Mothers and Expecting Parents

Although marijuana can have therapeutic properties, it is not a safe treatment for morning sickness and nausea and can harm both mother and baby. In fact, the U.S. Surgeon General recently advised consumers that marijuana use during pregnancy may affect fetal brain development because THC can enter the fetal brain from the mother’s bloodstream.

• Effects on Fetus The Surgeon General informed that marijuana could increase the risk of a newborn with low birth weight. Research also suggests that marijuana use while pregnant has a greater risk for premature births (births before 37 weeks of gestation) and stillbirths. Children who are exposed to marijuana in the womb have an increased risk of problems with attention, memory, and problem-solving compared to unexposed children.
• Effects on Mother Marijuana is more potent than before, and although some people may feel that it is safe to use for nausea and morning sickness, it is not safe, and come with serious, potentially deadly risks. Regular and long-term marijuana use can actually cause some people to experience regular cycles of severe nausea, vomiting, and dehydration, sometimes requiring emergency medical attention.
• Effects on Breastfeeding While breastfeeding, it is important to know that breastmilk can contain THC for up to six days after use. This THC may affect a newborn’s brain development and result in hyperactivity, poor cognitive function, and other long-term consequences.

• Marijuana smoke contains many of the same harmful components as tobacco smoke. Neither marijuana nor tobacco products should be smoked around a baby or children.
• Chemicals from marijuana can be passed to your baby through breast milk. THC is stored in fat and is slowly released over time, meaning your baby could still be exposed even after you stop using marijuana.
• Marijuana can increase risks for low birth weight, preterm births, and stillbirths.
• Breathing in second-hand marijuana smoke can also be bad for you and your baby. Marijuana smoke has many of the same chemicals as tobacco smoke and may increase your baby’s chances for developmental problems.
• Harmful chemicals are not just released through smoking marijuana. Eating, drinking, using topicals containing marijuana puts both the mother and her baby in danger.
• Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana and are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant.

CDC Facts FDA Consumer Updates NIDA Marijuana Drug Facts Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Women and Cannabis (CA Fact Sheet)