Marijuana & Pregnancy

Is Marijuana Safe During Pregnancy?

Many people search online for answers about using cannabis while pregnant, whether it’s smoking weed, vaping THC products, or taking edibles for morning sickness.

But marijuana use during pregnancy may harm your baby’s health and development. Everything that you eat, drink, or smoke crosses the placenta and reaches your baby through the umbilical cord.

This includes:

Smoking marijuana
Vaping THC products
Using Delta-8 products
Using hemp oil
Taking THC gummies or other edibles (brownies, cookies, drinks, etc.)
Using cannabis oils, dabs, or concentrates

Legal ≠ Safe

Even though medical marijuana is legal in West Virginia, that doesn’t mean it is safe if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. THC, the chemical in cannabis that makes you feel high, can cross the placenta and reach the fetus. Additionally, the use of CBD products (with or without THC) has exploded in popularity for various medical conditions, yet there is little known about the long-term effects of CBD used during pregnancy.

Studies show that marijuana use during pregnancy may be harmful to a baby’s health and cause a variety of problems, including:

Fetal Growth Restriction

Baby is smaller than it should be because it did not grow at the rate it should have in the womb.

Preterm Birth

Baby is born early, before 37 weeks of gestation.

Risk of Stillbirth

Death or loss of baby before delivery.

Long-term Brain Development Issues

Baby may have learning, memory or behavioral concerns.

What is THC?

THC is the chemical in marijuana that causes a high. It is psychoactive, which means it changes how your brain works. THC is found in:

Marijuana plants
THC Vapes
Delta-8 products
Cannabis edibles and gummies
Some CBD Products

Today’s marijuana is often 5-10x stronger than it used to be. Some products may also contain chemicals, synthetic cannabinoids, or ingredients.

Many people do not know exactly what is in the products they use or their potential risks.

THC is THC

Smoking it, vaping it, or eating it may seem different — but THC still reaches your baby during pregnancy.

“Natural”, “Organic” & “Legal” Do Not Mean Safe During Pregnancy

Some marijuana products are marketed as:

Natural
Organic
Medical
Alternatives for stress or nausea

But, marijuana is not safe to use during pregnancy. Doctors and health experts warn that THC can affect your baby’s brain and body while they are growing.

Cannabis products may also contain:

High levels of concentrated THC
Synthetic or semi-synthetic cannabinoids
Unknown chemicals or contaminants
Ingredients not listed on the label

Even marijuana products sold legally in dispensaries may contain high levels of THC or other chemicals that can affect your baby during pregnancy.

You May Not Know What’s in the Cannabis You Use

Some marijuana and THC products can contain unknown chemicals, additives, or very high amounts of THC.

Risks of Cannabis Use During Pregnancy

Marijuana use during pregnancy may increase the risk for the mother and the child.

Risks to the baby:

Low birth weight
Premature birth
Risk of stillbirth
Disruption to healthy brain development
Problems with learning and attention
Memory and behavior problems later in childhood

THC may also continue to affect babies after birth, especially as their brains continue to grow and develop during infancy and childhood.

Risks to the mother:

Lapses in judgment and decision-making
Dizziness, which raises the risk of falls
High blood pressure
Severe uncontrollable nausea
Preeclampsia
Placental abruption[

Your Baby’s Brain Is Still Growing

THC can affect brain development throughout pregnancy.

Is Vaping Marijuana Safer During Pregnancy?

No. Some people believe vaping marijuana is safer than smoking weed during pregnancy. But THC vapes still expose both mother and baby to THC and other harmful substances.

THC vape products may contain:

Very high, concentrated levels of THC
Chemical additives
Heavy Metals
Synthetic cannabinoids

Vaping THC while pregnant still carries risks for you and your baby.

Vaping Is Not Risk-Free

THC vapes and cannabis pens may contain harmful chemicals in addition to THC.

Using Marijuana for Morning Sickness, Anxiety, Stress, or Pain?

Some pregnant women use marijuana to help with:

Morning sickness
Anxiety
Stress
Depression
Trouble sleeping
Chronic pain

You are not alone. Pregnancy can be stressful and overwhelming. But there are safer treatments available for nausea, anxiety, and mental health during pregnancy. Talk with your doctor, nurse, or prenatal care provider about safe options and support.

There Are Safer Ways to Feel Better

Your doctor or prenatal care provider can help you find safer treatments for nausea, anxiety, stress, and sleep problems during pregnancy.

You Deserve Help, Not Judgment

If you’re using marijuana and want help cutting back or stopping, support is available.

You deserve:

Honest information
Respectful care
Mental health support
Treatment and recovery services
Help without shame or judgment

Healthcare providers, treatment programs, and recovery services are there to help you and your baby – not shame you. Asking for help is a healthy choice for you and your baby.

You Are Not Alone

Many families across West Virginia are facing the same questions and challenges.

Real Support for West Virginia Families

Families across West Virginia are navigating these same questions every day. You are not alone, and there are people who care about your health and your baby’s future.

Whether you’re thinking about quitting, looking for answers, or supporting someone you love, help is available.

Learn More. Get Support. Talk to Someone You Trust.

Your doctor or OB-GYN
Prenatal care providers
Mental health professionals
Substance use treatment programs
Recovery support services

Help is available for you and your family. West Virginia has specialized programs to help pregnant and postpartum women, including those experiencing mental health conditions and substance use disorders.

For a list and contact information of Drug Free Moms and Babies locations across the state, click here.