Pot May Carry Warnings for Pregnant and Breastfeeding Smokers

 By Jonathan Baker

 

 

Credit Gosia Wozniacka / AP photo

Pot smokers may soon encounter new warning labels, reports the AP’s Business Insider. That is, if the nation's most influential doctors’ group has its way.

The cautionary label will read: “Warning: Marijuana use during pregnancy and breast-feeding poses potential harms.” The American Medical Association agreed Monday to push for regulations requiring such warnings.

Studies suggest marijuana use may be linked with low birth weight, premature birth and behavior problems in young children.

Critics say the evidence is weak. Still, advocates of the warnings say erring on the side of caution makes sense. There is also evidence that pregnant marijuana use is linked with childhood attention problems and lower scores on problem-solving measures.

There are similar warnings for alcohol and tobacco. Marijuana is the most commonly used illicit drug during pregnancy.