Counseling Pregnant Women on Marijuana Use

Flanagan, Theresa B

Item

Counseling Pregnant Women on Marijuana Use

Flanagan, Theresa B

License

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Abstract

Marijuana is the most commonly used illicit substance for pregnant women nationwide, with rates of use trending upward. Marijuana use in Penobscot County is elevated well above the national average, and is likely to continue to rise with the legalization of recreational marijuana in the state of Maine. Though the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) discourages marijuana use during pregnancy and breastfeeding, studies have shown that providers do not emphasize counseling pregnant patients on marijuana use. This project looked at provider practices and perceptions regarding marijuana use during pregnancy at the Center for Family Medicine at Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor, ME. Addtionally, an information sheet for providers regarding marijuana use during pregnancy was created based on current research and survey results.