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Give Your Baby the Best Start

No amount or type of cannabis is safe to use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding/chestfeeding. There are a lot of myths and misinformation about using marijuana during pregnancy and while breast/chestfeeding. Even though marijuana is a plant and may be perceived as a safe, natural substance, it contains a powerful psychoactive compound called THC (tetrahydrocannabinol).

Cannabis is not a treatment for morning sickness.

Ask a healthcare provider about recommended options to feel better. 

Legal for adults doesn’t mean safe for babies.

Whether you smoke, vape or eat cannabis products, they can transmit dangerous chemicals to your baby.

Marijuana can actually trigger anxiety, depression, and psychosis in some people.

If you’re experiencing anxiety or depression, which can be common during pregnancy and as a new parent, talk to your healthcare provider for support. Do not use marjuana.

Before Pregnancy

Using cannabis can make it hard to get pregnant by affecting hormones and fertility. Cannabis use can also reduce sperm count.

If you are thinking about getting pregnant, it is recommended to quit using cannabis before trying to conceive. Talk to your healthcare provider to learn more about the risks of marijuana use during pregnancy, as well as safe treatment options.

Effects on Baby

Chemicals in marijuana can be passed down to the baby and may cause problems including:

  • limited fetal growth
  • stillbirth
  • low birth weight
  • long-term brain development issues

While Breast/Chestfeeding

There is no known safe amount of cannabis during breast/chestfeeding. THC—the main active component in cannabis—is stored in body fat and slowly released over time, meaning an infant could be exposed to an unknown amount and for an extended period of time. THC may affect a baby’s brain development and result in hyperactivity, poor cognitive function, and other long-term effects.

Talk to your healthcare provider to learn more about the risks of marijuana use during pregnancy and breast/chestfeeding.

Secondhand Smoke

Secondhand smoke is the smoke that other people can inhale when someone nearby is smoking. This means that people who are not smoking are exposed to harmful chemicals.

Secondhand marijuana smoke contains many of the same toxic and cancer-causing chemicals found in tobacco smoke. It is never safe to smoke marijuana around babies or children.

If a child ingests cannabis, get help immediately. Call Poison Control at

1-800-222-1222

If a pet ingests cannabis, call Animal Poison Control at

1-888-426-4435

For more information or to get treatment, visit our Resources page.

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