Cannabis and Pregnancy: What Are the Risks?
No, it is not safe to use cannabis during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Current medical guidance strongly recommends avoiding cannabis due to risks to fetal development, birth outcomes, and infant health.
Why Cannabis Use During Pregnancy Is Not Recommended
Cannabis is the most commonly used controlled substance among pregnant women, and research has found possible or likely associations between cannabis use and risks to both the parent and the developing baby. The active compound THC can cross the placenta, meaning that when you consume cannabis, your baby is exposed to it too. This exposure can interfere with fetal brain development and increase the likelihood of complications such as low birth weight and preterm birth.
Current medical understanding is clear: there is no known safe level of cannabis use during pregnancy. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that women avoid cannabis while trying to get pregnant, during pregnancy, and while breastfeeding. This guidance is echoed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which warns that cannabis use during pregnancy may harm a developing fetus.
How Cannabis Affects Fetal Development
The endocannabinoid system plays a key role in brain development. THC from cannabis can disrupt this system, potentially leading to long-term effects on a child’s cognitive function, behavior, and mental health. Studies have suggested associations between prenatal cannabis exposure and:
- Attention problems and hyperactivity in childhood
- Lower scores on memory and reasoning tasks
- Increased risk of mood disorders and substance use later in life
These risks are not guaranteed for every child, but the evidence is strong enough that medical experts advise erring on the side of caution. If you live in neighborhoods like Back Bay, Beacon Hill, or South End, where access to dispensaries is convenient, it’s still important to remember that no dispensary product is considered safe for use during pregnancy.
Cannabis and Breastfeeding: What You Need to Know
THC can also pass into breast milk, meaning that breastfeeding while using cannabis exposes your baby to the compound. Research is limited, but THC has been detected in breast milk for up to six days after a single use, and regular use can lead to higher concentrations. Possible effects on the nursing infant may include:
- Sedation or drowsiness
- Poor feeding and slow weight gain
- Delayed motor development
The safest choice is to avoid cannabis entirely while breastfeeding. If you are seeking relief from postpartum anxiety or sleep issues, talk to your healthcare provider about alternatives that are safe for you and your baby. Many resources are available in areas like Fenway, Dorchester, and Cambridge to support maternal health.
What About Using Cannabis for Morning Sickness or Anxiety?
Some people turn to cannabis to manage pregnancy-related symptoms like nausea, anxiety, or trouble sleeping. However, there are no studies showing that cannabis is safe for these uses during pregnancy. In fact, the risks to the baby outweigh any potential benefit to the parent. Safer, well-studied treatments are available — your obstetrician or midwife can help you find options that work.
If you are considering cannabis for anxiety or sleep, keep in mind that non-cannabis approaches may be more appropriate during this time. For those who are not pregnant or breastfeeding, our team at Primitiv on 200 High St, Boston, MA 02110 can discuss the use of cannabis for anxiety or cannabis for sleep in a general context — but during pregnancy, the best advice is to avoid it entirely.
Cannabis in pregnancy
Cannabis consumption in pregnancy is a significant public health concern, as research has identified possible links between use and adverse outcomes in cognitive development, mental health, physical health, and lactation. It is the most commonly used controlled substance among pregnant women, and it increases the risk of fertility problems in both men and women, fetal development issues, and negative birth outcomes. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists advises women to avoid cannabis while trying to conceive, during pregnancy, and while breastfeeding. If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, the safest choice is to refrain from cannabis entirely and discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider.
Directions to our dispensary in Boston from Exchange Coffee House, Boston
Start at Exchange Coffee House, Boston and head to Primitiv at 200 High St, Boston, MA 02110.
What to Do If You Are Pregnant and Using Cannabis
If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant and currently use cannabis, the most important step is to talk openly with your healthcare provider. They can offer non-judgmental support and connect you with resources to help you stop. Abruptly stopping may be challenging, especially if you have been using cannabis regularly, but your provider can guide you through a plan that prioritizes your health and your baby’s health.
For additional context on cannabis use in Massachusetts, you may find it helpful to review cannabis laws in Massachusetts or learn about the benefits of a medical cannabis card — but remember, these do not apply to use during pregnancy. The priority is always safety for you and your child.
Where to Find Help in Boston
Boston offers many support services for pregnant and breastfeeding individuals. Whether you are in North End, South End, or Somerville, you can find:
- Prenatal care providers who can discuss cannabis use and offer cessation support
- Lactation consultants who can help with breastfeeding challenges without cannabis
- Mental health professionals who specialize in perinatal care
If you have questions about cannabis in general — such as what to expect at a Boston dispensary or whether dispensaries can deliver — feel free to reach out to us at Primitiv. But for pregnancy-related concerns, your healthcare provider is the best first step.
Final Thoughts: Safety First
The bottom line is that current medical understanding strongly advises against cannabis use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The risks to fetal development, birth outcomes, and infant health are well-documented, and there is no proven safe amount. If you are looking for a Boston dispensary for non-pregnancy use, we welcome you to visit Primitiv at 200 High St. But if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, the safest choice is to avoid cannabis entirely and consult your healthcare provider for support.
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Also asked as
- Is it safe to use weed while pregnant?
- Can I smoke cannabis while breastfeeding?
- What are the risks of cannabis use during pregnancy?
Frequently asked questions
Can I use CBD products during pregnancy?
CBD products are not recommended during pregnancy either. CBD can also cross the placenta, and there is not enough research to confirm safety. The FDA advises against using any cannabis-derived products while pregnant or breastfeeding.
Is it safe to use cannabis while trying to get pregnant?
No. Cannabis use may affect fertility in both men and women, and it is best to stop before trying to conceive. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends avoiding cannabis when planning a pregnancy.
What if I used cannabis before I knew I was pregnant?
If you used cannabis before knowing you were pregnant, stop as soon as you find out and talk to your healthcare provider. They can offer reassurance and monitor your pregnancy. Avoid using cannabis for the remainder of the pregnancy.
Can edibles or topicals be safer during pregnancy?
No form of cannabis — smoking, vaping, edibles, or topicals — has been proven safe during pregnancy. THC can still enter the bloodstream and reach the baby regardless of the method.
Where can I get help to stop using cannabis during pregnancy?
Your OB-GYN or midwife can provide resources and referrals. Many hospitals in Boston, including those near Back Bay and Cambridge, offer substance use support programs for pregnant women.