A recent report published in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs challenges the effectiveness of warning signs at cannabis dispensaries, highlighting their limited impact on pregnant individuals. The study, led by Dr. Sarah C. M. Roberts from the University of California, San Francisco, suggests that these warnings may even backfire, prompting skepticism and avoidance among those who are pregnant and use cannabis.
The research indicates that mandatory warnings, intended to educate about the potential risks of cannabis use during pregnancy, may not be resonating with their target audience. According to Roberts, “Mandatory warning signs aren’t working.” In fact, many respondents reported perceiving these signs as stigmatizing, which could discourage pregnant individuals from seeking medical care.
While the precise effects of cannabis use during pregnancy remain less understood compared to substances like alcohol, existing studies link it to potential risks, including low birth weight and cognitive, behavioral, and emotional challenges for children. As recreational cannabis use has become legal in nearly half of U.S. states, there is a growing need to communicate evidence-based information on this subject to the public. However, the most effective way to convey these risks to pregnant cannabis users remains unclear.
To address this, five states have implemented “point-of-sale” warning signs in dispensaries, akin to alcohol warnings in bars and liquor stores. But are these signs truly effective? To answer this, Roberts and her team conducted interviews with 34 pregnant or recently pregnant women who had used cannabis during pregnancy. They examined participants’ reactions to specific warnings and their overall attitudes toward these messages.
The findings revealed mixed responses. Some participants viewed certain warnings, such as “There is no safe level of cannabis use during pregnancy,” as negative or alarmist. Others expressed ambivalence toward messages like, “Morning sickness? There are healthier options than cannabis.” Conversely, a message such as “Do your own research on cannabis and pregnancy” was seen more favorably.
However, a significant portion of respondents—over half—had negative reactions overall. Many questioned the scientific validity of the warnings, doubting whether the evidence supporting them was robust enough. As Roberts notes, “People who use cannabis do not trust the information in warning signs.”
Three major themes emerged from the study. First, more than half of the participants found the warning signs irrelevant or unhelpful, with some expressing concern that they might cause pregnant cannabis users to avoid healthcare due to feelings of shame. Second, 18 of the 34 respondents felt that there was insufficient scientific evidence to warrant such warnings. Finally, just under half—16 participants—stated that the warning signs would not deter cannabis use during pregnancy.
In conclusion, the study urges health officials to consider the preferences and concerns of pregnant cannabis users when designing public health messages. Roberts emphasizes the need for tailored communication strategies, noting that a one-size-fits-all approach may not be effective. “We need to listen to the needs and preferences of pregnant people who use cannabis,” she states, to ensure that health messages resonate and drive positive change.
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