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Erica Techo

The new study found that even increasing moderate physical activity from once to multiple times per week led to a slower rate of cognitive decline over time. (Getty Images)

 Health & Medicine June 26, 2025

Staying physically active may slow cognitive decline

Image of a woman and 2 dogs on a farm in the sunset.

 Health & Medicine March 26, 2025

Understanding stressors female farmers face

A new study from UGA found that improved urban planning could create communities with environmental factors that can help reduce the risk of cognitive decline.

 Health & Medicine March 05, 2025

Uncovering dementia’s environmental triggers

Study highlights need for education around effects, risks of marijuana use A new study from the University of Georgia College of Public Health found that about 6% of pregnant women reported using marijuana during the last month, and many did not associate it with health risks. The study highlights the importance of education surrounding marijuana use during pregnancy, said lead researcher Mohammad Rifat Haider. Published in The American Journal on Addictions, the study utilized responses from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Among 4,338 pregnant mothers, 5.7% reported using marijuana during the last month. Within that group, 70.9% perceived little to no risk associated with marijuana use during pregnancy, even though it has been associated with low birth weight, premature birth and neurodevelopmental effects. While other substances, like alcohol or illegal drugs, have clearly identified adverse effects, marijuana has some conflicting perceptions, said Haider, an assistant professor in health policy and management. It can be seen as helpful in reference to cancer patients seeking to minimize nausea, but studies have also shown harmful side effects of continued use. During pregnancy, however, the evidence clearly points to negative effects, Haider said. 2 of 3 pregnant women who used pot live in states where medical marijuana is legal Marijuana use is legal for recreational use in 25 states and or medical purposes in 14 more. Two-thirds of the pregnant women who reported using marijuana lived in a state where medical marijuana was legal at the time of the survey. Mohammad Rifat Haider Most of the pregnant women who used marijuana were also in their first trimester, and use decreased as the pregnancy progressed. Women in their first trimester may have seen medical marijuana as a way to combat morning sickness, Haider said. “Marijuana is seen as a cure for nausea, but that’s not the way it should be dealt with in pregnancy because it is harmful for the mother and the fetus,” Haider said. Women should consult physician to combat nausea, not turn to marijuana Rather than turn to medical marijuana, women should talk to their OBGYN about prescription drugs that can limit nausea and vomiting, Haider said. And doctors should be prepared to address misconceptions about how marijuana can affect these symptoms during pregnancy. “When medical marijuana is available, when it is legal, it is available in the pharmacy. It is widely available,” he said. “So we need to be extra cautious in those states and make solid policy that helps make pregnant women aware of the detrimental effects or marijuana use.” Improved education around pot use in pregnancy crucial Another factor associated with marijuana use was mental health disorders or major depressive episodes. This is seen with many other substances, Haider said, where if there are unmet health needs, individuals are more likely to experience a substance use disorder. All of these numbers highlight a need for improved education efforts around marijuana use in pregnancy. Doctors should be prepared to screen individuals for past substance use including regular marijuana use, and they should provide information on potential adverse effects of marijuana, especially in states where medical marijuana is legal. Evidence shows that during pregnancy, marijuana use is detrimental for both mother and child.” —Mohammad Rifat Haider, College of Public Health “Long story short, this is a very vulnerable population, and evidence shows that during pregnancy, marijuana use is detrimental for both mother and child,” Haider said. “There needs to be policy direction from the state to have these discussions.” Co-authors on the study include ORISE postdoctoral fellow at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Sabrina Karim, University of Kentucky College of Public Health associate professor Jayani Jayawardhana, UGA College of Public Health professor Nathan B. Hansen, and Ohio University Department of Social Medicine associate professor and director of Global Health Institute Zelalem T. Haile.

 Health & Medicine October 30, 2024

Nearly 6% of pregnant women report marijuana use

 Humanities & Arts September 17, 2024

Linguistics at UGA: Studying accents and dialects across the United States

Cooking a vegetarian mean in a skillet on a stovetop.

 Health & Medicine July 11, 2024

Vegetarian diet benefits aren’t one-size-fits-all

A new UGA study found that when service members struggle to cope with the personal and family demands of military life, they feel more guilt about their work. (Getty Images)

 Health & Medicine June 18, 2024

Family stress can lead to work-related guilt for military

Knox Martin Foundation supports memory of UGA alumnus, funds cancer research

 Health & Medicine June 07, 2024

UGA alumni come together to support cancer research

A new UGA study found that children improved their diet quality when they ate school-prepared lunches.

 Health & Medicine April 17, 2024

Supporting healthy habits

Image of a frustrated woman lying down.

 Education March 11, 2024

Youth enrichment activities could harm mental health