Researchers seek answers for pregnant patients about cannabis – NCAL Research Spotlight

In podcast, Kaiser Permanente investigators discuss misconceptions about health risksKaiser Permanente researcher Kelly Young-Wolff, PhD, MPH, has watched the rate of cannabis use among pregnant patients steadily rise over the past several years. Young-Wolff’s recent study with research partner Lyndsay Avalos, PhD, MPH, found use was higher among pregnant patients with depression, anxiety, and exposure to trauma. “It’s very possible that more pregnant patients are using cannabis in an attempt to self-medicate these issues during the pandemic,” said Young-Wolff, who is a clinical psychologist and research scientist with the Kaiser Permanente Division of Research. In a new KP Research Radio podcast, the pair discuss common misconceptions about prenatal cannabis use, their future research plans, and more. Read previous Research Spotlight coverage of prenatal cannabis research:Cannabis use by pregnant women increased during pandemicPregnant women who use cannabis more likely to live near a cannabis retailerDepression, anxiety, trauma associated with elevated odds of cannabis use during pregnancy