Cannabis and Morning Sickness: What the Research Says

Morning sickness might sound like a minor pregnancy symptom, but anyone who’s actually been through it knows—it can be brutal. For some, it’s a daily inconvenience. For others, especially those with Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG), it can mean dehydration, weight loss, hospital visits, and serious mental health struggles.

When conventional treatments don’t work—or aren’t accessible—some pregnant people turn to cannabis for relief. And while this choice is often met with stigma, the question deserves honest, evidence-informed exploration.

Why Some Pregnant People Turn to Cannabis

Nausea and vomiting in pregnancy affect up to 80% of pregnant people. Many try ginger, vitamin B6, prescription meds like Diclegis or Zofran—but not everyone finds relief.

Cannabis, particularly THC-dominant strains, has long been used to combat nausea. It's why chemotherapy patients use it. It's why people with chronic illness turn to it. Pregnant people often report the same: that cannabis is the only thing that helps them eat, drink, and keep food down.

That doesn’t mean it’s without risk—but it does mean we need to look at this with more nuance.

What the Research Says

The science around cannabis use in pregnancy is still developing, and much of it is limited or conflicting. Here’s what we know so far:

• Older studies have suggested possible links between prenatal cannabis use and lower birth weights or developmental delays. But these studies often didn’t control for confounding factors like tobacco use, poverty, or other substance use.

• Newer studies are beginning to differentiate between high-risk use and occasional or medicinal use. Some researchers argue that small, targeted use (like for HG) may not carry the same risks as daily recreational use, though definitive conclusions are still lacking.

• We still don’t have clear, high-quality data on the long-term effects of cannabis exposure in utero, particularly when it comes to THC versus CBD, dosage, method of use, and timing during pregnancy.

In short: we need more research. But people are making choices right now, and they deserve support—not shame—while navigating those choices.

Harm Reduction in Practice

If a pregnant person is considering or already using cannabis for nausea, a harm-reduction approach is essential. That might include:

• Using low doses to manage symptoms

• Exploring CBD-only or low-THC options

• Avoiding smoking and choosing tinctures, edibles, or topicals instead

• Paying close attention to timing, frequency, and personal response

• Talking to a trusted provider (if safe) or a cannabis-informed doula

Support doesn’t mean pushing people to use cannabis—or pushing them to stop. It means listening, offering education, and helping them make the best decision for themselves and their baby.

My Take as a Cannabis-Informed Doula

I’ve been there. I’ve lived through HG. I’ve watched people fight to survive while being told their suffering was just “part of pregnancy.” And I’ve seen how deeply cannabis can help when nothing else does.

I'm not here to make choices for anyone. I'm here to provide space for honest conversations, offer grounded information, and support people without shame.

Because everyone deserves to feel seen in their pregnancy, everyone deserves real options—and real care.

If you’re struggling with nausea during pregnancy and wondering whether cannabis might be part of your care plan, I’m here to talk through it with you. No judgment, support.