Alcohol, Not Cannabis, Linked to Higher Risk of Unwanted Pregnancy: Implications for Reproductive Health Advocacy

A compelling new analysis published in Addiction and featured by NORML reveals a crucial and often overlooked distinction: among reproductive-aged women who clearly express a desire to avoid pregnancy, heavy alcohol use—but not cannabis use—is associated with significantly higher rates of unwanted pregnancy.

Study Highlights

• Researchers from UC San Francisco followed 936 women over 13.5 months, all of whom strongly wished to avoid pregnancy.

• Heavy drinkers faced a 50% higher likelihood of becoming pregnant unintentionally compared to those who drank little or not at all.

• In contrast, cannabis users showed no increased pregnancy risk when compared with non-users.

Context & Implications

This distinction is critical in reframing discussions around reproductive health and substance use. Historically, both alcohol and cannabis have been lumped together in public health messaging. Yet, evidence suggests that only alcohol consumption—particularly heavy use—may undermine the intention to avoid pregnancy.

That said, past research does point to associations between preconception binge drinking, marijuana use, and unintended or poorly timed pregnancies. Still, the recent longitudinal findings underscore the more robust link with alcohol, especially given the heightened risks of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) and the need for targeted clinical guidance.

Why This Matters for NORML Advocacy

1. Evidence-based clarity: Separating cannabis from higher-risk behaviors like heavy drinking helps dismantle stigma and supports rational drug policy.

2. Reproductive health alignment: Acknowledging the real risks posed by alcohol reinforces our commitment to harm reduction and informed decision-making.

3. Targeted public education: Encouraging discussions that accurately reflect scientific findings helps empower women and healthcare providers.

   
   

Call to Action

At Suncoast NORML, we stand at the intersection of cannabis reform and public health. This new evidence strengthens our resolve to:

• Promote informed substance-use discussions, especially in reprodcutive health contexts.

• Advocate for non-punitive, evidence-based education that contrasts the impacts of different substances.

• Support policies and healthcare practices that prioritize safety, autonomy, and science over outdated myths or moralizing rhetoric.

Join Suncoast NORML today to help build a future where smart, safe, and science-guided conversations around cannabis—and all substances—advance health and freedom in our community.