Safe Cannabis Use During Pregnancy: Myths and Facts

Pregnancy is full of questions—and when cannabis is part of your life, those questions can feel especially loaded. There's stigma. There's outdated research. And there’s a real lack of consistent, clear information.

Let’s clear the air. Whether you’re pregnant now, planning to be, or supporting someone who is, you deserve facts—not fear.

🌀 Myth: Cannabis is completely safe to use during pregnancy.

Fact: The truth is more complicated.There isn’t enough long-term, high-quality research on cannabis use during pregnancy to say it’s fully “safe.” But there also isn’t conclusive evidence that occasional, low-dose use causes harm—especially when compared to other substances like alcohol or tobacco.

That’s why harm reduction is so important. Instead of labeling it “safe” or “unsafe,” we look at dosage, frequency, form, intention, and personal health history to make informed choices.

🧠 Myth: THC is the only thing you need to worry about.

Fact: THC (the psychoactive compound in cannabis) does cross the placenta, and some studies suggest it may impact fetal development. But it’s not the only factor.

How you use cannabis—smoking vs. tinctures, daily use vs. occasional—matters. Your body chemistry, tolerance, stress levels, and access to support all shape how it affects you and your baby.

CBD may be a gentler option, but research is still limited. Some parents find support with non-psychoactive cannabinoids and carefully chosen terpenes, especially when navigating nausea, insomnia, or anxiety.

🌿 Myth: If you use cannabis during pregnancy, CPS will take your baby.

Fact: Cannabis-related CPS involvement varies wildly by state, hospital policy, and even individual providers. In some places, testing positive during labor could trigger an automatic report. In others, it might not.

Knowing your local laws, understanding your rights, and planning ahead are key. You don’t have to navigate this alone—there are people (like me) who can help you prepare and advocate for yourself if needed.

🍼 Myth: “Natural” equals safe—so plant medicine can’t be harmful.

Fact: Just because something is natural doesn’t mean it’s risk-free. Cannabis is a powerful plant that affects each body differently.

Even natural remedies can interact with medications or contribute to unwanted side effects like dizziness, paranoia, or low blood pressure. During pregnancy, when your body is already doing a lot, it’s especially important to approach any medicine—plant-based or not—with intention and care.

🧘 Myth: Using cannabis means you're not prioritizing your baby.

Fact: This one hurts, and it’s just not true.Most parents who use cannabis during pregnancy are trying to function. Trying to survive HG. Trying to manage mental health. Trying to stay nourished, rested, grounded.

Choosing cannabis may be the result of deep thought, research, and awareness. That is prioritizing your baby—and yourself.

You Deserve Respect, Not Judgment

If cannabis is part of your story, you deserve care providers who meet you with understanding. You deserve support rooted in your autonomy, not fear. And you deserve community that honors the choices you make for your body, your baby, and your wellbeing.

As a cannabis-informed doula, I’m here to hold space for those conversations—real, nuanced, confidential.

This isn’t about encouraging or discouraging cannabis use. It’s about making space for truth. And giving parents the respect they’ve always deserved.