IMPACT WV launches new marijuana self-paced online learning module
New training for families and providers focuses on marijuana's impacts on infants and pregnant women.
Wednesday, April 22, 2026
Marijuana use during pregnancy doesn’t just affect birth; it can have long-term impacts as a child grows. Children exposed in utero may experience challenges such as increased sensitivity to stress, behavioral concerns, and difficulties with memory and learning. The more frequent the exposure, the greater the potential risks. Avoiding marijuana use during pregnancy can support healthier development over time.
IMPACT WV developed a new course for the Learning Portal that explains what marijuana is, how people use it, and how it can affect health. Marijuana use is becoming more common for both medical and recreational reasons. This course focuses on the risks of marijuana use during pregnancy, breastfeeding, caregiving, and early childhood, and how to talk about marijuana use in a safe and responsible way.
CEU’s are available for STARS, Social Work, OT, and WVCBAPP. Certificates of completion are available for others who would like to submit for independent learning hours.
Like the other courses in the portal, this training is free, virtual, and self-paced.
Register for the marijuana training course.
By the end of this course, learners will be able to:
- Explain how marijuana affects health, pregnancy, and child development.
- Identify health risks of marijuana use during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and early childhood.
- Explain why marijuana products can be dangerous to children and how to store them safely.
- Describe signs and risks of cannabis use disorder (CUD) and other marijuana-related harms.
- Use research-based information to talk about marijuana use with patients, clients, or loved ones.