Cannabis and Parenting - What You Should Know

A growing number of Americans consume cannabis (often referred to as marijuana or weed) regularly. While cannabis is not legal federally, there are many states that allow medicinal and/or recreational use for adults. However, cannabis use during pregnancy and breastfeeding, as well as around your child, can have long-lasting effects on their health and well-being. 

 Cannabis can be consumed through smoking, eating, or drinking. When you consume cannabis, it reaches the brain (through inhalation and your bloodstream). THC, the active chemical in cannabis, can be passed from your blood to the baby through the umbilical cord. While the effects of cannabis use during pregnancy are still being studied, some research suggests it can cause low birth weight, premature birth, and even intellectual disabilities. According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), there is no safe time to consume cannabis during pregnancy. Medical marijuana is no safer than recreational marijuana. 

 It’s safest to not to use cannabis while breastfeeding or pumping. THC is stored in fat and released over time, meaning it could still be in your breastmilk after you stop using. 

 It is generally a good idea to avoid using cannabis while caring for your child. Getting high slows your coordination and impacts judgement - these affect the skills needed to parent. If you use cannabis regularly, your dose needed to feel a high could increase. This can impact you financially as well. If you choose to use cannabis products, there are things you can do to protect your child, like using outside of your home, when you have childcare, or once your child is sound asleep. Secondhand smoke from cannabis can be harmful as well. It has many of the same chemicals as tobacco smoke. It is important to avoid smoking inside your home (and especially around your child) so they do not experience a contact high. If you think you may have a problem with your cannabis consumption, you can reach SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). They are available 24/7 for free, confidential treatment referral and information service.