Journal of cannabis research最新文献

{"title":"Cannabis for sleep in older adults: use has outpaced the science.","authors":"Khaled Draghmeh, Prakash Gupta, Henry Yaggi, Deepak Cyril D'Souza","doi":"10.1186/s42238-026-00515-8","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s42238-026-00515-8","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Cannabis use among older adults, defined here as those over 50 years of age, has increased rapidly, and sleep disturbance is among the most common reasons for use. Yet, despite growing use of cannabis and individual cannabinoids to facilitate sleep, evidence supporting their efficacy, tolerability and safety in older adults remains limited. Most experimental studies of cannabinoids and sleep have been conducted in younger adults, often using products and formulations that differ substantially from those currently available. The subjective perception of improved sleep, which may drive increased use is often not supported by objective polysomnography or actigraphy data. Aging is accompanied by changes in sleep physiology, pharmacokinetics, body composition, the endocannabinoid system, multimorbidity, and polypharmacy that may alter cannabinoid effects. As a result, findings derived from younger populations may not generalize to older adults. Furthermore, regular and repeated use of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabis leads to the development of tolerance and withdrawal-related sleep disruption complicates interpretation of longer-term effects. The evidence for cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabinol (CBN) in sleep remains sparse. Rigorous studies specifically enrolling older adults are virtually nonexistent. Given the rapid growth of cannabis use for sleep in this population, randomized controlled trials incorporating both subjective and objective sleep measures, age-specific pharmacokinetics, drug interactions, and longer-term outcomes are urgently needed to guide clinical care.</p>","PeriodicalId":101310,"journal":{"name":"Journal of cannabis research","volume":"8 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2026-10-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13651421/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149149218","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Heavy metals in cannabis: plant contamination and effects on cannabinoid production.","authors":"Itamar Beigel, Sivan Shiponi, David Meiri, Punya Nachappa, Nirit Bernstein","doi":"10.1186/s42238-026-00460-6","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s42238-026-00460-6","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Exposure of cannabis to heavy metals may interfere with metabolic pathways of cannabinoid biosynthesis and compromise its medical quality. Furthermore, inflorescence contamination with heavy metals presents a critical challenge for the production of safe pharmaceutical-grade cannabis, since it poses a significant health risk to consumers. The present study therefore evaluated the hypotheses that heavy-metal exposure affects cannabinoid production, leads to inflorescence-contamination, and compromises the cannabis plant function; and that the responses are genotype-dependent and heavy-metal dose-dependent.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>To evaluate the hypotheses, we studied responses of four 'drug-type' medical cannabis cultivars to a cocktail of four heavy-metals (Cd, Pb, Ni, Co), in three concentrations each (0, 1, 5µM), and analyzed translocation and accumulation patterns of the heavy-metals in the plant organs, and the resulting impact on cannabinoid production and the plant's physiological integrity.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The results confirmed effects of the heavy metals on cannabinoid production, with a heavy-metal concentration threshold, and genotypic variability, thus confirming the hypotheses.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The roots accumulated the highest levels of heavy metals, demonstrating an avoidance strategy of exclusion from sensitive shoot organs; and the root-to-shoot translocation factor was Ni > Cd, Co > Pb demonstrating heavy-metal specificity. The accumulation patterns revealed that plant exposure to moderate-low heavy metal concentrations (5µM) poses health concerns, as the inflorescences' Cd and Ni concentrations were above the WHO-permitted threshold for medical plant consumption.