Key Takeaways:
Cannabis products, from edibles and THC drinks to “legal” THCA flower, are becoming easier to find across Wisconsin. While these products may seem like a natural or harmless alternative for managing pregnancy symptoms such as morning sickness or nausea, it’s important to know: cannabis use is not safe during pregnancy, in any form.
In this article, we’ll explain why you’re noticing more cannabis products in Wisconsin, what makes THC, THCA, and even CBD risky for your baby, and other safe alternatives for pregnancy-related symptom relief.
In recent years, Wisconsin has seen a surge in cannabis-related products, largely due to legal gaps in the 2018 Farm Bill. The bill legalized hemp-derived products containing less than 0.3% THC, but many manufacturers found a gray area — selling THCA, a compound that converts into THC when heated or metabolized.
Because THCA is tested before it becomes psychoactive, it falls below the legal limit, allowing these products to be sold in shops and marketed as “hemp” or “legal cannabis.” The result: dispensaries and THC drink brands are now widely available, even though their effects on the body mirror traditional marijuana.
The terms THC and THCA are often used interchangeably, but they aren’t quite the same, at least not until one turns into the other. Understanding the difference helps explain why these products are now appearing in Wisconsin stores and why they remain unsafe to use during pregnancy.
But from a medical standpoint, there’s no meaningful difference between THC and THCA once the product is used: both deliver THC into your bloodstream and can negatively impact your baby’s growth and development.
Looking for more prenatal help and guidance? Download our Prenatal Care Guide!
No matter how cannabis is used or consumed, the active compounds — primarily THC — are absorbed into your bloodstream and can reach your baby through the placenta. However, different methods of use affect how quickly and how strongly THC enters your system.
When cannabis is smoked or vaped, THC is absorbed almost instantly through the lungs. This creates an immediate “high,” but also sends a quick and concentrated dose of THC into the bloodstream. From there, it can cross the placenta and enter the baby’s developing system within minutes. Smoke exposure also contains harmful chemicals, similar to those in tobacco smoke, which can increase risks for low birth weight and preterm birth.
Edibles may seem like a safer alternative because they do not involve smoke, but the body processes them differently. When consumed, THC from edibles travels through the digestive system and is metabolized by the liver before entering the bloodstream. During this process, THC is converted into a more potent compound called 11-hydroxy-THC, which can intensify and prolong the effects.
Because it takes longer for these effects to appear (sometimes up to two hours), users may mistakenly consume more than intended. This can lead to higher and more sustained levels of THC exposure for both mother and baby.
THC beverages are one of the newest and fastest-growing trends in Wisconsin. Marketed as mild or relaxing, these drinks still deliver measurable amounts of THC to your bloodstream. The effects can last several hours and even “low-dose” drinks can cause prolonged exposure for the developing baby.
Regardless of how it’s consumed—smoked, eaten, or sipped—THC still reaches your baby. The method of use may affect how quickly it’s absorbed, but the health risks remain the same. Any form of THC consumption is not safe for your baby.
The bottom line is there still needs to be a lot more research on cannabis use during pregnancy, and the research we do have has shown prenatal cannabis exposure may increase the risk of:
THC can also affect your baby’s brain development, potentially leading to problems with attention, memory, and behavior later in childhood.
For these reasons, experts like the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) strongly advise avoiding cannabis in any form during pregnancy.
CBD (cannabidiol) is a compound found in the cannabis plant, commonly added to products like oils, gummies, lotions, and drinks. It’s often marketed as a natural remedy for anxiety, pain, and sleep issues.
Many people assume that because CBD doesn’t cause a “high” like THC, it’s safe to use during pregnancy, but that isn’t the case. Research on CBD use in pregnancy is still limited, and experts do not yet fully understand how it may affect fetal growth or brain development. Due to these uncertainties, both the ACOG and FDA recommend avoiding CBD and all cannabis-derived products while pregnant or breastfeeding.
While CBD is legal in Wisconsin, legal doesn’t always mean safe. Most CBD products are not well regulated, and testing has shown that some labeled “THC-free” actually contain trace amounts of THC or other contaminants, including pesticides, heavy metals, and solvents. These substances can enter the bloodstream and may affect your baby’s development.
If you’re struggling with pregnancy symptoms like nausea, anxiety, or trouble sleeping, it can be tempting to look for quick relief, but there are safe, medically recommended options that won’t put your baby at risk.
Download our Medication Guide During Pregnancy!
Even after pregnancy, it’s important to continue avoiding cannabis in any form while breastfeeding. Just like during pregnancy, the compounds in cannabis, especially THC, can pass directly from your body into your breast milk and to your baby.
THC is stored in body fat, and because it’s released slowly over time, it can stay in your system and in breast milk for days or even weeks. When a baby ingests breast milk containing THC, it can build up in their body and potentially affect brain development, behavior, feeding, and sleep patterns.
Because babies process THC much more slowly than adults, even occasional use can lead to continuous exposure through daily feedings. This makes it impossible to know exactly how much THC or other compounds your baby is receiving.
For your baby’s safety, it’s best to avoid all cannabis products while breastfeeding.
Learn more about the importance of the fourth trimester and postpartum care.