Supporting pregnant and breastfeeding individuals with cannabis use
Towards a harm reduction approach to perinatal cannabis use
This project aims to help medical providers better support pregnant and breastfeeding individuals who use cannabis by teaching them harm reduction strategies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brown University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Providence, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11137798 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Many pregnant and breastfeeding individuals use cannabis, even though it's generally not recommended due to potential risks to the child. Medical providers are advised to counsel patients about these risks, but they often lack the right training, especially for those who can't or won't stop using cannabis entirely. This project will develop training for providers on how to have respectful conversations about cannabis use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The goal is to help providers offer guidance that reduces potential harms, focusing on patient autonomy and modifiable risk factors.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This project is relevant for pregnant or breastfeeding individuals who use cannabis and are seeking supportive guidance from their medical providers.
Not a fit: Patients who do not use cannabis during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or those not seeking medical guidance on this topic, may not directly benefit from this specific project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to more effective and supportive counseling from medical providers for pregnant and breastfeeding individuals who use cannabis, potentially improving health outcomes for both parents and children.
How similar studies have performed: Harm reduction strategies have shown success in promoting health for individuals using other substances, suggesting a promising approach for perinatal cannabis use.
Where this research is happening
Providence, United States
- Brown University — Providence, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Albanese, Ariana — Brown University
- Study coordinator: Albanese, Ariana
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.