HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS
IMPACTS YOUR BODY
There is no safe amount.
Simply put, there is no known safe amount of marijuana while pregnant. No matter if it’s smoked, vaped or eaten, THC gets passed on to your baby and may have a long-term impact on your child’s ability to learn. Be sure to talk to your doctor early in your pregnancy about marijuana use.
Pumping and dumping isn’t a solution.
If you use marijuana while breastfeeding, your child is exposed to it. THC is stored in fat cells, so pumping and dumping doesn’t work. THC can remain in your breast milk even after you’ve stopped using it. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions.
Medical use while pregnant or breastfeeding.
Using medical marijuana as a new mother is a choice best made between you and your doctor. It isn’t a good idea to use any medicines while pregnant or breastfeeding unless they are recommended by your doctor, so talk with a professional about whether or not the benefits outweigh the risks.
Secondhand marijuana smoke isn’t safe for you or your baby.
Secondhand smoke from marijuana has many of the same cancer-causing chemicals as tobacco smoke. Make the safest, healthiest and most responsible choice and keep your home smoke-free.
YOU HAVE QUESTIONS
WE HAVE ANSWERS
Sometimes it can be difficult to tell what information about marijuana and pregnancy is most trustworthy. You can’t believe everything you read or hear, so use this page as a resource first. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment constantly reviews all available marijuana research, which you can read a summary of here. If you still have questions, it’s always best to talk with your doctor before making a decision.
No, there is no known safe amount of marijuana to use while pregnant or breastfeeding. No matter how it’s used, THC always gets passed to your baby.
The fact that it’s legal does not make it safe. Using marijuana during pregnancy or while breastfeeding may harm your baby, just like alcohol or tobacco.
Marijuana contains THC, which may harm your baby. Not all natural substances or plants are safe — think of lead, tobacco, and poisonous berries as examples.
It’s unsafe to use any medicines while pregnant or breastfeeding that are not recommended by a doctor. In special cases, a doctor can decide whether the benefits of marijuana are greater than the risks, and can recommend marijuana while pregnant or breastfeeding. Talk to your doctor about safer choices that do not risk harming your baby.
Some cannabinoids, which are called endocannabinoids, occur naturally in the body and can help your nerve cells communicate better. However, THC from marijuana is much stronger and can upset the natural endocannabinoid system in both your body and your baby’s body.
No matter how it’s used or what it’s being used to treat, THC always gets passed to your baby. Talk to your health care provider about safer options that do not risk harming your baby.
Marijuana in any form contains THC, which is passed to your baby and can cause harm.
LEGAL AND ADDICTION
RESOURCES
Get the help you need with these resources.
Marijuana and newborn babies
Some hospitals test babies after birth for drugs. If your baby tests positive for THC at birth, Colorado marijuana law says the hospital must notify child protective services. Talk to your doctor early in your pregnancy to get the support you need for your health and the health of your baby. Your doctor can help connect you with treatments that are confidential and nonjudgmental. Learn more at Mother’s Connection.
What to do if children accidentally get into marijuana.
If your child eats or drinks marijuana, they may need immediate medical help. Some symptoms to look out for include: problems walking or sitting up, difficulty breathing, and becoming sleepy. If a child may have eaten marijuana, call the poison control hotline at 1-800-222-1222, or call 911 if it’s an emergency.
We’re here for you.
Talk to your doctor if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding and need support to stop using marijuana. Your treatment will be confidential and nonjudgmental. Learn more at Mother’s Connection or call 1-800-CHILDREN.