Rates And Sequela Of Thc-Only Positive Tests In A Pre- Versus Post-Legalization Era Among A Universally Screened Peripartum Population
Posted Date: Oct 26, 2025
- Investigator: Kristin Gmunder
- Specialties:
- Type of Study: Observational/Survey
The aim of this study is to closely examine rates of positive THC tests among peripartum women. University of Cincinnati Medical Center has a unique opportunity for this type of research as there is universal urine drug screening of all patients who present to the Labor and Delivery (L&D) unit. Therefore, with this project, further information regarding THC-only positivity can be easily compared in a pre vs post legalization era (marijuana was legalized in Ohio in December 2023 with licensed sales starting in August 2024). While there have been other studies examining rates of positivity in either a pre- or post-legalization era, no specific study has been performed in the setting of universal drug screening (thereby capturing almost all patients that pass through a L&D unit) in a pre- vs post-legalization era in the state of Ohio. Besides just rates of positivity, demographics of this patient population will be closely examined. An additional sequela of a positive THC result on drug testing on admission is often a social work consult post-partum, which can result in a heavy workload for our social work team. Therefore, this study will also closely examine whether a social work (SW) consult was triggered based on THC results and demographic differences associated with this if any. We plan to have 20 months of data pre-legalization/licensed sales (April 7, 2022-December 7, 2023) and compare this to data post-legalization (December 8, 2023- August 7, 2025). We plan to look at demographic characteristics between these two groups across multiple variables. In addition to descriptive statistics performed between the two populations, we plan to also examine demographic characteristics of those that were THC-only positive and seen for SW consult and those that were not.
Criteria:
N/A
Keywords:
Thc, Legalization, Pregnancy
For More Information:
Kristin Gmunder
NULL
gmundekn@ucmail.uc.edu