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

 

Learn More

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

To Obtain Continuing Education Credits

Each participant interested in CE credits must complete an evaluation and post-test, which is available above under "Evaluation, Post-test & Credits". A score of 80% and above on the post-test will generate a certificate indicating the requested credits. Registered Dietitians see the link above.

 

Disclosure Statements

Thomas Hale, RPh, PhD has disclosed he is a consultant for Biohaven Pharmaceuticals. This relevant financial relationship has been mitigated and there are no conflicts of interest or bias. 

None of the other planners or presenters have any financial arrangements or affiliations with any commercial entities whose products, research or services may be discussed in this activity.

 

Continuing Medical Education Contact Hours 

The School of Public Health, University at Albany is accredited by the Medical Society of the State of New York (MSSNY) to provide continuing medical education for physicians. 

The School of Public Health, University at Albany designates this enduring material for a maximum of 2.0 AMA PRA Category 1 CreditsTM. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Continuing Education Contact Hours are offered until November 30, 2024.

 

Continuing Nurse Education Contact Hours

University at Albany School of Public Health is approved with distinction as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the Northeast Multistate Division Education Unit, an accredited approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.

This offering is approved for 2.0 nursing contact hour(s).

Nursing Contact Hours are offered until November 30, 2024. 

 

Certified Health Education Specialists

Sponsored by the School of Public Health, University at Albany, SUNY, a designated provider of continuing education contact hours (CECH) in health education by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc. This program is designated for Certified Health Education Specialists (CHES®) and/or Master Certified Health Education Specialists (MCHES®) to receive up to 2.0 total Category I contact education contact hours. Maximum advanced-level continuing education contact hours available are 0. Continuing Competency credits are available at 2.0. Provider ID# 99086.

Continuing Education Contact Hours are offered until November 30, 2024.

 

Certified in Public Health

This event is sponsored by the School of Public Health, University at Albany, an approved provider of CPH Renewal Credits by the National Board of Public Health Examiners.

This offering is approved for 2.0 Certified in Public Health Renewal Credits.

Continuing Education Contact Hours are offered until November 30, 2024.

 

Lactation Continuing Education Recognition Points (L-CERPs) 

LCERPs expired November 30, 2022.