What’s New in Psychology?
Should Pregnant Women Use Cannabis?
Jim Windell
While 50 years ago doctors frequently suggested a glass of wine or a bottle of beer to pregnant women to help them relax, this is no longer true. These days it is common knowledge that when you are pregnant you should avoid drugs and alcohol. And I believe most pregnant women are very concerned about ingesting anything that would potentially harm their baby.
On the other hand, in the last several years, we have witnessed a cultural revolution in how we think about marijuana and CBD. CBD, or cannabidiol, is the second most prevalent active ingredient in cannabis (marijuana). Many states have legalized the use of marijuana and CBD products. As a result, a substantial number of people take one or more cannabis products. In fact, a recent Gallup poll found that nearly one in 10 U.S. adults say they use a cannabis product regularly.
So, although pregnant women may avoid drugs and alcohol, they may use a CBD product regularly.
A study, recently presented at ADLM 2024 (formerly the AACC Annual Scientific Meeting & Clinical Lab Expo), looked at cannabis use by pregnant women. The annual meeting, which was held in Chicago, featured the presentation which sought to investigate the prevalence of cannabinoid exposure in utero during 2019-2023.
A research team from NMS Labs, a bioanalytical toxicology laboratory recognized as a leader in esoteric clinical and forensic services in Pennsylvania, led by Dr. Alexandria Reinhart analyzed umbilical cord samples submitted for testing. Of the 90,384 samples tested, 44% were positive for at least one of approximately 60 analytes included in the testing panel, and cannabinoids accounted for 59% to 63% of all positive results, making them the most common drug found.
According to Dr. Reinhart, “The sheer amount of cannabinoid positivity we found in comparison to all the drugs that we run on our umbilical cord toxicity testing was pretty astounding.”
Although cannabis is rapidly becoming legalized in more and more states and its recreational use is skyrocketing, its effects on the developing fetus are not fully understood. Current recommendations advise against cannabis use and exposure during pregnancy due to its association with negative outcomes, such as preterm birth, fetal growth restriction, low birth weight, and developmental deficits.
As the effects of cannabinoids on health continue to be studied, clinical laboratories should be vigilant in testing for them in pregnant individuals, Dr. Reinhart says. And by reporting results to physicians, they can educate their patients about the potential harm that cannabis can do to a fetus.
It is not known when the study will he published. The presentation Cannabinoid Prevalence in Umbilical Cord Tissue Toxicity Testing took place at ADLM 2024 (formerly the AACC Annual Scientific Meeting & Clinical Lab Expo).
