Pregnant Women Find Marijuana ‘Extremely Effective’ For Morning Sickness, Study Shows
The use of cannabis during pregnancy is a highly controversial topic, yet some research suggests that small amounts can help alleviate morning sickness. Morning sickness is a heightened sensitivity to smells and flavors and increases nausea and vomiting. It can occur at any time of the day or night and affects an estimated 50-90% of pregnant women.
Although morning sickness may not cause harm, it can disrupt daily routines for some women. An estimated 8% of pregnant women—about 1 in 12—buy marijuana online and use it during pregnancy They claim to experience instant relief with just a single hit.
Key Takeaways:
Like anandamide, THC can attach to the CB1 receptor and cause decreased gastrointestinal motility that alleviates nausea and vomiting.
92% of respondents rated cannabis as either 'extremely effective' or 'effective' in managing morning sickness.
Weed alleviates nausea and vomiting during pregnancy by smoking weed in minimal amounts—just one or two puffs, once or twice daily.
Pregnant Women and Morning Sickness
Morning sickness occurs in early pregnancy and subsides by the late first trimester without affecting weight or nutritional status. There are times when a more severe condition known as hyperemesis gravidarum, or pernicious vomiting of pregnancy, presents a more significant concern. This morning sickness commonly needs hospitalization and sometimes even total parenteral nutrition to prevent dehydration.
Despite modern treatment efforts, the incidence of hyperemesis gravidarum remains stable at 1–10 per 1000 pregnancies in Western societies. The etiology of hyperemesis gravidarum remains unclear, as no known pathophysiological mechanisms, such as endocrine imbalances or biochemical disturbances, exist.
Treatment for Morning Sickness from Diet to Cannabis
The usual treatment for morning sickness involves making small changes in diet and lifestyle, as this pregnancy symptom often resolves on its own. For some, waiting for it to subside can be challenging, so they seek quick relief through the use of cannabis.
In an interview with Mercury News, Clarissa Mercado, a 33-year-old from Pittsburg, shared that a few weeks into her fourth pregnancy, she felt sicker than ever before. She spent her days vomiting, unable to keep anything down. Smoothies with fresh ginger, morning crackers, and water made her throw up. None of her morning sickness remedies, whether natural or prescription, provided relief.
After a second visit to the emergency room for treatment, Mercado decided to try something she had vowed to avoid during pregnancy: she smoked cannabis. She reported that it provided her instant relief.
Mercado is one of hundreds of women who have used weed during pregnancy, commonly for various reasons. But what do researchers think about using marijuana in such cases? Is it safe? Can doctors recommend it as a treatment option?
Studies on Cannabis Use and Pregnancy
A medical writer and regular contributor to mind-body medicine and cannabinoid health sciences, examines how the endocannabinoid system affects pregnancy. He looked into two studies, one theoretical and another a survey.
Plasma Anandamide and Fertility
In this study, the researchers aimed to explore the relationship between plasma anandamide (AEA), sex steroids, and gonadotropins in human fertility. The main outcome measures were changes in plasma AEA levels alongside serum steroids and gonadotropins.
Discoveries suggest that the brain's own cannabinoid, anandamide, activates the endocannabinoid system, including the CB1 and CB2 receptors. These receptors are present in reproductive glands and organs and influence conception, pregnancy, pain relief, and birthing.
THC mimics anandamide in the body, so it can bind efficiently to the same receptors. This similarity explains why the compound has such a profound effect—it acts like a high dose of anandamide.
THC's ability to attach to the CB1 receptor can activate inhibitory G-protein-coupled receptor effects. This activation decreases gastrointestinal motility, which helps reduce nausea and vomiting.
Medical Cannabis and Morning Sickness
The first study focused on the theoretical aspects of how weed might help with morning sickness and its potential effects in pregnancy. The second study, published in the Journal of Contemporary Therapies in Clinical Practice, surveyed the patterns and effects of pot use during pregnancy.
This paper presents the results of a survey conducted among 84 female medicinal weed users recruited through two compassion societies in British Columbia, Canada.
