Understanding Barriers and Facilitators to Health Risk Communication on Cannabinoid Use in Pregnancy

Project Description Narrative:

Despite the U.S. Food & Drug Administration’s (FDA) guidance against the use of cannabidiol (CBD) during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, cannabis is the most common federally illegal drug used during pregnancy.

Pregnant people might be unaware of the negative effects of CBD use on a developing fetus, and they—and clinicians—report a lack of conversation around cannabinoid use during pregnancy. Without consistent clinician guidance, and possibly low health literacy in patients, risks aren’t effectively communicated in Milwaukee County.

This project aims to address barriers to effective health risk communication surrounding cannabinoid use during pregnancy by gathering data and gaining insights from clinicians and community health workers, to explore how to better inform pregnant people. Results of the study will inform future efforts to test communication guidelines and promote health and health literacy on cannabinoid use during pregnancy.