Expectant mothers, those contemplating pregnancy, and individuals who are breastfeeding are now strongly advised to avoid cannabis use, according to comprehensive new clinical guidelines released this Friday by a prominent medical authority.
Despite a concerning rise in cannabis consumption among pregnant women, often for managing common discomforts like nausea, new research highlights significant health risks.
The medical body emphasizes that growing scientific evidence connects cannabis use during pregnancy to increased risks of premature birth, lower birth weights, heightened requirements for neonatal intensive care, and adverse neurocognitive and behavioral outcomes in developing children.
Dr. Melissa Russo, a co-author of the recent guidance, noted, “Many patients turn to cannabis for medical reasons, believing it to be a more natural solution for their health issues, rather than for recreational purposes.”
However, Dr. Russo cautions that “many natural substances are far from safe.” She further clarified that current research lacks evidence of cannabis’s effectiveness for pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, while conversely revealing its potential for harmful side effects.
Notably, the college advises against routine blood or urine tests for cannabis, advocating instead for open, supportive conversations between physicians and women. The focus should be on encouraging cessation of marijuana use as early as possible and providing safe, alternative treatments for any medical conditions.
To combat bias and systemic racism, the college stresses the importance of universal screening. This recommendation comes in light of data showing that pregnant Black and Hispanic women are disproportionately tested for drug use—four to five times more often than white women. Moreover, Black women face nearly five times the likelihood of being reported to child protective services for suspected drug use.
While these new guidelines discourage cannabis use for breastfeeding mothers, they also affirm that breastfeeding should continue, given that its well-established benefits generally outweigh the potential risks associated with exposure to the drug.
Dr. Amy Valent, another contributing author, highlighted the need for flexibility, stating, ‘Our approach must not be rigid,’ recognizing the profound importance of breastfeeding for many mothers.
Research indicates that between 4% and 16% of women use cannabis while pregnant, with this figure soaring to 43% among those aged 19 to 22. The first trimester, a period often marked by severe nausea and vomiting, is when expectant mothers are most likely to use cannabis.
A comprehensive review of 51 studies, encompassing millions of pregnancies, revealed a stark connection: prenatal cannabis consumption nearly doubled the risk of low birth weight in infants. Furthermore, it elevated the risk of preterm births by 50% and babies being small for their gestational age by an alarming 57%.
Disturbingly, the analysis also presented evidence suggesting a possible link between prenatal cannabis exposure and a higher likelihood of infant mortality either during or shortly after birth.
Dr. Cara Poland, an addiction medicine specialist leading a perinatal clinic in Grand Rapids, Michigan, noted that studies have connected prenatal cannabis exposure to a heightened risk of attention deficits, impaired impulse control, and compromised visual-motor coordination in children. Additionally, it appears to increase the chances of developing Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) during middle childhood.
She further added that there is emerging evidence suggesting a higher propensity for anxiety and depression in children who were exposed to cannabis before birth.
Dr. Poland pointed out that as cannabis becomes more socially accepted and accessible, a misconception arises that its use carries less risk, leading to increased consumption. This trend is particularly concerning given that THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the primary psychoactive component in cannabis, has seen a three-to-fourfold increase in potency over recent decades.
“It’s critical to understand that THC readily crosses the placenta and accumulates in fetal tissues, particularly the developing brain,” Dr. Poland emphasized. “Consequently, even minimal exposure today could pose a greater risk than in the past due to higher potency.”
She concluded by stating, “Currently, there is no scientific evidence to confirm the safety of any amount of cannabis during pregnancy; therefore, complete abstinence remains the safest option.”