COVID-19 and Rate of Marijuana Use in Pregnancy

Studies suggest adverse neonatal and childhood outcomes from exposure to marijuana in utero and pregnant adolescents are more likely to use marijuana than their adult counterparts The primary objective of this study is to examine the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the use of marijuana in pregnancy, especially among adolescent mothers. A retrospective chart review was performed from a database of all delivering patients at our academic regional medical center. The rate of self-reported marijuana use was calculated for adults and adolescents (age < 20). Marijuana use prior to state-wide shutdowns (January 2019 – May 2020) was compared to marijuana use during the pandemic (June 2020 – June 2021). Incidence of late prenatal care, preterm delivery and birth weights were also compared. Data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel and SPSS. Rates of marijuana use in pregnant individuals significantly increased after the statewide shutdowns (10% to 14% (p < .001)). Elevated rates of marijuana use in pregnancy were noted among adolescents prior to the pandemic and rates rose significantly during the pandemic (17% to 26% (p < .001)). No differences were noted in occurrence of late entry to prenatal care, preterm delivery or neonatal birth weights in the studied groups. Among adolescents and adults who reported marijuana use, there was an increase in use of state funded insurance during the pandemic from 16% to 21% (p < 0.05). While there was no reported change in tobacco and illicit substance use in the total patient population during the pandemic, higher rates of concurrent substance use in patients who used marijuana in pregnancy were noted (35% report also using tobacco and 39% report also using illicit substances). Marijuana use in pregnancy markedly increased in our adolescent population during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our results suggest the COVID-19 pandemic has health consequences beyond viral exposure. Further research is needed to evaluate public health implications and strategies to reduce marijuana exposure in utero among adolescents.