Marijuana Use During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Originally presented on November 4, 2021

Overview

Cannabis policies in the U.S. are changing, with more states, including New York, moving toward legalization of cannabis for adult use. With legalization, greater use of marijuana is expected. Increased use by pregnant and lactating people raises concerns about both pregnancy outcomes and long-term consequences for the infant. 

This webcast will provide data on the current rates of marijuana use among pregnant and lactating people, discuss what is known about the effects of marijuana on fetal development and infant health, and present current expert recommendations on cannabis use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Methods to assess marijuana use and strategies to counsel and support patients/clients will be presented. As a result of this activity, the learner will increase their knowledge about the potential health effects of marijuana and current recommendations and improve their competency and skills when talking to families about using cannabis during pregnancy or when breastfeeding. 

Target Audience

Local and state public health professionals, clinicians (physicians, midwives, health care providers, nurses) and lactation specialists.

Federally funded through the New York State Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC).

 

Webcast

Marijuana Use During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

 

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Speakers

Thomas Hale, RPh, PhD
Professor of Pediatrics at Texas Tech University School of Medicine, Executive Director of the Infant Risk Center and Associate Dean of Research

Lyla Hunt, MPH
Program Coordinator
New York State Department of Health

Laurel Wilson, BS, IBCLC, RLC CLE, CLD, CCCE
Perinatal Author, TEDx and International Perinatal/Women's Health Speaker

Learning Outcome and Objectives

As a result of attending this training learners will improve knowledge and competency about the potential health effects of marijuana and current recommendations about use during pregnancy, when breastfeeding and/or exposure to an infant.

After watching this webcast participants will be able to: 

  • Summarize New York State’s new law legalizing adult use of cannabis
  • Explain the potential health effects of cannabis use during pregnancy and/or when breastfeeding
  • Describe current recommendations regarding use of cannabis during pregnancy and breastfeeding
  • Describe use of person-centered, evidence-based, harm reduction strategies when discussing or counseling and supporting families about cannabis use during pregnancy or when breastfeeding
Evaluation, Post-Test and Certificate
Continuing Education Credits

Continuing Education Credits for this activity expired on November 30, 2024. We encourage you to fill out the evaluation as your responses help us to plan future programs.