Among cannabis observers, the issue of cannabis use during pregnancy is one of the most sensitive subjects out there for obvious reasons.
Expecting mothers want to do what is best for their developing baby, and as any expecting mother will tell you, it involves a comprehensive strategy.
It is recommended that pregnant mothers-to-be consume a whole host of things while refraining from consuming other things.
For some women, refraining from consuming cannabis is an easy choice, however, for some mothers that are medical cannabis patients, refraining from use is a much more difficult decision to make.
Cannabis and Neonatal Health
One of the most comprehensive studies involving cannabis and pregnancy took place in Jamaica where children were evaluated five years after their birth.
In that study, researchers concluded that, “results show no significant differences in developmental testing outcomes between children of marijuana-using and non-using mothers except at 30 days of age when the babies of users had more favourable scores on two clusters of the Brazelton Scales: autonomic stability and reflexes.”
The results of another study were recently released in which researchers explored cannabis reform and neonatal health to see if there was any correlation.
“There is no statistically significant effect of MMLs (medical marijuana laws) on the proportion of newborn hospitalizations with prenatal exposure to noxious substances, neonatal drug withdrawal syndrome, fetal alcohol syndrome, slow growth, respiratory conditions, feeding problems, congenital abnormalities, low gestational age, low birth weight, or very low birth weight. Likewise, RMLs (recreational marijuana laws) appear to have no effect on these outcomes.” the researchers stated.
Talk to Your Doctor
I want to be clear that in no way, shape, or form am I encouraging pregnant women to consume cannabis. That is an entirely personal decision.
It’s also a personal decision that must incorporate advice from licensed medical professionals.
If you are pregnant or are trying to get pregnant and you are a cannabis consumer, you need to weigh all of the factors and do what is best for your situation.
If you are able to refrain from consuming cannabis, do it. If you are a suffering patient and going without medicine is worse than consuming it according to your doctor, proceed accordingly based on your doctor’s advice.
