Smoking marijuana for morning sickness is harmful to a fetus

Q: My sister lives in Colorado, and she’s three months pregnant. When she went to a marijuana dispensary (store), she was told that smoking pot would ease her morning sickness. I told her that was nuts and she’s poisoning her fetus. I’m right, aren’t I?—Jessica B., Sayville, New York

A: Yes, you are, and what you’re describing is a big problem for Colorado and beyond. A recent Denver Health study found that about 70 percent of Colorado cannabis dispensary employees recommended cannabis products to treat nausea in the first trimester. The other 30 percent referred the pregnant women to a health care provider, which is what every dispensary employee should have done. As more states legalize recreational marijuana, the frequency of women smoking (or ingesting) it to relieve symptoms of morning sickness may increase, and the harm to newborns may be permanent. Tip: Tell her to check with her doctor about acupuncture or aromatherapy to ease symptoms.

We know smoking anything while you’re pregnant will introduce potential toxins to a fetus, which can affect birth weight and childhood development. Now, a report from the State University of New York at Buffalo’s Research Institute on Addictions has found that smoking marijuana specifically is linked to lower birth weights and the possibility of behavioral problems later in a child’s life. The get-you-high chem- ical THC in marijuana goes directly through the placenta to the developing fetus, as does nicotine and alcohol.

The University of Buffalo study also points out that pregnant women who smoke (marijuana or tobacco) also experience high levels of stress—and a cranked-up stress response in pregnant women is linked to infant irritability. Add prenatal exposure to toxic substances and, well, you might suggest your sister consider counseling for the sake of her unborn child.