Pregnancy

Pregnancy is the period of roughly forty weeks during which a fetus develops in the uterus, a time when substances in the parent's bloodstream can cross the placenta.

The placenta allows many small, fat-soluble molecules to pass to the fetus, and cannabinoids are highly fat-soluble. Research on cannabis use in pregnancy has associated THC exposure with lower birth weight and other outcomes, although separating cannabis from other factors is difficult. Data on cannabidiol specifically are limited to animal studies, some of which have raised concerns about effects on the developing reproductive system, and there are no controlled human trials.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration strongly advises against using cannabis or CBD in any form during pregnancy, citing the absence of comprehensive safety research and the possibility that products are contaminated with THC, pesticides, or heavy metals. Hemp-derived products are not exempt from this advice. Readers encounter the topic in FDA consumer updates and prenatal guidance. Anyone who is pregnant or planning pregnancy and has questions about cannabinoids is encouraged to speak with an obstetric provider.