</p>","PeriodicalId":101310,"journal":{"name":"Journal of cannabis research","volume":"8 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2026-07-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13404096/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148611695","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Whole-blood transcriptomic findings in emergency department patients with suspected cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome: a pilot study.","authors":"Andrew Meltzer, Ziva D Cooper, Ryan Heidish, Aditya Loganathan, Tarun Loganathan, Taylor Bolden, Isabella Lagunazad, John Perkins, Kevin Jaatinen, Jacob Adelman, Joseph Miller, Stephanie A Eucker, Eileen Phillips, Timothy A McCaffrey","doi":"10.1186/s42238-026-00477-x","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s42238-026-00477-x","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) is a paradoxical and increasingly prevalent disorder characterized by recurrent vomiting in people with chronic cannabis use. Despite its growing clinical impact, the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Genome-wide RNA sequencing was used to characterize transcriptomic differences and identify potential pathways involved in CHS pathogenesis. In this pilot study, whole blood RNA sequencing was performed on 7 patients with suspected CHS and 7 matched controls. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, annotated and analyzed by automated and manual analysis. RNA sequences were further analyzed by digital isotyping for HLA Class I and II allele usage.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Suspected CHS was associated with marked activation of the adaptive immune system, including upregulation of B-cell related immunoglobin transcripts and altered expression of T cell, monocyte, and neutrophil-related transcripts. DEGs also suggested increased matrix degradation, and reduced adhesion and protease inhibitor transcripts. Digital HLA isotyping revealed increased MHC Class I expression, Class II allele restriction, and down-regulation of IgE receptor transcripts, a known response to elevated IgE levels in allergic hypersensitivity.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Together, these preliminary findings identify immune-related signals in ED patients with suspected CHS, and lay the groundwork for future studies with larger, prospectively phenotyped cohorts to identify biomarkers, clarify immune triggers, and develop targeted therapies.</p>","PeriodicalId":101310,"journal":{"name":"Journal of cannabis research","volume":"8 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2026-07-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149229716","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Phytochemistry, bioactivity, and medicinal use of Cannabis sativa roots: a comprehensive review.","authors":"Tiago Antônio Heringer, Chana de Medeiros da Silva, Daniela Fernandes Ramos, Lia Gonçalves Possuelo","doi":"10.1186/s42238-026-00470-4","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s42238-026-00470-4","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Cannabis sativa is among the earliest domesticated plants and has been widely utilized for nutritional, industrial, and medicinal purposes. While its aerial parts, particularly the leaves and inflorescences, have been extensively studied due to their recreational and therapeutic applications, the roots remain comparatively neglected, despite their long-standing use in traditional medicine for treating wounds, burns, and inflammation.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>This review aims to summarize the current knowledge on the phytochemical composition and biological activities of C. sativa roots, with emphasis on their pharmacological potential.  RESULTS: The roots of C. sativa contain a diverse spectrum of secondary metabolites, including phytosterols, alkaloids, terpenes, and phenolic compounds. These bioactive constituents have been reported to exert antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activities. In vivo studies further demonstrate nociceptive and antispasmodic effects, with no evidence of cytotoxicity.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>C. sativa roots represent an underexplored pharmacognostic resource with significant potential for the discovery of novel bioactive compounds. Their chemical diversity and biological activities provide a strong rationale for renewed scientific attention, supporting future research into this underestimated part of a species of growing medical and economic relevance.</p>","PeriodicalId":101310,"journal":{"name":"Journal of cannabis research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2026-07-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13670809/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148538029","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Structure-stability relationships of pure cannabinoids and their cocrystals under forced degradation conditions.","authors":"Adéla Koryťáková, Argyro Chatziadi, Jakub Heřt, Jan Rohlíček, Eliška Zmeškalová, Josef Beránek, Miroslav Šoóš","doi":"10.1186/s42238-026-00474-0","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s42238-026-00474-0","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Cannabinoids have attracted increasing scientific interest due to their diverse activities and therapeutic potential. However, cannabinoids suffer from limited physicochemical properties, including