Cannabis FAQ

The HER Foundation supports the right for all with HG to have access to medications and other treatments for HG. HER recognizes some people with HG will not find currently-used medications offer adequate relief. Unfortunately, many that experience poor medication response are not receiving adequate doses or combinations along with vitamins and IV fluids, necessitating alternate options that may not have documented safety data. 

HER Foundation recommendations are developed by licensed health professionals with expertise in HG. Currently, the consensus opinion of scientists and obstetrical medical societies across the globe is that research suggests cannabis may be associated with adverse outcomes, and use should be avoided in pregnancy in general. However, since HG is also associated with adverse outcomes, more research is needed to determine whether the benefits of cannabis use for HG outweigh the risks. 

Multiple research studies have found an association between adverse outcomes such as low birth weight and preterm birth and cannabis use, but these same adverse outcomes are also associated independently with HG. Therefore, in the case of HG, it is currently unknown how much cannabis use contributes to these adverse outcomes. Thus, the HER Foundation does not promote the use of cannabis as a first-line treatment, but does list it as an experimental treatment. HER has begun some research on the topic, but much more *funding is needed to expand this work. 

*HER is largely volunteer-led and is not, nor has it ever been, funded by any pharmaceutical company or the government. Manufacturers of popular HG medications do NOT donate to the HER Foundation, NOR do officers and leadership of the Foundation make any money from their sales.

Cannabis has THC and this crosses the placenta and also into breast milk. The risks of this are not fully known. However, with the rising usage of cannabis in pregnancy, there has been an increase in ER visits and problems for babies.

A Canadian study reported ER visits for cannabis use in pregnancy have doubled along with preterm birth (16.9% v. 7.2%) and NICU stays (31.5% v. 13.0%).

An NIH supported study from December 2023 found more placental risks like hypertensive disorders and growth restricted babies following cannabis use. Duration of use seems to affect risk level.

A review study by Hayer et al. in 2023 states cannabis use is associated "with increased risk of preterm birth, neonatal intensive care unit admission, low birth weight, and small-for-gestational-age infants."

Some people with HG find cannabis helpful in reducing symptoms and eating more, but fetal safety in research has been concerning. Medical societies and health organizations strongly caution use. Prolonged or heavy cannabis use has been associated with Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome which may look very similar to hyperemesis of pregnancy.

The HER Foundation supports all who are experiencing HG and is here to be a voice of support and information. However, individual choice as to actual treatment is the decision and responsibility of the patient and her healthcare provider. HER supports all HG patients regardless of the treatments used or decisions made about their pregnancy.

Cannabis is not legal in all US states and remains illegal in most countries. While HER’s website does include information on cannabis and has included it in the list of possible treatment options for many years, actively recommending an illegal substance could put people at risk.

To the best of our knowledge, no medical or government organization recommends the use of cannabis for HG, and many advocate against it. HER would be irresponsible to endorse what may be unsafe during pregnancy and breastfeeding unless it is scientifically proven that the benefits outweigh the potential risks specifically for HG. In addition, promoting a product that may be illegal in states and countries where patients seeking our support reside, can put them at considerable risk. Finally, since we support HG patients globally, but do not know the contents of cannabis products worldwide, let alone in the US, and it would be risky to make any sweeping safety statements about an unregulated product.

Due to lack of funding, there is no significant research on postpartum medical issues due to HG nor how to treat them. Many people have mental health challenges such as depression and trauma following an HG pregnancy. Some people experience food aversions and residual nausea that may need additional treatment or will heal in time.

HER does not endorse any specific treatment in part because what works is specific to each person. In addition, breastfeeding mothers using cannabis may pass harmful chemicals to their baby. The CDC recommends not using cannabis during breastfeeding. “Using marijuana while breastfeeding can allow harmful chemicals to pass from the mother to the infant through breast milk or secondhand smoke exposure. To limit potential risk to the infant, breastfeeding mothers should be advised not to use marijuana or products containing cannabidiol (CBD) in any form while breastfeeding.”

According to Science Daily and a study by Cuttler et al., 2020, "The study suggests that cannabis does reduce symptoms of PTSD acutely, but it might not have longer term beneficial effects on the underlying condition," said Cuttler. "Working with this model, it seems that cannabis will temporarily mask symptoms, acting as a bit of a band aid, but once the period of intoxication wears off, the symptoms can return."

HER allows the sharing of personal experience with their HG treatment but does not allow people to offer medical advice to others. Treatment should be decided between a patient and medical provider.

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Currently, there are few options besides medications shown in research studies to treat HG. The latest and largest studies on leading medications like ondansetron find very little (3/10,000) if any increase in possible defects. In our research where ondansetron use was confirmed, there was no increased risk to babies among those using ondansetron. This suggests other factors like malnutrition may be a greater concern.

Note: HER is largely volunteer-led and is not, nor has it ever been, funded by any pharmaceutical company or the government. Manufacturers of popular HG medications do NOT donate to the HER Foundation, NOR do officers and leadership of the Foundation make any money from their sales. HER representatives may offer clinical and scientific expertise to ensure the voices of HG mothers are considered, but do not otherwise receive compensation.