Number of pregnant women smoking pot is on the rise, study says

The number of pregnant women smoking marijuana is on the rise. A new study of women in California found mothers-to-be are using the drug to help with morning sickness and anxiety.

Overall marijuana use among pregnant women jumped from 4.2 percent to 7.1 percent between 2009 and 2016, according to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

The report shows a dramatic increase from 12.5 percent to 21.8 percent in pot use among pregnant women between 18 and 24 years old.

Pot use among pregnant women under 18 years old jumped from just under 10 percent to 19 percent.

The study shows a slight 1.5 percent increase in use among pregnant women between 25 and 34 years old.  

Researchers say marijuana is one of the most common illicit drugs used during pregnancy. Laws legalizing the recreational use marijuana for adults over the age of 21 are set to go in effect after the new year.