Marijuana use during pregnancy — Is it safe?
FOR years there has been a stigma associated with marijuana and its use. It was once thought that only lazy people used it — people who have no drive or inclination to excel. “Weed will mek yuh wutlis, sleep all day and nuh want do nutten”, was the feeling, and strangely enough in Jamaica, the only people that this stigma was not applied to were Rastafarians, as it was a part of their culture.
However, with increasing research and usage, marijuana is slowly beginning to lose this stigma and is becoming the go-to substance of choice being used by a wide spectrum of people including doctors, lawyers, engineers, etc. Medical marijuana has been proven to be beneficial in the treatment of many conditions including glaucoma, cancer-related pain, and even chronic pelvic pain in women. Soon it will become readily available in Jamaica, with the Ministry of Health leading seminars in the training of our local medical professionals in prescribing doses of marijuana. Additionally, recreational marijuana, including edibles, has been recently allowed in the state of California, and its use has become decriminalised in numerous states of the US. The usage of marijuana will continue to rise.
The euphoric state created by marijuana is caused by the active ingredient THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), which stimulates neurons in the reward system of the brain, producing the hormone dopamine at greater levels than those reached by natural stimulation. This flood of dopamine contributes to the pleasurable “high” which is sought by marijuana users. This feeling can last from a few minutes to a few hours, and varies with the individual’s tolerance level, route of usage and strength of the marijuana used.
Just like most chemicals and substances consumed by the pregnant mother, it is possible for THC to cross the placenta and enter the circulation of the foetus regardless of the route — inhalation or edible consumption.
Most women would never dream of giving their newborns marijuana, so why is it different when they consume it during pregnancy? What can happen?
Though grossly under-reported (as many women may not openly want to admit to smoking or consuming edibles during pregnancy), limited evidence exists. However, it is recommended that mothers should not partake in marijuana usage during pregnancy, and this is endorsed by the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, and the American Academy of Paediatrics.
What do we know? THC and other chemicals pass to the foetus through the placenta. Smoking marijuana and tobacco raises carbon monoxide levels in your blood, depleting your personal oxygen levels and those of the foetus, which can impair its growth. Limited studies have shown an association with stillbirth and an increased irritability of newborns.
Marijuana exposure during pregnancy can also lead to neurodevelopmental delays infants not achieving particular milestones. Additionally, problem-solving, memory, planning and attention can be grossly delayed in these infants.
Some children also show lower IQs and poor academic performance in early childhood.
It is also recommended not to consume marijuana while breastfeeding, as this can still pass through the milk to the baby and have negative effects.
Words of advice for my Jamaican women: I encourage all patients not to partake in any substance abuse during pregnancy and breastfeeding, whether it’s alcohol, tobacco, cocaine, marijuana or heroin.
Dr Daryl Daley is a cosmetic gynaecologist and consultant OBGYN at Gynae Associates, 23 Tangerine Place, Kingston 10, and shops 46-50, Portmore Town Centre. He can be reached at 929-5038/9, 939-2859, 799-0588 or drdaryldaley@gmail.com.
