DOCTORAL FINAL EXAMINATION
for Christina Brumley

Chair: Eka Burduli

Friday, November 30, 2023, 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Prevalence of Opioid and Marijuana Use
During Pregnancy in the United States from 2017-2019

Abstract

Marijuana use in pregnant women is increasing, with an estimated 8% of pregnant women using marijuana in the past month and 2.85% using daily or near daily. Marijuana use during pregnancy has been linked to several perinatal complications including preterm labor, small for gestational age, placental abruption, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit admission and low APGAR scores at birth. Intrauterine exposure to marijuana has also been associated with higher incidence of autism spectrum disorder, intellectual and learning disorders and attention deficit disorders. At the same time, the U.S. has been experiencing an opioid epidemic, which is mirrored in pregnant women. Women receiving medication treatment for opioid use disorders who co-use marijuana have a greater risk of delivering a low birth weight or small for gestational age infant. Infants exposed to opioids and marijuana are at a higher risk of ADHD diagnosis later in life. Perinatal women have highlighted the use of marijuana in lieu of opioids and other analgesics during pregnancy and have indicated a decreased need for pharmaceuticals with marijuana use. Informed by the Social Ecological Model, this study will assess retrospective trends in marijuana use, opioid use, and co-use across 12 states from 2017-2019. Using the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS), a state level surveillance system, we will assess trends of substance use across the U.S and compare those trends between states with marijuana laws that are 1) illegal 2) medically legal 3) and recreationally legal. The legalization of recreational marijuana in numerous states coupled with the global opioid epidemic have a significant public health impact, particularly in pregnancy, that warrants examination of longitudinal trends in opioid and marijuana use.

Zoom Information

ZOOM:  https://wsu.zoom.us/j/96492176626?pwd=NXRxZnhtRjJTRlRsRzR3bUduSlphUT09

Meeting ID 964 9217 6626; Passcode 751837