Can I Use Weed While Pregnant? Breastfeeding?

Can I Use Weed While Pregnant? or Breastfeeding?

Published scientific literature suggests negative results of cannabis usage in pregnant females, including:

• fetal development restriction,
• low birth weight,
• preterm birth,
• small-for-gestational age,
• neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission, and
• stillbirth

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) suggests that women who are pregnant or considering becoming pregnant should stop cannabis use.

• Breathing 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 the chances for developmental problems in your baby

Summary:

The short answer to the question Can I Use Weed While Pregnant or Breastfeeding? is No, you shouldn’t. The use of cannabis, whether it’s taken for medical or recreational purposes, should be discussed with your healthcare provider to determine the purposes, especially if being used for therapeutic conditions, to find alternative solutions during your pregnancy and while breastfeeding.

Further Reading:

• What You Should Know About Using Cannabis, Including CBD, When Pregnant or Breastfeeding – U.S. Food & Drug Administration
• What You Need to Know About Marijuana Use and Pregnancy – CDC
• The Health Effects of Cannabis and Cannabinoids Report – National Academy of Sciences
• LactMed  – Search “Cannabis” – U.S. National Library of Medicine
• The Transfer of Drugs and Therapeutics into Human Breast Milk: An Update on Selected Topics – American Academy of Pediatrics
• Breastfeeding and the Use of Human Milk – American Academy of Pediatrics Section on Breastfeeding
• Marijuana Use During Pregnancy and Lactation  – American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
• Clinical Protocol #21: Guidelines for Breastfeeding and Substance Use or Substance Use Disorder – Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine