Cannabis and Pregnancy: What Are the Risks?
No. Current medical guidance, including from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, recommends avoiding cannabis while trying to conceive, during pregnancy, and while breastfeeding due to potential risks to fetal development, birth outcomes, and infant health.
Why Medical Experts Advise Against Cannabis During Pregnancy
When you're pregnant, everything you consume can affect your baby. Cannabis is no exception. The active compound THC crosses the placenta and reaches the fetus, and research suggests this exposure may interfere with normal development.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that women avoid cannabis while trying to get pregnant, during pregnancy, and while breastfeeding. This is not about stigma—it's about the growing body of evidence linking cannabis use to potential harms.
Some people assume that because cannabis is 'natural' or legal in Massachusetts, it's safe during pregnancy. But the medical consensus is clear: the risks outweigh any perceived benefits.
What the Research Shows: Potential Risks
Studies have found possible or likely associations between cannabis use and adverse outcomes in several areas:
- Cognitive development: Children exposed to cannabis in the womb may have attention, memory, and problem-solving difficulties.
- Mental health: There may be an increased risk of behavioral issues and mental health conditions later in life.
- Physical health: Lower birth weight and other physical development issues have been observed.
- Lactation: THC is present in breast milk, and its effects on a nursing infant are not fully understood.
The exact level of risk is hard to quantify—every pregnancy is different, and research is ongoing. But given the uncertainty, the safest choice is to avoid cannabis altogether.
How Cannabis Reaches Your Baby
When you inhale or ingest cannabis, THC enters your bloodstream. From there, it can cross the placenta and reach your developing baby. The fetal brain is particularly sensitive to external substances, and THC can bind to receptors in the brain, potentially disrupting normal growth.
After birth, THC is also passed through breast milk. While the amount may be lower than what reaches the fetus, it's still present, and the long-term effects on a nursing infant are not well studied. The FDA advises against using cannabis while breastfeeding, and we echo that guidance.
What About Using Cannabis for Morning Sickness?
Some women consider cannabis to help with nausea or appetite during early pregnancy. It's true that cannabis can stimulate appetite and reduce nausea in some people, but this is not a recommended treatment for pregnancy-related symptoms.
There are safer, well-studied options for morning sickness, such as dietary changes, vitamin B6, and medications that your doctor can prescribe. If you're struggling with severe nausea, talk to your healthcare provider—they can help you find something that works without putting your baby at risk.
Cannabis in pregnancy
Cannabis use during pregnancy is a significant public health concern. Research has found possible or likely associations between cannabis consumption and adverse outcomes related to cognitive development, mental health, physical health, and lactation. Cannabis is the most commonly used controlled substance among pregnant women, and it can increase the risk of fertility problems in both men and women, fetal development issues, and negative birth outcomes. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that women avoid cannabis while trying to get pregnant, during pregnancy, and while breastfeeding. This guidance is based on the potential for harm, even if the exact degree of risk is not fully quantified. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, it is essential to prioritize your baby's health and discuss any cannabis use with your healthcare provider.
Directions to our dispensary in Boston from Exchange Coffee House, Boston
Start at Exchange Coffee House, Boston and head to Primitiv at 200 High St, Boston, MA 02110.
If You're Using Cannabis for a Medical Condition
Some people use cannabis for chronic pain, anxiety, or other conditions. If you're pregnant and rely on cannabis, it's important to have an honest conversation with your doctor. They can help you weigh the risks and explore alternatives that are safer during pregnancy.
Stopping suddenly can be challenging, especially if you use cannabis regularly. Your doctor can provide resources and support to help you taper off or manage withdrawal symptoms. You don't have to do it alone.
If you have questions about medical cannabis in general, our team at Primitiv Boston dispensary on High Street is here to help—but for pregnancy-related concerns, always prioritize professional medical advice.
Where to Get Help and Support
If you're trying to quit cannabis and finding it difficult, you're not alone. There are resources available across Boston and beyond:
- Talk to your obstetrician or midwife—they can offer guidance and connect you with counseling services.
- Consider a support group for substance use during pregnancy; many are free and confidential.
- Call a helpline like the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) national helpline.
Remember, the goal is a healthy pregnancy and baby. Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
The Bottom Line
Current medical understanding is clear: avoiding cannabis during pregnancy and breastfeeding is the safest choice. The potential risks to your baby's development and long-term health are not worth the temporary relief you might feel.
If you have more questions about cannabis and its effects, you can visit our guide to cannabis concentrates or learn about the difference between THC and CBD. But for pregnancy-specific concerns, always consult your healthcare provider first.
Your doctor, your baby, and your future self will thank you for making an informed, cautious decision.
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Also asked as
- Weed while pregnant
- Cannabis and breastfeeding
- Is marijuana safe during pregnancy?
Frequently asked questions
Can I use CBD during pregnancy?
The FDA advises against using any cannabis-derived products, including CBD, during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Even CBD products can contain trace amounts of THC, and the effects on a developing baby are not well understood.
What if I already used cannabis before I knew I was pregnant?
First, don't panic. Stop using cannabis now and talk to your doctor about it. They can reassure you and monitor your pregnancy more closely if needed. The most important thing is to avoid further exposure.
Is it safe to use cannabis while breastfeeding?
No. THC passes into breast milk, and the effects on a nursing infant are not fully known. The FDA and ACOG recommend avoiding cannabis while breastfeeding to protect your baby's development.