Research from Michigan State University has revealed that one in six pregnant women in Michigan uses cannabis, raising significant concerns amongst healthcare professionals about the risks of cannabis use during pregnancy.

The study, which collected data from more than 1,100 women between 2017 and 2023, highlights a growing trend that medical experts find troubling despite increased awareness of potential harms.

Healthcare Professionals Voice Concerns

Amanda Ezekiel, a Certified Nurse Midwife at Bronson Obstetrics, Gynaecology & Midwifery Specialists, said she was not surprised by the findings on cannabis use during pregnancy.

“I’m not surprised,” Ezekiel said, reflecting on her clinical experience with expectant mothers.

Whilst health professionals are not mandated to require patients to terminate cannabis use during pregnancy, Ezekiel emphasises the importance of educating them about the risks and how to minimise potential harm to newborns.

“We really depend on people being honest and open with us,” Ezekiel said, adding that she recognises some patients may be hesitant to disclose their cannabis use out of fear of judgement.

CDC Guidance on Cannabis Use During Pregnancy

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) explicitly advises against cannabis use during pregnancy. Their website states that cannabis may be harmful to babies regardless of consumption method, including smoking, vaping, dabbing, eating or drinking, and applying creams or lotions to the skin.

However, confusion arises from language on the CDC’s website suggesting certain cannabinoids can help relieve side effects of cancer and other medical conditions, leading some to believe cannabis use during pregnancy carries minimal risk.

“I think people have this idea, this perceived notion that it is safe because you can get a medical card for it for certain reasons,” Ezekiel explained. “So, if you can use it for medical reasons, it must not be that bad.”

Known Health Risks

Research has established that cannabis use during pregnancy can lead to serious complications, including preterm labour, low birth weight, intellectual delays, behavioural and attention issues, and other potential long-term health risks.

Ezekiel emphasised that the full extent of risks remains unknown due to the variety of cannabis formulations and dosages available.

“We don’t even know the amount of risks completely yet because there are so many different formulations of cannabis, there’s so many different dosages, it’s really hard to monitor,” she said. “So, we’re going to learn more as time goes on.”

“But what we know now is that it can cause harm, it can be dangerous, and it might even be more harmful than we realise. So, we shouldn’t be minimising that risk.”

Social Media Misinformation

Social media platforms have contributed significantly to misinformation surrounding cannabis use during pregnancy. Content creators on platforms like TikTok have gained tens of thousands of views promoting cannabis use to expecting mothers struggling with pregnancy symptoms.

Many creators use the code word “gardening” to refer to smoking or otherwise using cannabis, a tactic designed to avoid platform censorship whilst still communicating their message.

News Channel 3 showed Ezekiel several videos claiming that “gardening” provides a safe and harmless solution for pregnant women experiencing symptoms.

“It’s really hard to combat these kinds of messages, because she really is making it sound like it’s not a big deal,” Ezekiel said. “I think it’s just more socially acceptable.”

Shifting Social Attitudes

According to Ezekiel, the stigma surrounding cannabis use during pregnancy differs vastly from that of alcohol use during pregnancy, despite similar risk profiles.

“If someone’s saying, ‘Well, I’m treating my anxiety with vodka every day,’ I don’t think people would feel the same way about that,” Ezekiel observed.

This disparity in public perception has contributed to the normalisation of cannabis use during pregnancy, particularly as cannabis becomes increasingly accessible through medical and recreational legalisation.

Social media plays a major role in shaping these attitudes, with influencers and content creators often downplaying or ignoring established medical guidance on cannabis use during pregnancy.

Alternative Approaches to Symptom Management

Rather than approaching conversations about cannabis use during pregnancy with judgement, Ezekiel focuses on understanding her patients’ needs and emphasising alternative options for relief from pregnancy symptoms.

“If you are using it because you’re having symptoms, let’s talk about other ways that are FDA approved and safe to manage those symptoms,” Ezekiel said.

For patients who feel unable to quit entirely, Ezekiel advocates for harm reduction strategies.

“If you can’t quit completely, reducing the amount that you’re using is going to be better than nothing,” she explained.

This patient-centred approach aims to build trust and encourage honest conversations about cannabis use during pregnancy, enabling healthcare providers to offer appropriate support and guidance.

Open Communication Essential

Ezekiel stresses the importance of creating a non-judgemental environment where pregnant women feel comfortable disclosing their cannabis use.

Many women fear negative consequences or judgement from healthcare providers, which can prevent them from seeking guidance about the risks of cannabis use during pregnancy.

By fostering open dialogue, healthcare professionals can better educate patients about safer alternatives and evidence-based approaches to managing pregnancy symptoms without cannabis.

Growing Concern Amongst Medical Community

The Michigan State University study adds to a growing body of evidence suggesting that cannabis use during pregnancy is more common than previously understood, particularly in states where cannabis has been legalised for medical or recreational purposes.

Healthcare providers across Michigan and beyond are working to address misconceptions about cannabis use during pregnancy whilst respecting patients’ autonomy and circumstances.

The challenge lies in balancing education about established risks with compassionate, non-judgemental care that encourages honest communication between patients and providers.

Need for Further Research

As Ezekiel noted, researchers continue to uncover new information about how cannabis use during pregnancy affects foetal development and long-term child health outcomes.

The proliferation of different cannabis products, potencies and consumption methods makes it difficult to establish definitive guidelines about safe exposure levels—if such levels exist at all.

Current medical consensus errs on the side of caution, recommending complete abstinence from cannabis use during pregnancy until more comprehensive research can establish the full scope of potential harms.

Public Health Implications

The findings from Michigan State University underscore the need for improved public health messaging about cannabis use during pregnancy, particularly as social media continues to spread misinformation on the topic.

Healthcare providers, public health officials and social media platforms all have roles to play in ensuring that pregnant women receive accurate, evidence-based information about the risks associated with cannabis use during pregnancy.

As cannabis legalisation expands and social acceptance grows, addressing misconceptions and providing compassionate, informed care becomes increasingly critical for protecting maternal and child health.

Source: WWMT