New research found mostly unchanged health guidance and education on cannabis use is making many healthcare professionals feel unready to advise patients amid increasing use by pregnant women. For the study, researchers surveyed 10 medical professionals and 10 commercial marijuana sellers. The results indicated both groups understood that pregnant women often seek cannabis as an alternative treatment for childbearing-related pain and nausea, with sellers holding a more positive view of perinatal cannabis use. Healthcare professionals were more troubled, as perinatal use has been associated with some birth defects. The study authors suggested additional training and education for healthcare workers. The surveyed medical providers recommended changing clinical practices to address the increase in perinatal cannabis use. "We need to use all approaches and all people in the patient's life to help them," said author Celestina Barbosa-Leiker at Washington State University Health Sciences. "There is such limited research with budtenders, but they need to be part of this conversation because they are seen as trusted sources by their customers and our patients."

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