Sara Dugan, Pharm.D., BCPP, BCPS and Stacey Gardner-Buckshaw, Ph.D., MPA

Cannabis and Pain Management Advice for Pregnant Women – Exploratory Study

Cannabis is the most widely used illicit substance among pregnant individuals, with reported use ranging from 3.9% to 16% in the U.S. and even higher among young adults or those using cannabis to alleviate nausea. Further, recent negative political and media attention towards Acetaminophen may motivate pregnant individuals to use cannabis as an alternative to treat pain. And as recreational cannabis legalization is growing across states, perceived risk of harm during pregnancy is declining among patients. Since THC and CBD cross the placenta—and possibly accumulate in fetal tissues—the American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists (ACOG), CDC, and American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) strongly advise against cannabis use during pregnancy and lactation to protect the fetus and infant from harm and death. Yet, per patient report, dispensaries claim cannabis is safe for use during pregnancy, post-partum, and when lactating.

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