Cannabis and Pregnancy: What You Need to Know
Understanding Anecdotal Evidence
The definition of Anecdotal Evidence is a limited selection of examples which support or refute an argument, which are not supported by scientific or statistical analysis.
This evidence comes in the form of stories that people tell about what has happened to them. Their conclusions are not supported by data; they are based only on anecdotal evidence.
Another way to view anecdotal evidence is that it is self reporting.
You will often read in articles about studies that the “evidence” shows “A, B & C” .. The word evidence here is misleading in a way. The self reporting itself isn’t evidence. However, they package it up and present it as evidence.
The problem with looking at articles about different studies regarding cannabis use and pregnancy is they are all based on anecdotal evidence. So whatever the self reporting person decides to disclose in the “survey” is all we know.
We don’t know if other drugs are being used such as prescribed medications or nicotine.. We have no idea the socioeconomic status or whether or not they had prenatal care throughout the pregnancy.
There are so many other factors that are not being reported or considered when the reports come out.
TRUE ADVICE: Read the real study and not some article written about someone’s take on said study. Also look to see if other factors were considered, if any.
In today’s world - cannabis has made a huge change in our society.
Individuals consume cannabis in many ways to help ease symptoms from chronic pain, addictions, anxiety / depression, and even cancer. It is no secret that cannabis works for many individuals making their unique, chronic symptoms, more bearable.
We know that pregnancy can come with an array of symptoms, some mild and some chronic. Consuming cannabis for your pregnancy symptoms is no different than medicating for the same symptoms. And we’ll tell you why.
Endocannabinoid System (eCS)
Endocannabinoids and their receptors are found throughout the body: in the brain, organs, connective tissues, glands, and immune cells. Your ECS has receptors throughout your body that cannabis-like substances bond with.
These cannabis-like substances naturally occur inside us are called endocannabinoids. The job of the endocannabinoid system is to keep our bodies in a state of balance. When we experience disease or illness, suddenly our bodies are experiencing needs causing a state of unbalance. The eCS is responsible to bring the body back to homeostasis.
Cannabis Safety / Risks - Anecdotal Evidence
Cannabis has a remarkable wide margin of safety - it is non-toxic. Science has failed to consider the effects of a broad spectrum of cannabinoids and compounds. Instead, research has focused on addiction and abuse potential and even then, the studies are not reliable. It’s only recently that CBD has become the subject of research and finding it’s therapeutic effect.
While understanding anecdotal evidence, we recommend doing your own studies and research. Not only for your cannabis - but everything you consume for medical purposes.
Finding The Right Doctor - Knowing Your Rights
It is illegal for a pregnant person to be drug tested without consent.
It is your right, performing such tests violates the Fourth Amendment protection against unreasonable search and seizure. It should be noted that black women are 10 times more likely to be targeted and tested for drug use.
The United States Supreme Court (Ferguson v. City of Charleston, 2001) ruled that hospital workers cannot test pregnant women for use of illegal drugs without their informed consent or a valid warrant if the purpose of the drug testing is to alert the police of a crime.
“Hospital policies of drug testing for the purpose of prosecution rather than treatment actually harm fetal health by discouraging women who most need assistance from seeking prenatal care.”
“A physician's duty is to provide sound medical treatment to their patient, not to act as an extension of law enforcement. Physicians serve medical—not legal—roles in the treatment of pregnant women. Health care professionals who act on behalf of the state rather than for their patients breach the ethical duties of the patient-physician relationship.”
Source: https://journalofethics.ama-assn.org/article/legality-drug-testing-procedures-pregnant-women/2008-01
Cannabis Laws During Pregnancy by State
Four states require hospitals to test both new mothers and their children if medical professionals suspect drug use.
North Dakota,
Minnesota
Iowa
Kentucky
Tennessee is the only state that has a statute that explicitly states that drug use during pregnancy is a crime.
The following states consider substance abuse during pregnancy a form of child abuse.
Arkansas
Colorado
Florida
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Louisiana
Minnesota
Nevada
Oklahoma
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Virginia
Wisconsin
The following fifteen states require that hospital staff and other health care workers report drug use if they suspect that a pregnant person is using:
Alaska
Arizona
Illinois
Iowa
Louisiana
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Montana
North Dakota
Oklahoma
Rhode Island
Utah
Virginia
Pro Publica is a great resource to find the laws in your state.
Cannabis Doulas Are Within The Community
Within the community, we have Cannabis Doulas.
These professionals are certified as Cannacian educators, supporting the clients who use cannabis. We are hoping to break the stigma on the use of cannabis during pregnancy and postpartum as we see the benefits first hand.
We know that CBD and Cannabis can help with our clients who experience nausea, anxiety, depression, pain, and many of the symptoms our postpartum clients experience.
We are able to educate our clients on safe ways to consume cannabis and how to protect themselves with their use throughout and after pregnancy. By helping to navigate the research and share our education we help establish records that our clients can share with their health care team.
Take a look at the 3 main reasons WHY parents choose a Cannabis Doula.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Additionally, the views and opinions expressed on this website are solely those of the original authors and other contributors. These views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of Momentous Doula Care.