Cannabis and pregnancy are not typically associated with one another; however, some women report using it during their pregnancy. Here’s the rationale behind this choice.
Pregnancy can be a thrilling period, and regardless of one’s background, most expectant mothers will go to great lengths to safeguard their child. Modern medicine has advanced significantly, and we now understand that there are specific actions women should – and should not – undertake while pregnant.
Although guidelines may differ slightly based on geographical location, certain recommendations are widely recognized – such as refraining from alcohol and drugs during pregnancy.
Nonetheless, the reality can sometimes be more intricate – a situation that Tatiana Sanchez claims to have encountered during her pregnancy.
Cannabis use during pregnancy
She shared with the New York Post that she experienced hyperemesis gravidarum while expecting her son in 2020. The Mayo Clinic describes this condition as a severe variant of morning sickness that can result in considerable fluid loss and a weight reduction exceeding 5% of pre-pregnancy body weight. In certain instances, hospitalization may be necessary.
Sanchez expressed her reluctance to take Zofran – a medication frequently prescribed for hyperemesis gravidarum – because she believed that “the potential risks during the first trimester outweighed the benefits.” Additionally, she mentioned that she could not obtain the medication Diclegis due to supply shortages.
Instead, she opted for a more contentious method – utilizing cannabis.
“I decided to use cannabis out of desperation, as I felt it presented fewer risks than the pharmaceuticals available to me,” she conveyed to the New York Post. “Despite numerous visits to the emergency room and consultations, the assistance I received was limited.
Women who use cannabis while pregnant
Riley Kirk, 31, who serves as the CEO of the Network of Applied Pharmacognosy, is also a cannabis research scientist, educator, and author. She mentioned that she utilized marijuana during her pregnancy to alleviate migraines.
“During my pregnancy, I opted to consume very small amounts of cannabis on only a few occasions to manage my persistent migraines,” she stated.
“Even Zofran, which is designed to dissolve in the mouth, caused me to vomit,” she added.
“Inhaling cannabis vapor was the only method my body could handle, and it provided almost immediate relief,” while she stressed that she does not endorse recreational cannabis use during pregnancy.
Sanchez clarified that her emphasis was “entirely on intentional, minimal, and safe consumption to support my health and my son’s.”
“After extensive trial and error, I discovered that utilizing a high-quality dry herb vaporizer with clean flower, in conjunction with a balanced 1:1 THC-to-CBD tincture, was the most effective approach to manage my symptoms and maintain stability.”
Serious health risks
However, both research and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention caution that cannabis use during pregnancy may present risks. The agency asserts: “The chemicals in cannabis (especially tetrahydrocannabinol or THC) can pass through your system to your baby and may adversely affect your baby’s development.”
“While further research is necessary to gain a clearer understanding of how cannabis may influence you and your baby during pregnancy, it is advised that pregnant women refrain from using cannabis.”
Studies have also associated cannabis use during pregnancy with outcomes such as low birth weight and potential effects on neurological development.
This information is not intended as medical advice. If you have inquiries regarding your pregnancy, please consult your physician.