Pueblo, Co. (KCNC) — Vicky Houston saw nothing wrong with using medical marijuana for her health while pregnant. “I believe it’s beneficial. I don’t think it’s toxic in any shape or form.”
When her son Keanu was born, she did not disclose to the hospital staff that she had used cannabis. But he tested positive for THC, the psychoactive ingredient of pot.
“Nurse upon nurse, practitioner and doctor and social worker came into my room to examine him to see how he was deformed or how he was brain damaged,” said Houston. But she says multiple tests proved he was just fine. When asked if she’s convinced it’s safe for would be mothers to use marijuana, Houston replied, “Absolutely.”
Research is lacking. Scientists don’t want expectant mothers to use cannabis so it’s difficult to conduct a study. Dr. Larry Wolk with the Colorado Department of Public Health said, “Our warning is it’s not worth the risk, it’s not worth taking the chance.”
Dr. Wolk is the head of the state health department and a pediatrician. He says marijuana can affect the developing brain of a child.
“Many of the known impacts of marijuana are on learning and motivation and some of the things that we don’t see develop until a child is school age,” said Dr. Wolk.
The state and other agencies are now engaged in a campaign to educate women about the possible dangers of using pot during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
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