College Students’ Perceptions of the Safety ofMarijuana and Cannabidiol Use While Breastfeeding

Abstract

Use of cannabidiol (CBD), the non-psychoactive component, and delta-9-tetrahydrocannibinol (THC), the active psychogenic\ncomponent in marijuana, is increasing in the United States as more states continue to legalize sales and consumption. As the public\nis becoming informed on the broad spectrum of therapeutic properties of these substances, including easing nausea and vomiting\nan increasing number of pregnant women are using marijuana to help with these issues. There is very little research on how people\nfeel about cannabidiol product use during breastfeeding. The objective of this study was to assess college students’ perceptions of\nmarijuana product use during breastfeeding. A convenience sample of 675 college students completed a web-based survey that\ncontained a valid general breastfeeding knowledge scale and questions to measure perceived level of agreement with the safety of\nmarijuana products while breastfeeding. The mean breastfeeding knowledge score among this sample was low (179.84 ± 24.47;\nrange 96 - 246), with those scoring highest having the lowest perceived safety of marijuana use while breastfeeding. Significant\ndifferences in perceived safety were found based on gender (p=0.036), race (p=0.007), and personal breastfeeding experience\n(p= .020). As new marijuana and breastfeeding research emerges, college health professionals should ensure that evidence-based\ninformation is used in family planning and infant feeding programs to educate college-age adults, who may become parents in the\nfuture. Future studies should include measures for personal cannabidiol product use and understanding and assess exposure to\npeers or mothers using marijuana products.