Cannabis Information for Health Care Providers | Vermont Department of Health CLOSE Translations for you Cannabis Information for Health Care Providers Let's Talk Cannabis Cannabis and Youth Parents and Mentors Cannabis, Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Cannabis and Adults Cannabis Information for Health Care Providers Studies show that consuming cannabis (marijuana, hashish, weed, pot, etc.) while pregnant or breastfeeding can result in negative health impacts on developing fetuses and infants. Research also suggests that cannabis use during adolescence can be harmful to the health and well-being of youth. Can people who are pregnant consume cannabis? The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that people who are pregnant or contemplating pregnancy be encouraged to stop use of cannabis. What are the risks of cannabis consumption while pregnant? Possible negative effects of using cannabis during pregnancy include fetal growth restriction and low birth weight. Research has demonstrated that cannabis use may increase the chance of having a stillbirth. Evidence also indicates cannabis use during pregnancy, or while breastfeeding, can affect infant neurodevelopment. How should I care for medical cannabis patients who become pregnant? If a patient who is pregnant is already using cannabis for medicinal purposes, use should be stopped in favor of an alternative treatment shown to be safe during pregnancy. What are the risks of cannabis use while breastfeeding? Regardless of the method of consumption (smoking, vaping, eating or drinking), the active ingredient in cannabis, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), is present in the breast milk of people who use cannabis and is transmitted to infants who nurse. Infants exposed to breast milk that contains THC may have trouble nursing because of sedation, reduced muscular tone and poor sucking ability. How can cannabis affect children? The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that infants not be exposed to cannabis, given research demonstrating it may have negative effects on health and brain development. Secondhand smoke from cannabis products entering the lungs of infants and children contains THC as well as many of the same chemicals as tobacco smoke. How can cannabis affect adolescents and teens? Since the brain is still developing into the mid-20s, using cannabis during adolescence can negatively affect the developing brain, leading to short-term and long-term consequences. Such consequences may jeopardize educational, professional and social achievements. What effects can cannabis have on mental health? Regular cannabis use has been linked to anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts and attempts, and death by suicide, especially for teens with a family history of mental illness. Although rare, cannabis use also increases the risk of schizophrenia and other psychoses, with the highest risk among those who use cannabis more frequently. Should I talk with my patients about cannabis? It is important to ask your patients about their cannabis use and provide information, without judgment, about safety concerns and referral for treatment if needed. As acceptance of cannabis use increases, it is important to counsel pregnant people on the potential medical consequences of use during pregnancy. What about cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) and cannabis poisonings? People that engage in prolonged, high-dose (near daily) cannabis may be at risk of cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) which causes repeated episodes of severe nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. CHS, and cannabis poisonings, have been increasing in Vermont. Awareness of emergency department (ED) and inpatient hospitalization visit trends about CHS and cannabis poisoning is essential for clinicians and partners to inform treatment and intervention. Learn more about these trends in the Cannabis Poisonings and Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome in Vermont data brief Cannabis fact sheets Cannabis Information for Providers Cannabis and Adults Cannabis and Youth Cannabis Info for Parents Cannabis and Pregnancy More Information Cannabis use in Vermont Resources to help patients Substance use in pregnancy Get help for you or someone you know Vermont Academic Detailing Program: Cannabinoids Substance Use Programs (DSU) Vermont Department of Health 280 State Drive Waterbury, VT 05671-8340 802-651-1550 [email protected] Topics: Cannabis Resources for Health Professionals Resources for Nurses Resources for Physician Assistants Resources for Physicians February 6, 2026