by Anne Eglash MD, IBCLC, FABM
Is marijuana safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding? The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology published its Committee Opinion Number 722 In October 2017, entitled ‘Marijuana Use during Pregnancy and Lactation’.
According to this opinion, marijuana is the most common illicit drug used during pregnancy. The authors point out that the effects of marijuana on the fetus during pregnancy may be compounded by the negative effects of poverty, malnutrition, lower socioeconomic status, and intimate partner violence.
Fetal brain development includes receptors for our natural human endo-cannabinoids, and marijuana exposure effects those receptors, disrupting fetal brain development. Studies show that children with prenatal marijuana exposure have a risk of impaired cognition, behavioral problems, and higher risk for marijuana abuse.
What do you think are true statements according to ACOG, about marijuana use and pregnancy/lactation? Choose one or more:
- The rate of marijuana use during pregnancy is as high as 15-28% among young, urban, and economically disadvantaged groups of women.
- It can take 30 days to completely excrete marijuana in heavy users.
- There is insufficient data on the effects of marijuana use during breastfeeding.
- Marijuana use during breastfeeding is discouraged.
- Pregnant women found to be using marijuana during pregnancy ought to be reported to authorities because in the USA, use during pregnancy is criminal, often resulting in civil penalties.
See the Answer
Answers: A,B,C, and D (not E)
Marijuana Use During Pregnancy and Lactation
ACOG Committee Opinion Number 722, October 2017
ABSTRACT: Cannabis sativa (marijuana) is the illicit drug most commonly used during pregnancy. The self-reported prevalence of marijuana use during pregnancy ranges from 2% to 5% in most studies. A growing number of states are legalizing marijuana for medicinal or recreational purposes, and its use by pregnant women could increase even further as a result. Because of concerns regarding impaired neurodevelopment, as well as maternal and fetal exposure to the adverse effects of smoking, women who are pregnant or contemplating pregnancy should be encouraged to discontinue marijuana use. Obstetrician–gynecologists should be discouraged from prescribing or suggesting the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes during preconception, pregnancy, and lactation. Pregnant women or women contemplating pregnancy should be encouraged to discontinue use of marijuana for medicinal purposes in favor of an alternative therapy for which there are better pregnancy-specific safety data. There are insufficient data to evaluate the effects of marijuana use on infants during lactation and breastfeeding, and in the absence of such data, marijuana use is discouraged
Milk Mob Comment by Anne Eglash MD, IBCLC, FABM
Most if not all major health organizations agree that mothers should avoid marijuana during breastfeeding. I personally tell my patients that their infants are learning at a fast and furious pace, and it would make sense that learning could be impaired when stoned. We just don’t have evidence that it is safe to smoke marijuana during breastfeeding.
The Colorado Public Health Department has a nice handout on marijuana use during pregnancy and lactation.
ACOG states that obtaining medical care during pregnancy should not expose a woman to criminal or civil penalties for marijuana use. ‘Drug enforcement policies that deter women from seeking prenatal care are contrary to the welfare of the mother and fetus’.
Pat Young
I think the information on the use of mj in pregnancy and lactation is quietly hidden in the US. Damage the fetus’s brain during pregnancy and follow- up with further damage during lactation. All I see is generations of impaired adults, that aren’t fixable.
Linda Hill
I agree 100% and appreciate you putting this out there! I know it is a heated debate among LC’s and hope you don’t get a bunch of back lash!