Medical marijuana is legal in Oklahoma, but this does not mean it is safe. You should not use marijuana while you are pregnant, just like you should not use alcohol and tobacco.
No amount of marijuana has been proven safe to use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. In 2018, the American Academy of Pediatrics released its first clinical report, advising women who are pregnant or nursing to avoid marijuana use because it isn’t safe for them or their children. In addition, The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologist discourages marijuana use during pregnancy and lactation. The report from the Committee on Obstetric Practice can be found here.
Studies show that marijuana use during pregnancy may be harmful to a baby’s health and cause a variety of problems, including:
Breastfeeding has many health benefits for both the baby and the mother. But THC in marijuana gets into breast milk and may affect your baby.
Because THC is stored in body fat, it stays in your body for a long time. A baby’s brain and body are made with a lot of fat. Since your baby’s brain and body may store THC for a long time, you should not use marijuana while you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Breast milk also contains a lot of fat. This means that “pumping and dumping” your breast milk may not work the same way it does with alcohol. Alcohol is not stored in fat so it leaves your body faster.
YES! Breathing marijuana smoke is bad for you and your baby. Marijuana smoke has many of the same chemicals as tobacco smoke. Some of these chemicals can cause cancer. Do not allow anyone to smoke in your home or around your baby.
THC in any form of marijuana is bad for your baby. Some people think that using a vape pen or eating marijuana (like cookies or brownies) is safer than smoking marijuana. Even though these forms do not have harmful smoke, they still contain THC.
It is important to keep all marijuana products in child-resistant packaging and locked out of sight and reach of children.
Marijuana can make children very sick. Look for problems walking or sitting up, starting to be sleepy, or having a hard time breathing. If you suspect your child has consumed marijuana, call the Poison Control hotline at 1-800-222-1222. If someone has a severe reaction after consuming marijuana, call 911.
Mailing Address:
Oklahoma State Department of Health
Injury Prevention Service
123 Robert S. Kerr Ave., Suite 1702
Oklahoma City, OK 73102-6406
Physical Address:
Oklahoma State Department of Health
Injury Prevention Service
123 Robert S. Kerr Ave.
Oklahoma City, OK
Telephone: (405) 426-8440
Fax: (405) 900-7588
Email: injury@health.ok.gov