Among the 79 pregnant respondents, 51 (65%) reported using weed during their pregnancies.
59 (77%) of the respondents experienced nausea and vomiting.
40 (68%) used pot to treat their symptoms
37 (over 92%) rated weed as 'extremely effective' or 'effective.'
The authors of this review concluded that cannabinoids are slightly more effective than conventional anti-emetic drugs.
Microdosing For Nausea Control
Dried smokable marijuana flower yielded the most substantial results in managing nausea, followed by edibles and tinctures, while vapes are the least effective. For instance, in a study focused on chemotherapy-induced nausea, patients reported experiencing 70–100% relief from nausea and vomiting symptoms with smoked cannabis, compared to 76–88% relief with capsules.
Using weed to get high during pregnancy is not the goal. Some women consume marijuana to manage symptoms, and one effective way to do this is by taking small amounts.
What is Microdosing?
Microdosing weed involves consuming very small amounts of it. You might recognize this concept from microdosing psychedelics like psilocybin and LSD, which started in Silicon Valley to boost creativity among tech enthusiasts. Although the effects of microdosing psychedelics and weed differ, the underlying principle is the same.
People who microdose marijuana aim to experience its benefits without the intoxicating effects of THC. By using smaller doses, you can enjoy the mental benefits of it without the cognitive impairment.
Microdosing Products
Marijuana offers various products, including flower, edibles, and extracts. You can use each of these to manage nausea or vomiting. It's important to reduce the dosage to avoid getting high.
Flower
Although it is technically possible to microdose using marijuana flower, it is extremely difficult to achieve when smoking it. Avoid drawing too much to determine your optimal dosage.
A case study indicated that nausea and vomiting in pregnancy may be relieved by smoking pot in very small quantities—just one or two puffs, once or twice a day.
Edibles
Edibles are one of the most straightforward products to use for microdosing. When you get a delicious edible from a local dispensary, check the label for its THC levels. If you can only get edibles with more than 5mg, you can divide the edible into even pieces.
After consuming, patiently wait before adding more. Cannabis-infused foods take 45 to 90 minutes to digest. If you don't feel any effects after 90 minutes, you can gradually increase the dosage until you reach your desired level.
Extracts
There is 10mg of THC in one milliliter (ml) of the concentrate. The initial dosage must be one-tenth of a milliliter.
Two drops of liquid extract equal 1 mg, which must be the starting dosage.
After taking the starting dosage, wait 30 to 60 minutes to see if you feel anything. If you don't feel high, that's perfect—it means you have the right dosage.
If you start feeling strange sensations in your head or body, you have overdone it. To reach the optimal therapeutic dose, gradually increase the daily dosage by adding one drop every few days.
Determining your optimal dosage is simple: stop increasing the dosage as soon as you start feeling psychoactive effects. Once you begin to feel intoxicated, reduce the dosage by one drop next time and see if that amount is your optimal dosage.
Summing It Up
Morning sickness is a common occurrence among pregnant women. While some find relief through lifestyle and diet adjustments, others may consider using marijuana from GetLoud Cannabis. If you're considering this natural remedy, consult your OBGYN first. They can advise you on safe consumption methods. Remember, use ganja for managing morning sickness as needed, and discontinue use once symptoms improve unless otherwise instructed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to use marijuana for reasons other than morning sickness during pregnancy?
Your best option is to consult your OBGYN for remedies or medication to manage any other issues that may arise during your pregnancy. For example, if you are suffering from mental health issues, seek advice from your doctor first. They can prescribe safe and effective medications tailored to support you throughout your pregnancy.
How will I know if my microdosing practice is working?
A microdose should not alter mood, disposition, or mindset. Its impact is subtle yet noticeable—such as enhanced focus, reduced anxiety, or improved ability to enter flow states.
The subjective effects of pot also vary based on dosage and strain, particularly the THC-to-CBD ratio.
Can I use both THC and CBD to reduce morning sickness?
THC and CBD effectively control nausea and vomiting by interacting with receptors in the brain and gut. This creates an "entourage effect," where these compounds synergistically enhance their ability to alleviate nausea beyond what either can achieve alone.
