Study finds that marijuana can harm or even kill developing babies in the womb.

Concerns Around Cannabis Use During Pregnancy

A systematic review published in Jama Pediatrics recently highlighted significant risks associated with cannabis use during pregnancy. The review, which examined 51 studies, indicated that using cannabis could lead to over 21 million early births, low birth weights, and smaller babies, raising concerns about an increased likelihood of miscarriage.

Researchers noted a marked rise in the self-reported use of both medical and non-medical marijuana among pregnant women in the United States. Interestingly, this rate has more than doubled over the last two decades. The trends suggest that usage is continuing to rise despite warnings from obstetrics experts.

Data from various studies show that the prevalence of marijuana use during pregnancy typically ranges from about 2% to 5%, but it soars to between 15% and 28% among younger, urban, and economically disadvantaged women.

According to researchers from Oregon Health & Science University, marijuana is the most commonly used illegal substance during pregnancy. Concerns center around tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC – the main psychoactive component of cannabis – which appears to bind to receptors in the developing fetus, potentially causing harm.

Existing research has linked maternal cannabis use to numerous negative outcomes, such as stunted fetal growth and impaired coordination in children exposed in utero. However, the study’s authors remarked on a troubling trend: healthcare providers have not consistently addressed cannabis use during prenatal visits. This is, at least partially, a reflection of unclear or mixed evidence regarding its safety.

Jamie Law, the lead author and an associate professor at OHSU, expressed the need for clearer guidance: “It’s best not to be exposed to THC.” She noted that many women seek assurance about the safety of cannabis, often assuming it’s harmless until proven otherwise.

As rates of prenatal cannabis usage climb, the demand for research-backed recommendations on its safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding is becoming increasingly urgent. The researchers analyzed data to better understand the associated risks and provide informed advice to expectant mothers.

The findings include alarming statistics: prenatal cannabis use is linked to a 52% higher risk of preterm births and a 75% higher likelihood of low birth weights. Additionally, the risk of infant mortality associated with cannabis use during pregnancy is estimated to be 29% higher.

Further supporting these concerns, a separate study featured in the American Journal of Physiology suggested that cannabis use during pregnancy could harm lung development in babies, potentially leading to asthma and chronic respiratory issues later in life.

Beyond risks to newborns, cannabis use has also been connected with various health issues in adults, including cancer. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it raises the risk for conditions like stroke and heart disease, as well as causing mental health challenges such as depression and schizophrenia.