Marijuana Use During Pregnancy

Marijuana Use During Pregnancy


The effects of marijuana use during pregnancy may be as serious as smoking cigarettes or drinking alcohol. 

Is it safe to use marijuana while pregnant?  

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American Academy of Pediatrics advise pregnant women not to use marijuana of any form. This includes smoking, vaping, dabbing, eating, or drinking, and applying creams or lotions to the skin. 

Risks of marijuana use during pregnancy include:

  • Smaller size at birth and higher risk of still birth
  • Being born early
  • Limits growth of developing baby 
  • Death in the first 28 days of life
  • Impairs brain development and function later
  • Behavior problems in childhood
  • Higher chance of child having ADD (attention deficit disorder) and ADHD (attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder)
     

Why is it harmful? 

  • THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the active chemical in marijuana, is stored in fat cells and may take up to 30 days to leave your system. 
  • THC can cross the placenta into baby’s bloodstream.
  • THC can enter the developing fetal brain and disrupt normal brain development.
     

Myths and truths

Myth: Marijuana is a natural drug, so it is a safe treatment for nausea during pregnancy.
Truth: While marijuana is sometimes prescribed to people with cancer or other serious illnesses for nausea, it is not a safe choice for pregnant women because of risks to the baby.

Myth: Marijuana edibles (products that are eaten) are safer than smoking marijuana. 
Truth: THC ingested from edibles are absorbed through your stomach and can also be transferred to your baby.

Myth: Because marijuana is legal in many states, I do not have to worry about having legal problems from using marijuana.
Truth: Every state has different laws about marijuana use. Testing positive for marijuana at the time of delivery in Ohio could result in being referred to Child Protective Services.
 

What about breastfeeding 

Marijuana may be transferred to your baby through breastmilk, so lactating moms are encouraged not to use marijuana while breastfeeding. 

If you need help quitting marijuana, talk with your health care provider. 
 

© 2022 – July 12,, 2022, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center

This handout is for informational purposes only. Talk with your doctor or healthcare team if you have any questions about your care. For more health information call the Library for Health Information at 614-293-3707 or email: health-info@osu.edu.