Cannabis Information for U of A Students
SIHA
Lower risk guidelines / Cannabis & Pregnancy
CANNABIS & PREGNANCY
Maternal Health Outcomes
Did you know? Using cannabis while pregnant can increase your odds of having anemia. In fact, anemia is the most widely discussed maternal outcome in cannabis-pregnancy studies (1, 3)
Fetal Health Outcomes
Immediate outcomes
Fetuses of mothers who used cannabis during pregnancy have:
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Low birth weights (1, 2)
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More likely need placements in neotensive care units (1, 2)
Long term outcomes
Children of mothers who used cannabis during pregnancy have:
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Increased rates of delinquency (3)
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Increased rates of depressive symptoms (3)
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Decreased neurocognitive functioning including attention deficits, increased impulsivity and poorer school performance (1, 3)
Cannabis Use in Breastfeeding
THC has a tendency to concentrate in breast milk due to its affinity for high fat substances. When it is passed to the baby, it can be stored in the baby's tissues for several weeks (4)
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Infants exposed to THC through breast milk may experience increased tremors, slow weight gain and poor feeding in their first month of life (4)
Page References:
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Lower-Risk Cannabis Use Guidelines: A Comprehensive Update of Evidence and Recommendations (American Journal of Public Health) (2017). Access here
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Prenatal exposure to cannabis and maternal and child health outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis (BMJ). Access here
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The effects of prenatal marijuana exposure on delinquent behaviors are mediated by measures of neurocognitive functioning (Neurotoxicology and Teratology Journal) (2011). Access here
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Marijuana, Reproduction, & Pregnancy (Learn About Marijuana Fact Sheet) (2015). Access here