Medical Disclaimer: This information is educational only and does not constitute medical advice. Cannabis affects everyone differently. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using cannabis, especially if you take other medications. Never discontinue prescribed medications without medical supervision.

A Clear, Unambiguous Recommendation

TryCannabis.org takes a balanced, evidence-based approach to cannabis information. On most topics, we present nuance, acknowledge mixed evidence, and encourage you to make informed decisions with your healthcare provider.

This is not one of those topics.

Every major medical organization — including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the U.S. Surgeon General — recommends against cannabis use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. There is no established safe dose, no safe trimester, no safe consumption method, and no safe cannabinoid formulation for use during pregnancy or while nursing.

The bottom line: Do not use cannabis in any form — smoked, vaped, eaten, applied topically, or taken as CBD oil — if you are pregnant, think you might be pregnant, are trying to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. If you are currently using cannabis and discover you are pregnant, stop use and talk to your healthcare provider.

What Research Shows: Fetal Exposure

THC crosses the placental barrier. When a pregnant person uses cannabis, THC reaches the developing fetus. Because the fetal brain begins developing cannabinoid receptors early in pregnancy, THC exposure can interfere with normal neurological development during a critical window.

Research has associated prenatal cannabis exposure with the following concerns:

Low birth weight. Multiple studies have found that cannabis use during pregnancy is associated with reduced birth weight, which is itself a risk factor for a range of health problems in newborns.
Preterm birth. Some research has found associations between cannabis use and increased risk of premature delivery.
Neurodevelopmental effects. Children exposed to cannabis in utero may be at increased risk for problems with attention, memory, problem-solving, impulse control, and behavior. Some of these effects may not become apparent until the child reaches school age.
Stillbirth. Some studies have found an association between cannabis use during pregnancy and increased risk of stillbirth, though the evidence is not yet definitive and may be confounded by other factors.
Neonatal outcomes. Newborns exposed to cannabis in utero may be more likely to require neonatal intensive care.

It is important to acknowledge that cannabis research during pregnancy faces ethical limitations — researchers cannot conduct randomized controlled trials that deliberately expose pregnant people to cannabis. Much of what we know comes from observational studies, which can be affected by confounding factors such as tobacco use, alcohol use, and socioeconomic variables. However, the consistent direction of the evidence, combined with what we know about how THC interacts with the developing brain, supports a strong precautionary approach.

What Research Shows: Breastfeeding

THC is lipophilic, meaning it is attracted to and stored in fat. Breast milk is high in fat, which means THC transfers readily into breast milk and can be present in significant concentrations.

THC has been detected in breast milk for up to 6 days after a single use in some studies, and potentially longer with regular use.
Infants cannot metabolize THC the way adults can. Their livers and metabolic systems are immature, which means THC may remain in an infant's body for longer and at higher effective concentrations.
The infant brain is still rapidly developing after birth. THC exposure through breast milk reaches a brain that is actively forming connections and establishing the neural architecture that will support cognitive function, emotional regulation, and behavior for the rest of the child's life.

There is no known method for "pumping and dumping" to eliminate THC from breast milk, as THC is stored in fat tissue and released gradually. Unlike alcohol, which clears from breast milk relatively quickly, THC can persist for days.

What About CBD?

The recommendation against cannabis use during pregnancy and breastfeeding extends to CBD products. While CBD does not produce the psychoactive effects of THC, there are important concerns:

CBD products are poorly regulated, and many contain undisclosed amounts of THC. Independent testing has repeatedly found that CBD products may contain significantly more THC than their labels indicate.
The effects of CBD on fetal development have not been adequately studied. The absence of evidence of harm is not the same as evidence of safety.
CBD interacts with the same endocannabinoid system that plays a role in fetal brain development, and the long-term effects of this interaction during pregnancy are unknown.
The FDA has explicitly advised against using CBD during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Addressing Common Concerns

"I used cannabis before I knew I was pregnant."

Do not panic. Many people use cannabis before they realize they are pregnant. The most important step is to stop using cannabis as soon as you know and to inform your healthcare provider. Your doctor can help you understand any potential risks specific to your situation and monitor your pregnancy accordingly. Guilt and anxiety are not helpful — proactive honesty with your provider is.

"I use cannabis for severe nausea during pregnancy."

Nausea and vomiting during pregnancy (including hyperemesis gravidarum, a severe form) can be debilitating, and it is understandable to seek relief. However, cannabis is not a safe solution during pregnancy. Talk to your healthcare provider about evidence-based treatments for pregnancy-related nausea, which include dietary modifications, vitamin B6, doxylamine, ginger supplements, acupressure, and prescription antiemetics that have been studied for safety during pregnancy.

"Cannabis is natural, so it should be safe."

Many natural substances are harmful during pregnancy. Alcohol is natural. Lead is natural. Certain herbal teas and essential oils that are safe for non-pregnant adults are contraindicated during pregnancy. "Natural" is not synonymous with "safe," particularly during the uniquely vulnerable period of fetal development.

"My friend used cannabis during pregnancy and her baby was fine."

Individual anecdotes do not override the weight of medical evidence. Some people smoke tobacco throughout pregnancy and have healthy babies, but no responsible person would use that as a reason to recommend smoking during pregnancy. The question is not whether harm is guaranteed — it is whether the risk is justified when there is no established safe level of exposure and the potential consequences affect a developing human being who cannot consent.

Be Honest with Your Healthcare Provider

If you have been using cannabis during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, tell your healthcare provider. They need this information to monitor your pregnancy and your baby's health appropriately. Your provider is not there to judge you or report you — they are there to help you and your child.

If you are struggling to stop using cannabis, ask your healthcare provider for help. They can connect you with resources and support.

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Pregnancy & Breastfeeding