ABSTRACT
The purpose of this chapter is to describe two methods, self-report and biological
assessment, for obtaining data on cannabis and cocaine use during pregnancy. The term
cannabis will be used in this manuscript, except when a particular study focused
exclusively on marijuana, as this is the term most commonly used globally and it
encompasses exposure to all forms of the cannabis plant, including marijuana and hashish.
The aim is to contrast these two general methodologies and to highlight the advantages and
disadvantages of each in order to aid researchers in evaluating assessment options. We
begin with a brief summary of the prevalence of cannabis and cocaine. Then, we discuss
methods of interviewing women about their use and some of the biological techniques
used to measure substance use. The chapter concludes with suggestions for
future research.
