by Herschel Baker, International Liaison Director, Queensland Director, Drug Free Australia

May 28, 2025

 

The rate of prenatal marijuana use in the United States has more than

doubled over the past two decades, with many pregnant individuals turning to

marijuana to manage symptoms like nausea, anxiety, and insomnia.

 

While marijuana use during pregnancy is increasing, so is the clarity of the

science surrounding its risks. A growing body of research makes it clear

that marijuana use during pregnancy is not without consequences.

 

A new meta-analysis of over 51 studies, covering over 21 million

pregnancies, now offers one of the most comprehensive assessments to date.

 

The findings are clear: marijuana use during pregnancy is linked to

measurable risks for both the mom and the baby, even after accounting for

other factors like tobacco use.

 

Researchers found that prenatal marijuana use increased the odds of several

serious outcomes. Researchers found that prenatal marijuana use was

associated with:

–         75% higher odds of a child being born with low birth weight,

–         52% higher odds of preterm birth,

–         57% higher odds of the fetus being small for gestational age, and

–         29% rise in perinatal mortality, however, the strength of this association was less certain.

 

In studies that accounted for variables that could influence the

relationship between marijuana use and the different outcomes, such as age,

smoking and health status, the association remained significant. And in the

studies that accounted for a dose-response association, the risks grew even

more pronounced. For example, babies exposed to heavy marijuana use were

more than twice as likely to be born with low birth weight, had 95% and 63%

higher odds being born preterm and small for gestational age, respectively.

 

Being born with low birth weight, preterm, or small for gestational age is

not just a number on a chart—it carries real and lasting health

consequences. These findings underscore the urgency of addressing marijuana

use during pregnancy as a serious public health issue. As marijuana products

become more potent and widely available, the risks to developing fetuses

cannot be overlooked.

 

For providers, it is important to have non-judgmental conversations about the

risks associated with marijuana use during pregnancy and for public health

leaders, it’s a call to expand prevention efforts.

 

Source: https://drugfree.org.au/ – May 28, 2025

Herschel Baker, International Liaison Director, Queensland Director, Drug Free Australia