Data collected in the United States from 2016 to 2017 found that around 7% of pregnant women reported using cannabis during pregnancy.[1] While potentially helpful for nausea and vomiting, THC is not recommended during pregnancy for several reasons.
The cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) receptors that THC exerts its actions through are found in the fetus as early as the first trimester and play an important role in the development of the nervous system. This, paired with the knowledge that THC crosses the placenta, raises a legitimate concern about the effects early exposure to THC might have on the developing fetus.[2]
Observational research suggests that exposure to cannabis during pregnancy may be associated with an increased risk of low birth weight, preterm birth (<37 weeks gestation), small for gestational age diagnosis, and admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).[3][2] Whether cannabis exposure during pregnancy affects cognitive processes into childhood is poorly researched. However, some preliminary research suggests it may be associated with impairments in attention and a higher likelihood of aggressive and hyperactive behaviors.[2]
Regarding lactation, THC has been found to concentrate in breast milk, meaning levels of THC in breast milk can accumulate and exceed plasma levels in people who use cannabis regularly.[4] Regular use of THC may also affect the composition of breast milk.[5] Still, how THC exposure through breast milk affects an infant in both the short-term and the long-term is poorly researched.[6]
References
- ^Volkow ND, Han B, Compton WM, McCance-Katz EFSelf-reported Medical and Nonmedical Cannabis Use Among Pregnant Women in the United States.JAMA.(2019 Jul 9)
- ^Sorkhou M, Singla DR, Castle DJ, George TPBirth, cognitive and behavioral effects of intrauterine cannabis exposure in infants and children: A systematic review and meta-analysis.Addiction.(2024 Mar)
- ^Baía I, Domingues RMSMThe Effects of Cannabis Use during Pregnancy on Low Birth Weight and Preterm Birth: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.Am J Perinatol.(2024 Jan)
- ^Moss MJ, Bushlin I, Kazmierczak S, Koop D, Hendrickson RG, Zuckerman KE, Grigsby TMCannabis use and measurement of cannabinoids in plasma and breast milk of breastfeeding mothers.Pediatr Res.(2021 Oct)
- ^Josan C, Shiplo S, Fusch G, Raha S, Shea AKCannabis use during lactation may alter the composition of human breast milk.Pediatr Res.(2023 Jun)
- ^"Cannabis". In Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®); USA: National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, updated 2023 Nov, cited 2024 Apr(2006)