Is Increasing Frequency of Marijuana Use Among Women of Reproductive Age a Cause for Alarm?

Torri D Metz,Elaine H Stickrath

doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2019.6464

Abstract

Is Increasing Frequency of Marijuana Use Among Women of Reproductive Age a Cause for Alarm?

Highlights

With expanding legalization and increased perception of safety of marijuana use in pregnancy, it is not surprising that Young-Wolff and colleagues[1] observed increased use among reproductiveaged women over time
Much of the existing literature concerning the associations of marijuana use with maternal and child outcomes is limited by a lack of quantification and timing of exposure
With weekly or more frequent use, the risk of low birth weight and preterm birth were increased when compared with women with no use, thereby raising the concern that more frequent use may be associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes

Summary

Introduction

With expanding legalization and increased perception of safety of marijuana use in pregnancy, it is not surprising that Young-Wolff and colleagues[1] observed increased use among reproductiveaged women over time. A recent metaanalysis by Conner and colleagues[2] found no association between marijuana use and low birth weight or preterm birth (less than 37 weeks gestation) overall. Conner and colleagues[2] did find an association between these outcomes and marijuana use among women who used marijuana at least weekly.

Results

Conclusion