Women who smoke cannabis or consume it via edibles while pregnant face a higher risk of health complications than those who abstain, a new study has found.
Some of the data suggests prenatal marijuana use was associated with a 17 percent increase in the likelihood of developing pregnancy-induced hypertension and an eight percent increase in preeclampsia.
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is when the pressure in blood vessels is too high. Preeclampsia is a condition usually characterized by high blood pressure, protein in the urine and severe swelling. It can cause serious issues during pregnancy, in some cases, even fatal complications for both mother and baby.
At the same time, researchers found prenatal cannabis use resulted in a 19 percent increased risk of the placenta separating from the uterus, a five percent increase in the risk of gaining too little weight, and a nine percent increased risk of gaining too much weight.
According to the study’s authors, while these findings are concerning, there is still a relative lack of research on how prenatal marijuana use can affect the mother and baby.
“The findings suggest a complex association between prenatal cannabis use and maternal health and highlight the need for continued research to understand the mechanisms through which prenatal cannabis use is associated with the health of pregnant individuals,” the study’s authors said.
“As we continue to learn about the potential harms and benefits of prenatal cannabis use, clinicians must provide coordinated, non-stigmatizing care and education to support pregnant individuals in making informed decisions about cannabis use.”
Lead author Dr Kelly Young-Wolff, a clinical psychologist and research scientist at the Kaiser Permanente Northern California Division of Research, said much more research is required before any concrete conclusions can be made.
“With legalization, there has been an increase in alternative forms of cannabis administration, including vaping and edibles,” she said. “The relative risks associated with different routes of cannabis administration during pregnancy are unknown and warrant additional research.”
Since medical cannabis was first legalized in 1996 by Colorado, even more states have decriminalized or allowed marijuana to be used for medical purposes. As of 2024, in the United States, cannabis has been legalized in 38 of 50 states for medical use. Meanwhile, 24 states allow marijuana use for recreational purposes.
