What effect does cannabis have on pregnant and lactating women?

In recent years, cannabis and cannabis-derived products have become increasingly popular in many forms, especially among young people. In addition to the positive medical use of cannabis, there are still many factors that make cannabis controversial and worrying for consumers. Especially for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Cannabis is a plant species in the family Cannabaceae and contains more than 80 biologically active chemical compounds. The most common compounds found in cannabis are THC and CBD. Each type of cannabis plant contains a different proportion of this ingredient.
Now CBD products can be hidden everywhere. CBD can be found in many different products such as medicines, foods, products marketed as dietary supplements and cosmetics. The FDA has always warned that there can be serious risks to people who are pregnant or breastfeeding using cannabis products.

Women who are pregnant or breast-feeding use marijuana at a higher risk of negative health effects for both mother and baby. Specifically, it affects the brain development of the fetus, because the toxic compounds in marijuana will enter the fetal brain through the mother's blood.
Based on trials using high doses of cannabis and CBD preparations in pregnant animals, which have shown severe damage to the fetal reproductive system. In addition, marijuana is also known to have a tendency to pass to babies through breast milk. Many studies also show that products containing CBD, THC have the potential to be contaminated with dangerous substances (e.g. pesticides, heavy metals, bacteria and fungi) affecting the fetus or nursing baby. . Doctors also warn that marijuana can increase the risk of low birth weight babies, the risk of premature birth and stillbirth is also significantly increased.

While breastfeeding, if the mother uses marijuana, the THC compound will stay in the breast milk for up to six days after use. This compound interferes with a child's brain development, leading to hyperactivity, poor cognitive function and other long-term consequences.
The use of cannabis preparations is associated with risks related to liver damage (hepatotoxicity), drowsiness, and harmful interactions with other drugs. Cannabis smoke also contains many of the same harmful components as tobacco smoke, so it is not advisable to smoke marijuana and other types of tobacco when around children or pregnant women.

FDA has not approved any CBD products except 1 as an adjunct to treat a rare serious seizure disorder in children. It remains unclear whether CBD offers any other benefits. This means we cannot guarantee:
Whether cannabis is safe and effective to treat a particular disease. Use a dose that can be considered safe. How they interact with other drugs or foods. Whether they have dangerous side effects or other safety concerns.

If you are considering using cannabis (or any product containing THC or CBD) whether for medical purposes or for personal pleasure, you should keep the following in mind:
FDA warning strongly that women during pregnancy or breastfeeding should not use marijuana in any form. Although cannabis is marketed in all its forms, keep in mind that the FDA has not approved the use of this substance, with the exception of 1 CBD drug and 2 medical THC-containing prescription drugs. However, all three of these products have inherent risks and side effects. Always talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before taking any medicine, vitamin or herb while pregnant or breastfeeding. Absolutely do not put the health of yourself and children in danger when using illegal cannabis preparations. It can be seen that smoking marijuana has more potential health risks than benefits. Therefore, to ensure the safety of mothers and children, women should stay away from marijuana. If necessary, you can contact your doctor for more specific advice.

Source: fda.gov