The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) has released new, evidence-based recommendations urging women who are pregnant or breastfeeding to avoid using cannabis, according to a recent CNN report. The organization’s guidance reflects growing concerns about the rise in pregnancy cannabis use across the United States.
As cannabis becomes more accessible and normalized, experts cited in the article noted that pregnancy cannabis use may have doubled between 2002 and 2017. Although earlier studies have suggested that cannabis use during pregnancy may not significantly increase the risk of birth defects, new evidence highlights that exposure to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) — the psychoactive compound in cannabis — can pass through the placenta and even into breast milk.
According to ACOG, this pregnancy cannabis exposure has been linked to several adverse outcomes, including low birth weight, increased rates of neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admissions, attention deficit disorders, memory problems, intellectual disabilities, and higher perinatal mortality rates. These findings have pushed medical experts to emphasize the importance of clearer communication between clinicians and patients regarding the risks associated with pregnancy cannabis use.
The ACOG guidelines, published in Obstetrics & Gynecology, aim to standardize how doctors discuss the dangers of pregnancy cannabis and breastfeeding-related cannabis exposure with their patients. The recommendations call for clinicians to adopt compassionate, nonjudgmental approaches when addressing the topic of pregnancy cannabis use.
Rather than relying solely on biological testing, healthcare providers are encouraged to engage patients through supportive interviews or self-reporting methods to determine cannabis use before, during, and after pregnancy. This approach helps build trust and encourages honesty two critical elements in effectively reducing pregnancy cannabis use.
ACOG also emphasizes that conversations about pregnancy cannabis should avoid punitive language or judgmental tones. The goal is to empower patients with knowledge, not penalize them. By creating an open dialogue, clinicians can tailor their care to the specific needs of each expectant mother while helping them make informed decisions about their health and their baby’s well-being.
Ultimately, the organization’s message is clear: pregnancy cannabis poses potential risks that far outweigh any perceived benefits. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid cannabis in all forms whether smoked, vaped, or consumed as edibles. With these updated recommendations, ACOG hopes to reduce pregnancy cannabis use and protect both mothers and infants from preventable complications.
As awareness grows and more research emerges, public health experts continue to stress that avoiding pregnancy cannabis is one of the safest choices expectant and new mothers can make.
