Program to help pregnant women reduce cannabis use through physical activity

Development of a Lifestyle Physical Activity Intervention to Reduce Risk for Perinatal Cannabis Use

Not applicable Interventional Butler Hospital · NCT05528380

This study is testing whether a 12-week program that encourages physical activity can help pregnant women cut down on cannabis use and improve their mental health.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment50 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexFemale
SponsorButler Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Providence, Rhode Island)
Trial IDNCT05528380 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This intervention recruits 20 women who are at high risk for prenatal cannabis use to participate in a 12-week program that combines the use of a Fitbit activity tracker with a Lifestyle Physical Activity program. Participants will self-report their cannabis use and physical activity levels, while also being monitored for symptoms of depression and anxiety. The study aims to promote physical activity as a means to reduce cannabis use and improve overall mental health during pregnancy. Follow-up assessments will be conducted postpartum to evaluate the long-term effects of the intervention.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are women aged 18 and older, between 12-25 weeks of gestation, who have a healthy singleton pregnancy and a history of cannabis use.

Not a fit: Patients with severe substance use disorders, acute psychotic symptoms, or significant cognitive impairments may not benefit from this intervention.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this program could help pregnant women reduce their cannabis use, leading to improved health outcomes for both mothers and their babies.

How similar studies have performed: While similar lifestyle interventions have shown promise in other populations, this specific approach targeting prenatal cannabis use is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Women aged 18+
* 12-25 weeks gestation with a healthy singleton pregnancy
* Medically cleared for moderate physical activity
* Self-report of cannabis use at least once/week in the 3 months prior to the pregnancy desire to not engage in prenatal cannabis use
* Elevated depression (EPDS\>=7) or anxiety (GAD7\>=5)
* English-speaking
* Owns a smartphone to enable use of the Fitbit app
* Current physical activity does not meet health recommendations (150 min/week mod intensity activity)
* Expresses interest in reducing or discontinuing cannabis use

Exclusion Criteria:

* Current DSM-5 diagnosis of moderate/severe substance use disorder other than CUD or nicotine use disorder
* Use of illicit substances in the last 3 months (other than cannabis)
* Acute psychotic symptoms
* Current or recent suicidality or homicidally
* Current anorexia or bulimia
* Cognitive impairment
* Physical or medical problems that would not allow safe participation in moderate intensity PA (i.e., not medical cleared by Ob/Gyn)
* Has a plan to relocate away from the area during study period
* Recently started new mental health or substance use treatment within past 4 weeks.

Where this trial is running

Providence, Rhode Island

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions PregnancyCannabis
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.