# Online conversations on perceived stigma among pregnant individuals who use cannabis

## TL;DR

This study examines how pregnant individuals who use cannabis experience and navigate stigma in online communities, highlighting the emotional impact and contradictions in societal attitudes.

## Contribution

The study introduces a qualitative analysis of stigma related to perinatal cannabis use through online forum discussions, revealing new insights into emotional and societal contradictions.

## Key findings

- Participants experience stigma from family and society, leading to guilt and frustration.
- Societal attitudes show contradictions between cannabis and alcohol/tobacco use during pregnancy.
- Online communities help combat stigma by offering support and education.

## Abstract

Perinatal cannabis use (PCU) is a controversial topic, as it is associated with negative neonatal and maternal outcomes. However, PCU persists, often reported in the context of perceived symptom management, and those who engage in PCU can face significant stigma. Such stigma can deter individuals from discussing their cannabis use with support persons, potentially exacerbating negative health outcomes for the parent and child. The current study explores how PCU stigma manifests and is navigated in online communities, focusing on discussions within an online space for individuals who use cannabis during pregnancy. First, a random sample of 10 threads per month from June 2020 to May 2021 were extracted from a cannabis-focused forum on a pregnancy and parenting website. Next, analyses involved a two-cycle coding process (i.e., topical followed by conceptual) to identify key themes surrounding stigma in the context of PCU. Three primary themes were identified: 1) experiencing stigma (e.g., familial and societal sources of judgment, emotional responses such as guilt and frustration); 2) contradictions in substance stigma, highlighting the contrast between societal attitudes and expectations towards cannabis versus alcohol or tobacco use during pregnancy; and 3) challenging stigma, in which participants actively provide support, share personal experiences, and offer evidence to counteract stigma. Online communities may play a critical role in combating stigma, offering a platform for connection, support, and education. Results emphasize that a nonjudgmental approach to information dissemination may be more effective. Understanding stigma is essential for developing effective interventions and reducing the harms of PCU.

•Perinatal cannabis use is increasing, despite known risks to parent and child health.•Stigma around perinatal cannabis use affects access to care and support networks.•Qualitative analysis of online forum with two-cycle coding to identify stigma themes.•Forum members report stigma from society and peers, reporting guilt and frustration.•Contradictions emerge between societal views on cannabis vs. alcohol/tobacco use.

Perinatal cannabis use is increasing, despite known risks to parent and child health.

Stigma around perinatal cannabis use affects access to care and support networks.

Qualitative analysis of online forum with two-cycle coding to identify stigma themes.

Forum members report stigma from society and peers, reporting guilt and frustration.

Contradictions emerge between societal views on cannabis vs. alcohol/tobacco use.