Health Department

Joel Strasz - Public Health Officer
Andre Reed - Deputy Health Officer
Emily Nelson - Public Health Nursing Services Manager
Melissa Opheim - Public Health Services Manager/EPC
Amy Revette - WIC Manager
Mark Pickell - Business Services Manager
Joel Kwiatkowski - Environmental Health Manager
Dr. Thomas Bender - Medical Director
Dr. William Morrone - Medical Examiner
Bay County Health Department
1200 Washington Avenue
Bay City, Michigan 48708
Voice: (989) 895-4009
Fax: (989) 895-4014

Pregnant or Breastfeeding


Is it safe to use marijuana while pregnant?

No. No amount of marijuana has been proven safe to use during pregnancy nor in any form (smoking, vaping, edibles, or oils) or intended purpose (recreational or medical). The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that pregnant women or women trying to become pregnant not use marijuana. THC and other chemicals in marijuana can cross the placenta and enter the baby's brain. There is no evidence marijuana is helpful in managing morning sickness.

Is it safe to to use marijuana while breastfeeding?

No, it is not considered safe to expose babies to marijuana. The ACOG recommends that women who are breastfeeding not to use marijuana. THC and other harmful chemicals in marijuana can be passed through breastmilk. Breastmilk can contain THC for up to six days after use. This is because THC is stored in body fat and the brain and slowly released over time, which means a baby can be exposed to THC even after a mother has stopped using marijuana.

Where can I find research or sources on this topic?

You can find much of the information on the CDC's pregnancy and breastfeeding pages with sources listed at the bottom of each of the pages. You can also visit the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists' committee practice recommendations and their FAQ page. The American Academy of Pediatrics has a clinical report addressing both of these topics and as well as an article specifically related to breastfeeding.