Cannabis Use Rises Among Pregnant Women

 

Findings from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, which is published annually by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, show that cannabis use is rising among pregnant women, especially during the first trimester - the most critical period of fetal development. Studies report that some women are turning to marijuana during pregnancy to combat issues of stress, anxiety, nausea, lack of sleep, vomiting, and pain.

Marijuana, derived from the cannabis plant, contains two primary compounds - tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CDB). According to medical professionals, these compounds can be described as "siblings" - CDB does not affect the brain or spinal cord, while THC brings on more of a euphoric "high."

According to a recent University of Florida study, approximately 1-in-6 women admitted to using marijuana or a cannabidiol product while pregnant. Half of the users were not aware of the risks. Some may incorrectly assume that marijuana is safe for pregnant women because it's legal in many states and because it's a natural plant-based product, but not all natural products are safe during pregnancy. And the reality is that there are no known safe amounts of cannabit to use in pregnancy.

Health experts warn that today's marijuana contains much higher concentrations of THC and is more more potent than it was in the 1970s. A recent review published this May, which analyzed 51 studies, showed that use of marijuana during pregnancy has been linked to a higher risk of preterm delivery and a 75% higher risk of low birth weight.

To learn more about this study and the risks and possible adverse side effects of marijuana use during pregnancy, click:

https://www.foxnews.com/health/cannabis-use-rises-among-pregnant-women-despite-serious-fetal-risks

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/09/19/health/pregnancy-cannabis-marijuana-guidelines.html 

https://news.ohsu.edu/2025/05/05/evidence-review-raises-concern-about-cannabis-use-in-pregnancy