Cannabis use during Pregnancy or Breastfeeding
- Tammy Johnson, PMHNP-BC
- Feb 10
- 2 min read
Despite growing perceptions of cannabis as a benign remedy, significant risks to your baby are emerging—especially in states like Oregon and Colorado where use is legal and widespread.
1. Data Shows Real Risk
The Colorado Department of Health and Environment found 5.5 % of pregnant individuals reported using cannabis, with 5.0% using it while breastfeeding
Prenatal use was associated with a 50% greater likelihood of low birth weight, independent of tobacco exposure
Cannabis-related pregnancy hospitalizations doubled from 2011 to 2018 in Colorado, coinciding with increased access via dispensaries
2. THC Crosses to Your Baby
THC travels across the placenta into fetal circulation, risking potential impairment of neurodevelopment
It also accumulates in breast milk and can linger in body fat for weeks
“Pumping and dumping” doesn’t significantly reduce transfer—THC stays in your system long after use
3. Developmental and Behavioral Impacts
In utero exposure is linked to:
Lower birth weight
Small head circumference, preterm birth, and fetal growth restriction
Increased NICU admissions
Long-term concerns include problems with attention, executive function, memory, language, and behavior, sometimes persisting into adolescence .
4. Breastfeeding Risks
THC enters breast milk and may influence brain and motor development—as evidenced by decreased motor skills in infants at age one
Major medical bodies like ACOG, CDC, and AAP recommend complete abstinence from cannabis during breastfeeding
5. What You Can Do Instead
Talk openly with healthcare providers about safe treatment alternatives for morning sickness, anxiety, or pain.
Consider CBT, prenatal yoga, ginger, vitamin B6, or prescribed medications that have been proven safe in pregnancy.
Seek support from resources like Project Nurture on the Health Share Oregon website and your provider
Tammy Johnson, PMHNP, PMH-C has a passion for working with immigrant and underserved communities stemming from her personal background and years spent volunteering with Hispanic, Asian, and rural populations. She is an active supporter of the ACLU. In her free time she is a devoted animal lover and proud mom of two dogs and a cat.
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