Cannabis use may affect a person’s health in a variety of ways both during and after their pregnancy.
Give Your Baby the Best Start
No amount or type of cannabis is safe to use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding/chestfeeding.
Health Effects
Morning Sickness
Cannabis is not recommended to treat morning sickness or for medical purposes during pregnancy. Ask a healthcare provider about recommended options to feel better.
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 and long-term brain development issues.
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.
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.
1-800-222-1222If a pet ingests cannabis, call Animal Poison Control.
1-888-426-4435For more information or to get treatment help, visit our Resources page.
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