Marijuana and Pregnancy

Medical marijuana is legal in Oklahoma, but this does not mean it is safe. You should not use marijuana while you are pregnant, just like you should not use alcohol and tobacco.

No amount of marijuana has been proven safe to use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. In 2018, the American Academy of Pediatrics released its first clinical report, advising women who are pregnant or nursing to avoid marijuana use because it isn’t safe for them or their children. In addition, The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologist discourages marijuana use during pregnancy and lactation. The report from the Committee on Obstetric Practice can be found here.

Fact Sheet: Marijuana and Your Baby

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 (when a baby doesn’t gain the appropriate amount of weight before birth)
A greater risk of stillbirth
Preterm birth (being born before 37 weeks of gestation)
Low birth weight
Long-term brain development issues affecting memory, learning, and behavior

Breastfeeding has many health benefits for both the baby and the mother. But THC in marijuana gets into breast milk and may affect your baby.

Because THC is stored in body fat, it stays in your body for a long time. A baby’s brain and body are made with a lot of fat. Since your baby’s brain and body may store THC for a long time, you should not use marijuana while you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Breast milk also contains a lot of fat. This means that “pumping and dumping” your breast milk may not work the same way it does with alcohol. Alcohol is not stored in fat so it leaves your body faster.

Being high while caring for a baby is not safe. Do not let anyone who is high take care of your baby.
Some marijuana can make people feel very sleepy when they are high. It is not safe for your baby to sleep with you, especially if you are high.
If you plan to use marijuana, make sure there is another person who can safely care for your baby.
It is not safe or legal to drive a car while high. Do not let your baby ride in a car if the driver is high.
All marijuana products must use the universal symbol on packaging and edible products. Be sure to teach your kids not to eat or drink anything with this symbol.

For help finding treatment referrals, call 211.

Contact Information

Mailing Address:
Oklahoma State Department of Health
Injury Prevention Service
123 Robert S. Kerr Ave., Suite 1702
Oklahoma City, OK 73102-6406

Physical Address:
Oklahoma State Department of Health
Injury Prevention Service
123 Robert S. Kerr Ave.
Oklahoma City, OK

Telephone: (405) 426-8440
Fax: (405) 900-7588
Email: injury@health.ok.gov

Marijuana and Pregnancy

Health Effects of Marijuana During Pregnancy

Marijuana and Breastfeeding

FAQs

For help finding treatment referrals, call 211.

Contact Information