low melting point, low aqueous solubility, and stability issues. Cocrystal formation offers a promising approach to overcome these limitations. In this study, we investigate the solid-state stability of cannabinoids, namely cannabidiol (CBD), cannabinol (CBN), and cannabigerol (CBG), and their cocrystals under thermal, pH-dependent, oxidative, and photolytic degradation stress conditions, with a focus on exploring the structure-stability relationships. The results revealed distinct stability trends. We observed that 4,4'-bipyridine improved the thermal stability compared to the pure cannabinoids, highlighting the role of coformer selection. pH-dependent studies generally showed higher degradation rates at intermediate pH values, whereas photostability experiments showed negligible instability in most samples. Oxidative stressing indicated that radical-mediated oxidation had a stronger impact on stability than peroxide-mediated oxidation. Overall, the results indicate that coformer choice and surface exposure of heteroatoms are key factors influencing the stability of cannabinoid cocrystals.</p>","PeriodicalId":101310,"journal":{"name":"Journal of cannabis research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2026-07-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13673648/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148551977","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Terroir-driven phenolic chemotypes and antioxidant/antimicrobial activities of Beldia (Cannabis sativa L.) seed extracts.","authors":"Oumayma Boussetta, Oussama Khibech, Abdessadek Essadek, Shehdeh Jodeh, Meryem Idrissi Yahyaoui, Abdeslam Asehraou, Chin-Hung Lai, Mohammed Ramdani","doi":"10.1186/s42238-026-00468-y","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s42238-026-00468-y","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Geographical variation in the phenolic composition and bioactivity of Moroccan Beldia (Cannabis sativa L.) seeds remains insufficiently characterized, limiting their rational valorization as bioactive resources. This study investigated aqueous extracts from defatted seeds collected in Ketama, Taounate, and Ouazzane using HPLC-DAD phenolic profiling, antioxidant and antimicrobial assays, and molecular docking. Data are reported as mean ± SD (n = 3), and regional differences were evaluated by one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's test when applicable. Clear regional discrimination was observed. Ouazzane gave the highest extraction yield (8.08 ± 0.24%), total phenolic content (16.13 ± 0.48 mg GAE/100 g DM), total flavonoid content (6.78 ± 0.20 mg QE/100 g DM), and total antioxidant capacity (565.80 ± 5.90 mg AAE/g), whereas Ketama showed the strongest DPPH scavenging activity (IC₅₀ = 10.25 ± 0.03 µg/mL). HPLC-DAD revealed distinct chemotypes dominated by 4-hydroxybenzoic acid (33.26-36.63%), with Taounate enriched in vanillic acid (35.00%) and caffeic acid (20.44%). Antimicrobial assays showed the best MIC values against Micrococcus luteus (0.50 ± 0.01 mg/mL) and Geotrichum candidum (0.12 ± 0.00 mg/mL). Docking highlighted flavonoid-type constituents as the most plausible active contributors, with catechin hydrate and rutin showing the strongest affinity toward CYP51 (-9.6 kcal/mol). Moroccan terroir strongly shapes the functional profile of Beldia seed extracts and supports region-guided sourcing for future bioactive applications.</p>","PeriodicalId":101310,"journal":{"name":"Journal of cannabis research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2026-07-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13663019/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148498643","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Cannabichromene (CBC): a comprehensive review of biosynthesis, pharmacology, therapeutic potential, and translational perspectives.","authors":"Amine Elbouzidi, Abdellah Baraich, Mounir Haddou, Naoufal El Hachlafi, Faisal Aqlan, Ammar Al-Farga, Mohamed Taibi, Reda Bellaouchi, Abdeslam Asehraou, Khalid Chaabane, Mohamed Addi","doi":"10.1186/s42238-026-00454-4","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s42238-026-00454-4","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Cannabis sativa L. produces a chemically diverse array of over 150 phytocannabinoids, of which cannabichromene (CBC) represents the fourth most abundant constituent in many chemovars, yet remains profoundly underexplored relative to its structural congeners delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD), and its precursor cannabigerol (CBG). Unlike THC, CBC is non-psychoactive and lacks the intoxicating central effects associated with THC, positioning it as a particularly attractive candidate for therapeutic development. This comprehensive review critically examines the current state of knowledge on CBC, encompassing its biosynthetic origin through the polyketide and mevalonate/methylerythritol phosphate pathways, the enzymatic