CONF 2022: Approval of Using Recreational Marijuana/Cannabis and its Unintended Consequences on the Developing Fetus or Breastfeeding/chestfeeding Child

Abstract: Recreational use of marijuana is approved for people >21 without clear guidelines/restrictions for pregnant/breastfeeding women. Although it is illegal at the Federal level, thirty-six states have legalized the use of marijuana medicinally; and eighteen states, including New Jersey, and Washington D.C. have legalized the use of cannabis recreationally. Women who live in states with legalized recreational cannabis are significantly more likely to use cannabis compared to women in states without legalized recreational cannabis. A perception of safety in pregnancy and increased social acceptance of cannabis6 may contribute to one in 25 pregnant women use marijuana during pregnancy; 16.8% of women used cannabis in the pre-conception, 5.5% in the prenatal, and 6.6% in the postpartum periods. Women use it for stress/anxiety relief, as antiemetic, to increase appetite, as a sleep aid, for pain relief, and for depression. With about 500 chemicals, including the mind-altering compound tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), marihuana can pass through a woman?s placenta to her baby during pregnancy. It can have negative effects on maternal/fetal outcomes on long-term brain development issues affecting memory/learning, and behavior, increased preterm birth, and low birth-weight, increased risk for and schizophrenia. Potency has increased six-seven-fold since the 1970s. One in 10 individuals over the age of 18 years and 1 in 6 under the age of 18 years will become addicted. This systematic review will examine the responsibility and the role of the interdisciplinary team and lactation consultant in educating women to prevent unintended consequences of the use of recreational marijuana.

Publication: N/A

Diversity and Inclusion: All content, language, and references are diverse and inclusive relevant to all cultures, genders, family structures, social groups, and geographic settings.

Speaker: Maryelena Vargas, PhD, CCNE

Upon completion of this education, the learner will be able to:

1. Describe effects of marijuana use on fetal outcomes

2. Describe effects of marijuana use on breastfeeding children's outcomes

3. Acknowledge responsibilities/role of the interdisciplinary team/lactation consultant on educating pregnant/breastfeeding women about use of marijuana during pregnancy/breastfeeding

4. Interpret evidence available to determine specific methods to increase awareness/educate pregnant/breastfeeding women about effects of use of marijuana during pregnancy/breastfeeding

Learning Level: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

IBLCE Category: Pharmacology & Toxicology

Expiration Date: 30 November 2023

Disclosures: ILCA accepts no commercial support for continuing education activities. The activity planners have no conflicts of interest to declare. The presenter has no significant financial interest or other relationship with the manufacturer(s) of any product(s) or provider(s) of any services relating to the subject matter of this presentation unless otherwise stated below.

CERPs: ILCA is an approved provider of Continuing Education Recognition Points (CERPs) with the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE). (CLT-108-7).

ANCC: ILCA is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation. Approval Number ILCA-P0286. Accepted for BRN credit by the Board of Registered Nursing.

ILCA education is provided as a service to our members for continuing education, knowledge, and awareness. We believe in fostering an inclusive environment that supports diversity and removes barriers. The views and opinions expressed in this education, including the choice of vocabulary, expressions, and use of supporting evidence-based research belong to the presenter. ILCA is steadfast in our commitment to present, learn, and discuss any information in a safe, respectful, and supportive environment.