Perinatal Cannabis Use: Screening, Motivational Interviewing, and Referral
In this course, you will explore cannabis use in the perinatal period and its implications for patient care. You will begin by building foundational knowledge of cannabis, including how THC interacts with the body, how it can cross the placenta and enter breast milk, and why patterns of use matter in pregnancy and postpartum care. You will also examine current trends in cannabis use and common patient beliefs that may influence decision-making.
You will then consider how trauma, stigma, and the legal and policy environment can shape patient disclosure, trust, and engagement in care.
Building on this, you will learn how to apply motivational interviewing techniques to support respectful, nonjudgmental conversations about cannabis use. You will also develop practical skills in universal screening and responding to disclosure with curiosity and clinical clarity.
Finally, you will explore how to connect patients to appropriate support resources based on their needs, including behavioral health services, peer support, and community resources.
By the end of this course, you will be prepared to build on your already compassionate practice by confidently screening for cannabis use and connecting perinatal patients to appropriate supports when indicated.
Learning Audience
This training is designed for health care professionals and clinicians supporting perinatal patients with mental health or substance use concerns.
Learning Objectives
After completing this course, you should be able to:
- Apply motivational interviewing techniques to discuss cannabis use with perinatal patients.
- Screen perinatal patients for cannabis use using appropriate screening practices.
- Refer perinatal patients to appropriate treatment and support services when indicated.
Time to Complete
This course takes about 70 minutes to complete. You may stop and resume at any time.
Authors
Aviva K. Olsavsky, MD, Associate Professor
Continuing Medical Education Credit
This course has been approved by the American Academy of Family Physicians for 3 Continuing Medical Education Credits. This is contingent upon completion of all lessons, interactions, and the final assessment.
