Cannabis and Pregnancy to Parenting

The safest option during pregnancy is to not use cannabis at all. Cannabis use during pregnancy increases the risk of negative health outcomes, including low birthweight, lower alertness, and slow growth.

If you choose to use cannabis with children in the home, it is important to remember:

• Store it safely. Keep all cannabis products in labelled child-resistant packaging and stored in a locked area out of reach of children.
• Be aware, not impaired. Cannabis affects alertness, reaction time, and ability to care for your child.
• Using cannabis when parenting may reduce a person’s ability to pay attention, make decisions, react to emergencies, and keep them safe. Be sure that there is always someone available who is not under the influence to take care of your child.

For more information on cannabis poisoning check out How to prevent cannabis poisoning in children.

For more information, visit the Health Unit’s pregnancy and parenting pages or the Public Health Agency of Canada on cannabis before and during pregnancy and breastfeeding and parenting.