What topics does this cannabis study cover?

This study covers research on: Addiction.

Where was this research published?

Published in LGBT health on February 2, 2026.

Unraveling Pregnancy Substance Use Risks for Bisexual Women

Q: What did this research study find?

The study reveals **significant disparities in substance use and mental health** during pregnancy among different sexual orientation groups, with a particular focus on *marijuana consumption* and psychological well-being. **Bisexual females reported substantially higher rates of marijuana use during

Disparities in Substance Use and Psychological Distress During Pregnancy Among Pregnant Bisexual and Heterosexual Females in the United States, 2021-2023.

LGBT health • February 2, 2026 • Moderately Relevant

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AI Summary

The study reveals significant disparities in substance use and mental health during pregnancy among different sexual orientation groups, with a particular focus on marijuana consumption and psychological well-being. Bisexual females reported substantially higher rates of marijuana use during pregnancy (21.4%) compared to heterosexual females (4.9%), highlighting a critical public health concern that demands targeted interventions and support.

While substance use generally declined from preconception to pregnancy for both groups, bisexual women experienced smaller reductions in alcohol and marijuana use. The research also uncovered that traditional protective social factors like marriage, parenthood, and higher income appeared less effective in mitigating substance use and psychological distress for bisexual pregnant individuals. This suggests a complex interplay of social, psychological, and identity-related stressors that uniquely impact bisexual women's perinatal experiences.

The findings underscore the urgent need for more inclusive and culturally sensitive healthcare approaches. Medical professionals and public health practitioners must develop targeted support strategies that recognize the distinct challenges faced by bisexual pregnant women, including tailored mental health resources and substance use interventions that address their specific contextual experiences.

📄 Original Abstract

Bisexual women are an understudied population in perinatal health research, despite evidence of elevated behavioral health risks. This study examined differences in substance use and psychological distress during pregnancy between bisexual and heterosexual females. Using pooled 2021-2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health data, we analyzed pregnant females aged 18-44 (n = 1888). Outcomes included past-month marijuana use, alcohol use, binge drinking, cigarette smoking, and psychological distress. Poisson regression was used to estimate risk ratios, both unadjusted and adjusted for sociodemographic factors. Compared with heterosexual females, bisexual females reported higher prevalence of marijuana use (21.4% vs. 4.9%) and psychological distress (19.6% vs. 6.5%) during pregnancy; disparities persisted after adjustment for sociodemographic factors. Bisexual females also reported higher prevalence of smoking during pregnancy, although differences were not significant in adjusted models. Substance use and distress declined from preconception to pregnancy in both groups, but percentage declines in alcohol and marijuana use were smaller among bisexual females. Marriage, parenthood, and higher income were associated with reduced substance use and psychological distress among heterosexual females but less so for bisexual females. Pregnant bisexual females experienced elevated risks of marijuana use and psychological distress compared with pregnant heterosexual females, and protective social resources appeared less impactful. These findings underscore the importance of inclusive, affirming perinatal care and highlight the need for research and interventions that address the unique stressors and contexts shaping bisexual women's perinatal experiences.