Dr. Jamie Lo, MD: Marijuana and the Fetal Brain

In this episode, Therese Markow and Dr. Jamie Lo discuss the complex topic of marijuana and the fetal brain. Dr. Lo explains some of the findings from a study of over 3 million pregnant individuals in California, why pregnant individuals may choose to use marijuana, the links between THC exposure in the fetal brain and long-term neurodevelopmental issues, and why this conversation is becoming increasingly important for healthcare providers to have with their patients. Dr. Lo emphasizes the importance of both maternal and fetal health, the need for better public health campaigns, and increased education for healthcare providers to address the rising use of cannabis during pregnancy. 

 Key Takeaways:

• More people now use marijuana than alcohol. The prevalence of pregnant individuals ranges from about 2-5% up to 30% depending on socioeconomic status, region, and other factors. 

• The reasons that pregnant individuals report marijuana use are typically for nausea, vomiting, sleep, insomnia, and mental health as well as management of pain and stress.

• Marijuana is not safer just because it is “plant-based”. Opium, tobacco, and alcohol are all also plant-based. 

• We need clearer public health messaging around cannabis. The information widely available now is often confusing or stigmatized.

"Cannabis, unlike other drugs, is not related to birth defects, but there is an increased risk for preterm birth, small for gestational age babies, increased risk for stillbirth, as well as longer-term effects that are more subtle but are very important." —  Dr. Jamie Lo, MD

Connect with Dr. Jamie Lo, MD:

Professional Bio: https://www.ohsu.edu/people/jamie-lo-md-mcr 

Connect with Therese:

Website: www.criticallyspeaking.net

Threads: @critically_speaking

Email: theresemarkow@criticallyspeaking.net

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