In a recent study published in Addiction , researchers investigated the impact of the Cannabis Act (CAC) and the coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic on substance-related disorders among pregnant women in Quebec. Their results indicate that following the enactment of the CAC, there was a significant increase in cannabis-related diagnosed disorders, while the rates of other drug- and alcohol-related disorders remained stable. Study: Changes in prenatal cannabis-related diagnosed disorders after the Cannabis Act and the COVID-19 pandemic in Quebec, Canada .
Image Credit: Dmytro Tyshchenko/Shutterstock.com Research on the impacts of non-medical cannabis laws (NMCL) has explored various demographics and outcomes, but there is limited focus on pregnant women. Previous studies in the U.
S. and Canada have documented increases in prenatal cannabis use following NMCL enactments. Concerns include the negative outcomes of prenatal cannabis use, such as preterm birth and low birth weight, and the need to protect vulnerable populations like pregnant women.
While some research indicates increased cannabis use and related hospitalizations in the general population, the specific effects on substance-related disorders during the prenatal period remain unclear, particularly outside Ontario. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic's influence on substance use among pregnant women adds complexity, with some studies indicating increased cannabis use. This study addressed existing research gaps .
