Are you pregnant, considering pregnancy, or breastfeeding?

Do you know that the use of cannabis may not be safe for your baby?

Did you know?

Cannabis in all forms, and no matter how it is used, may affect your baby’s brain development and may result in learning and behavioural issues that last throughout their life. Read More

Effects on your baby

Some studies have shown that the use of cannabis during pregnancy and when breastfeeding may result in fetal growth and development issues. Read More

Alternative options

There are alternatives to using cannabis during pregnancy for treating morning sickness, anxiety, or pain. Please speak to your health care provider about your other options. Read More

With the new legalization of cannabis in Canada, being aware of the potentially harmful effects of cannabis on a healthy pregnancy and your baby’s development is important.

While research still doesn’t give us all the answers about the effects of cannabis or CBD on pregnancy and the baby’s development, for now, the only safe amount of cannabis to use while pregnant or breastfeeding is zero.

Why take the chance?

There is not enough clinical evidence to accurately determine the benefits or risks of using cannabis while pregnant or when breastfeeding. Among other reasons, there aren’t standard levels of THC (the main, active ingredient) in cannabis.

Pregnant and breastfeeding women may be hesitant to report if they use and how often they use cannabis, and it is very difficult to factor out the effects of also using tobacco while pregnant or when breastfeeding.

Until we have more definitive answers, not using cannabis or CBD during pregnancy or when breastfeeding is the safest option for you and your baby.


Fast Facts


Just because cannabis is legal doesn’t necessarily mean it’s safe to use during pregnancy or when breastfeeding.

Cannabis is the most commonly used recreational drug among pregnant women.

70% of pregnant women believe there is a “slight risk” or “no risk” of harm from using cannabis once or twice a week during pregnancy.

There are over 400 active chemicals in cannabis, some of which may be harmful to your fetus.

THC crosses the placenta and may impact fetal development. THC also accumulates in breast milk, which may also affect your baby.

Cannabis potency has increased in the past 30 years. Today, a fetus is exposed to more THC (the main, active ingredient in cannabis). THC concentration was 3.2% in 1983, 13% in 2008, and averaged between 13 and 23% in 2016.


Effects on your baby:

Cannabis in all forms may affect your baby's brain development and may result in learning and behavioural issues that last throughout their life. Some studies have shown that the use of cannabis during pregnancy, and while breastfeeding, may be associated with increased risk for the following issues:

  • Low birth weight
  • Preterm labour
  • Long-term health problems related to cardiovascular and mental health
  • Short- and long-term learning, development, and behavioural issues including low IQ scores, impulsivity and hyperactivity in childhood, some of which may persist into adulthood.

We’re working hard to understand the science, but we’re just not there yet. Not using cannabis during pregnancy and while breastfeeding is the safest option for you and your baby until we know more.


The SOGC would like your feedback! Please take this short survey.


Take Survey

Alternative options

Some alternatives to cannabis for use in treating morning sickness during pregnancy include:

  • Eating small meals or snacks often so your stomach doesn't get empty
  • Eating a few dry crackers or salty potato chips to settle your stomach
  • Staying hydrated and not skipping meals

To learn more, please visit: Nausea and Vomiting


If you are using medical cannabis, or considering using cannabis during pregnancy to manage nausea, anxiety or pain, we encourage you to speak to your health care provider to discuss your situation and to explore your options.


view our full website

Resources


Cannabis, Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Infographic

FAQ: Cannabis, Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Cannabis and Breastfeeding Don’t Mix Posters