In October 2018, Canada implemented the Cannabis Act, legalizing non-medical cannabis use across the country. A recent study published in the journal Addiction reveals a significant consequence of this legislative change: a notable rise in cannabis-related disorders (CRDs) diagnosed among pregnant women in the province of Québec.
Prior to the Cannabis Act, the average monthly rate of CRD diagnoses among pregnant women in Québec was 14.5 per 100,000. However, after October 2018, this rate surged to 23.5 per 100,000—a stark increase of more than 20%. Notably, rates of other drug- and alcohol-related disorders remained stable during the same period.
The study, which examined data from January 2010 to July 2021, utilized information from the Québec Integrated Chronic Disease Surveillance System (QICDSS). This comprehensive database covers nearly the entire population of Québec, ensuring robust and representative findings.
Lead author Professor José Ignacio Nazif-Munoz from the Université de Sherbrooke emphasized the concerning implications of these findings: “Cannabis use during pregnancy has been linked to heightened risks such as preterm birth, neonatal intensive care admissions, and low birth weight. The increase in CRD diagnoses following the Cannabis Act underscores the urgent need for a robust public health response.”
The study advocates for universal screening protocols to identify CRDs among pregnant women. Professor Nazif-Munoz further recommended targeted interventions: “Pregnant women with a history of cannabis use disorder may benefit from repeated screening and tailored counseling throughout pregnancy.”
The findings underscore the complex intersection of policy changes and public health outcomes, highlighting the imperative for ongoing monitoring and intervention strategies to mitigate risks associated with cannabis use during pregnancy.
As Canada continues to navigate the implications of cannabis legalization, particularly concerning maternal and fetal health, these insights contribute crucial evidence to inform public health initiatives and policies aimed at safeguarding maternal and child well-being.
In conclusion, while cannabis legalization in Canada has broad societal implications, its impact on vulnerable populations like pregnant women necessitates vigilant monitoring and proactive health interventions to mitigate potential adverse outcomes associated with cannabis use disorder during pregnancy.
