .020). As new marijuana and breastfeeding research emerges, college health professionals should ensure that evidence-based information is used in family planning and infant feeding programs to educate college-age adults, who may become parents in the future. Future studies should include measures for personal cannabidiol product use and understanding and assess exposure to peers or mothers using marijuana products.