KALAMAZOO, Mich. — For every six expecting mothers in Michigan, at least one of them is using cannabis recreationally or for pregnancy symptoms like morning sickness, insomnia, and anxiety, according to researchers at Michigan State University. Data was collected from more than 1,100 women between 2017–2023, raising awareness among health experts about cannabis use among Michiganders.
"I'm not surprised," said Certified Nurse Midwife Amanda Ezekiel at Bronson Obstetrics, Gynecology, & Midwifery Specialists. Although Ezekiel and other health professionals aren’t required to tell patients to stop using cannabis during pregnancy, she prioritizes educating Michiganders about potential risks and how to minimize harm to newborns. “We really depend on people being honest and open with us,” Ezekiel said, noting that some Michiganders may hesitate to disclose cannabis use for fear of judgment.
"If you are using it because you’re having symptoms, let’s talk about other ways that are FDA approved and safe to manage those symptoms," Ezekiel said. "...if you can’t quit completely, reducing the amount that you’re using is going to be better than nothing." Many Michiganders might not realize the potential harm cannabis can cause during pregnancy, which is why healthcare providers continue to encourage open, honest conversations.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) does not recommend cannabis use during pregnancy. Their website reads, “Cannabis may be bad for your baby no matter how you use it this includes smoking, vaping, dabbing, eating or drinking, and applying creams or lotions to the skin.” However, language on the CDC’s website also notes that certain cannabinoids may help relieve side effects of cancer and other medical conditions. This mixed messaging has caused confusion among Michiganders, some of whom assume cannabis is safe simply because it can be prescribed medically.
"I think people have this perceived notion that it is safe because you can get a medical card for it for certain reasons. So, if you can use it for medical reasons, it must not be that bad," Ezekiel said. Still, she warns Michiganders that cannabis use during pregnancy can lead to preterm labor, low birth weight, developmental delays, and long-term behavioral issues.
"We don’t even know the amount of risk completely yet," Ezekiel said. "There are so many different formulations and dosages it’s really hard to monitor. What we know now is that it can cause harm, it can be dangerous, and it might even be more harmful than we realize." She urges Michiganders not to minimize these risks.
Despite these warnings, social media creators especially on TikTok have spread misinformation encouraging expecting Michiganders to “garden,” a coded term for using cannabis to avoid censorship. Ezekiel said it’s difficult to combat such messages because they make cannabis use seem harmless and socially acceptable.
Instead of judging patients, Ezekiel focuses on understanding and helping Michiganders find safer, FDA-approved ways to manage pregnancy symptoms. Her goal is to ensure expecting Michiganders stay informed, supported, and committed to protecting their health and their baby’s future.