conversion of cannabigerolic acid (CBGA) to cannabichromenic acid (CBCA) by CBC synthase (CBCAS), and subsequent spontaneous and thermally accelerated decarboxylation. We survey the natural occurrence and distribution of CBC across Cannabis chemovars, the genetic and environmental determinants of its accumulation, and the advanced extraction, isolation, and analytical methodologies employed for its characterization. The pharmacokinetic profile of CBC, including absorption, distribution, hepatic metabolism via cytochrome P450 enzymes, and elimination, is discussed in the context of its notably low oral bioavailability. The molecular pharmacology of CBC is examined in depth, highlighting its unique receptor interaction profile: minimal direct engagement with CB1/CB2 cannabinoid receptors, potent agonism at transient receptor potential channels (TRPV1, TRPA1, TRPV3, TRPV4), and indirect modulation of endocannabinoid tone through inhibition of anandamide reuptake. We evaluate the preclinical evidence supporting its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antimicrobial, anticancer, neuroprotective, antidepressant, and dermatological activities, and contextualize these findings within the entourage effect framework. The toxicological safety profile, drug-drug interaction potential, and regulatory landscape are critically assessed. Finally, we identify translational challenges, including formulation limitations, the absence of clinical trials, and regulatory fragmentation, and propose future research directions encompassing nanotechnology-based delivery systems, synthetic biology platforms for sustainable production, multi-omics integration, and precision medicine approaches. This review establishes CBC as a high-potential but critically understudied phytocannabinoid deserving of accelerated preclinical and clinical investigation.</p>","PeriodicalId":101310,"journal":{"name":"Journal of cannabis research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2026-07-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13663229/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148475437","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Development and validation of a low-cost spectrophotometric method for cannabidiol (CBD) quantification based on the Beam reaction.","authors":"Fresia Melina Silva Sofras, Martín Federico Desimone, Sofia Municoy","doi":"10.1186/s42238-026-00473-1","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s42238-026-00473-1","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Cannabidiol (CBD) is a compound of high pharmacological interest, requiring accessible analytical methods for its identification and measurement. This study proposes the transformation of the classic Beam reaction, traditionally a qualitative colorimetric test, into a robust, low-cost quantitative technique using UV-Vis spectrophotometry. The method is based on the formation of a specific chromophore between CBD/CBDA and a 5% ethanolic KOH solution. Spectral characterization identified a maximum absorbance peak at 530 nm. Kinetic analysis established that the reaction stabilizes after a 24-hour incubation period, ensuring high reproducibility for batch analysis. The optimized protocol demonstrated high linearity (R² > 0.99) and excellent precision, with a Relative Standard Deviation (RSD%) of 2.88% for intraday and 4.74% for interday assays. The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) were 1.84 and 5.58 µg/mL respectively. By utilizing widely available reagents and standard instrumentation, this method provides a significant advantage for laboratories and research centers where high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) is not feasible. The findings validate the Beam reaction as a precise, simple, and economically viable tool for the quantification of total CBD.</p>","PeriodicalId":101310,"journal":{"name":"Journal of cannabis research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2026-07-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13651164/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148475450","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Cannabis knowledge and health literacy among Thai vocational students: a cross-sectional study following policy liberalization.","authors":"Jeerisuda Orosram, Charuwan Thanawiroon, Chaisit Soontara, Premsuda Kaewrongkham, Napat Tangsakul, Tawanchai Phohom, Prasittichai Poonphol, Teeraporn Sadira Supapaan","doi":"10.1186/s42238-026-00467-z","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s42238-026-00467-z","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Thailand's decriminalization of cannabis in June 2022 substantially increased adolescent exposure. Cannabis knowledge and health literacy among vocational students remain poorly characterized.