OneOhio launches pregnancy-focused cannabis education campaign

OneOhio Recovery Foundation has kicked off the first phase of Ohio’s statewide cannabis education effort with a campaign aimed at pregnant women, women who may become pregnant and the people around them. The push uses ads, social media and community toolkits to warn about cannabis risks during pregnancy and encourage conversations with health care providers.

Why it matters: - Ohio is trying to reach pregnant women and families before cannabis use during pregnancy affects a baby’s development. - The campaign is meant to replace confusion and mixed messages with evidence-based guidance. - The effort is part of a broader statewide public education initiative on cannabis risks.

What happened: - OneOhio Recovery Foundation launched the first phase of Ohio’s cannabis public education initiative on July 23, 2026. - The new campaign focuses on pregnant women, women who may become pregnant and the people who support them. - Leaders from OneOhio Recovery Foundation, the Ohio Department of Commerce, the Ohio Department of Health, Truth Initiative and Franklin County Public Health announced the campaign at a press conference in Columbus. - The rollout is the first of a series of cannabis-focused public education initiatives first announced in May.

The details: - The campaign message says the risk to a baby’s development is not worth cannabis use during pregnancy. - OneOhio and its partners are using targeted digital ads, social media, earned media, direct engagement with moms and families, and educational toolkits for community partners. - The campaign aims to give trusted, evidence-based information about cannabis use during pregnancy. - The campaign encourages women to talk with a health care provider before using cannabis products. - Alisha Nelson said the campaign is designed to meet expectant and prospective mothers with clear information delivered with compassion, not fear or judgment. - Statewide polling commissioned by OneOhio and conducted by Public Opinion Strategies found 67% of Ohioans believe cannabis has become more socially acceptable since legalization. - The same poll found 41% of Ohioans currently use cannabis, up from 35% in 2024. - Among women who are pregnant or hope to become pregnant, 51% reported using cannabis. - Sherry Maxfield said it is critical that expectant mothers and families have access to accurate, science-based information about cannabis use during pregnancy. - Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff said there is no known safe amount of cannabis during pregnancy. - Truth Initiative is partnering with OneOhio to ground the campaign in audience research, behavioral science, message testing and ongoing evaluation. - Amy Taylor said the campaign’s messages are researched, tested with Ohio audiences and evaluated to make sure they make a measurable difference. - Franklin County Health Commissioner Joe Mazzola said statewide education works best when it is carried by trusted local voices. - The campaign also gives community partners ready-to-use resources to extend its reach beyond paid advertising. - The ads, educational resources and website provide straightforward information about cannabis during pregnancy and why women should talk with a doctor, midwife or other trusted health care provider before using cannabis products. - Ohioans can learn more at More information. - Media can download sample campaign creative at Media resources.

Between the lines: - The poll numbers suggest cannabis has become more normalized in Ohio, which may make pregnancy-specific education more urgent. - The campaign leans on local health workers and community partners because trusted messengers can reach people paid media may miss. - Partnering with Truth Initiative signals a focus on behavior-change messaging, not just awareness.

What's next: - OneOhio is positioning this rollout as the first in a larger series of cannabis education efforts. - Community partners are expected to use the toolkit and local resources immediately. - The campaign will continue through digital, social and local outreach while it is evaluated for impact. - Ohio officials and partners will likely use audience feedback and evaluation to refine future phases.