Perceptions and behaviours surrounding cannabis use during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and early parenting in Canada: a qualitative study

Abstract Background Cannabis use during pregnancy, breastfeeding and early parenting raises important public health concerns due to potential impacts on fetal and child development as well as parental health. However, individuals who use cannabis during these periods remain underrepresented in research. This study examines perceptions, behaviours, and decision-making related to cannabis use during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and early parenthood in Canada. Methods A qualitative descriptive study was conducted using in-depth, semi-structured interviews. Thirty-one women aged 18–55 years were recruited across Canada. Eligible participants had used cannabis at least once in the past 10 years and reported experience with pregnancy, breastfeeding, or caring for a child under three years of age. Participants represented five Canadian regions and included English- and French-speaking individuals. Interviews were conducted online between April and May 2025, audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using thematic analysis. Results Analysis identified key themes related to: motivations for cannabis use, product types and modes of consumption, perceived health effects and benefits, interactions with healthcare providers, knowledge gaps, information sources, and experiences of stigma. Participants described having to weigh known benefits of cannabis against uncertain risks to unborn or young children in the context of receiving limited and inconsistent clinical guidance. Challenges disclosing cannabis use to healthcare providers contributed to seeking information from informal or non-clinical sources of information. Conclusions This study addresses critical gaps in understanding cannabis use during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and early parenting in Canada. Findings highlight the need for clear, evidence-informed, and non-judgmental public health messaging and clinical communication to support informed decision-making and harm reduction among those who are pregnant, breastfeeding, and parenting young children.