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional online survey was conducted from January to March 2024 among vocational secondary students at one vocational institution in a province in northeastern Thailand. Of 2,656 eligible students, 555 provided valid responses (response rate 20.9%). Two 15-item instruments were used to measure cannabis knowledge and cannabis health literacy. Bivariate analyses and three multivariable regression models examined factors associated with knowledge scores, health literacy scores, and cannabis use experience.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Cannabis knowledge was low (mean 7.23/15, SD 4.43; 55.0% low), as was cannabis health literacy (mean 41.72/75, SD 12.72; 48.8% low). Knowledge level was not significantly associated with health literacy level (χ2[4] = 7.04, p = 0.134). In adjusted analyses, prior cannabis education and other substance use were associated with higher knowledge scores, whereas male sex and Year 3 enrollment were associated with lower knowledge scores. Higher health literacy scores were associated with prior cannabis education and family relationship quality in adjusted analyses; male sex showed only a weak adjusted association with lower health literacy. Cannabis use experience was associated with other substance use (OR 4.115), prior cannabis education (OR 3.683), male sex (OR 2.621), Year 2 enrollment (OR 1.733), and family relationship quality (OR 1.558).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Cannabis knowledge and health literacy were predominantly low among Thai vocational secondary students. Factual knowledge alone may not translate into functional cannabis health literacy. School-based interventions should strengthen critical appraisal, communication, self-management, and digital health literacy, with attention to male students, students without prior cannabis education, and those with other substance use experience.</p>","PeriodicalId":101310,"journal":{"name":"Journal of cannabis research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2026-07-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13659949/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148440706","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Attitudes and beliefs regarding cannabis use during pregnancy compared to alcohol and tobacco: a nationwide survey of U.S. women of childbearing age.","authors":"S G Casavant, N Kilembe, S Kinsey, N Shook","doi":"10.1186/s42238-026-00466-0","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s42238-026-00466-0","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Cannabis use is increasing, even during pregnancy. The purpose of this study was to investigate how women of childbearing age perceive the safety of cannabis use during pregnancy compared to alcohol and tobacco use.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Cloud Research recruited a national U.S. cohort of women of childbearing age (N = 622) to complete an anonymous online survey assessing cannabis, alcohol, and tobacco use during pregnancy. Validated tools measured perceptions of safety and risks to fetal, birth, and infant development. Data analyses included descriptive statistics, McNemar's tests, and repeated-measures ANOVA with post-hoc comparisons.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The average age was 29.47 years (SD = 6.83, range: 18-42). Participants self-identified as White (65.9%, n = 410), Black or African American 28.1% (n = 175), Asian 5.9% (n = 37), American Indian or Alaska Native 3.9% (n = 24), or Other 4.7% (n = 29); 17.7% (n = 110) identified as Hispanic or Latino. Most participants identified as heterosexual (82.0%, n = 510). Among participants who had been pregnant (N = 351), 25.9% reported cannabis use during pregnancy, compared with 23.6% for tobacco and 8.2% for alcohol. The median frequency of prenatal cannabis use was twice weekly, with joints and blunts being the most common methods. Reported reasons for use included relief of nausea, anxiety, sleep disturbance, and pain. We used a five-point Likert scale to determine whether they thought cannabis, alcohol, and tobacco were safe to use during pregnancy, where 1 = not at all safe, and 5 = completely safe. Prenatal cannabis use was rated as safer (M = 3.85, SD = 1.46) than alcohol. (M = 4.86, SD = 0.54, p < .001) or tobacco (M = 4.79, SD = 0.63, p < .001).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Findings indicate that women of childbearing age perceive cannabis as relatively safe during pregnancy, particularly for symptom management. These perceptions underscore the need for targeted education, accurate messaging, and consideration of the social, cultural, and emotional factors that influence substance use during pregnancy to safeguard maternal and fetal health.</p>","PeriodicalId":101310,"journal":{"name":"Journal of cannabis research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2026-07-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13628829/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148388448","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}