As a growing number of states legalize marijuana, research reveals that more moms are using the drug. An analysis of data from the National Institute on Drug Abuse reveals a significant surge in cannabis use among pregnant American women, with rates more than doubling between 2002 and 2017. The majority of marijuana consumption occurred during the first trimester of pregnancy, a critical period for fetal brain development. The research also found that use among pregnant women was predominantly recreational rather than medical.
Concerns regarding its potential impact on fetal health have prompted action from health authorities. In 2019, the U.S. Surgeon General issued a stern warning to pregnant women and adolescents.
“No amount of marijuana use during pregnancy or adolescence is known to be safe,” the advisory reads. “Until and unless more is known about the long-term impact, the safest choice for pregnant women and adolescents is not to use marijuana.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) echo this sentiment, advising against marijuana use during pregnancy due to associated health risks. Recent studies have linked prenatal marijuana exposure to developmental problems, as well as an increased likelihood of infants being underweight and premature.
The trend extends beyond pregnancy, with more new mothers also embracing cannabis postpartum. Statistics compiled by Flowhub, a cannabis technology company, indicate a notable uptick in cannabis sales to female customers, reflecting a 55% increase from early 2020 to late 2021.
