Trends and variations in admissions for cannabis use disorder among pregnant women in United States

Abstract

Objectives: Cannabis use disorder (CUD) among pregnant women is increasing, yet limited information exists on admissions for treatment in this population. This study examined trends in CUD admissions among pregnant women in publicly funded U.S. treatment facilities from 2000 to 2021.

Methods: Using the Treatment Episode Data Set-Admissions, we analyzed 33,729 admissions of pregnant women with CUD. Descriptive statistics were used to assess patterns by race/ethnicity, age, and co-substance use.

Results: CUD admissions increased 2.7-fold, from 2.3 % in 2000 to 6.2 % in 2009, followed by a decrease to 4.3 % in 2014, a peak of 6.7 % in 2018, and a decline to 3.0 % in 2021. In 2021, racial/ethnic disparities were noted, with higher proportions of admissions among White (48.8 %) and Black (32.5 %) non-Hispanic women compared to Hispanic women (9.6 %). Admissions decreased for women aged ≤20 years old (y/o), but increased for women aged ≥30 y/o from 2010 to 2021, with the highest prevalence in those aged 21-29 y/o. Co-substance use, particularly narcotics, stimulants, depressants, and hallucinogens, was prevalent from 2017 to 2021.

Conclusions: CUD admissions among pregnant women have fluctuated over two decades, with variations by race/ethnicity and age. These findings highlight the need for tailored interventions and ongoing adaptation of treatment services for pregnant women with CUD.

Keywords: Cannabis use disorder; admissions; pregnancy; treatment.