CBD in Pregnancy, OK? New Data

Listen to this! According to recent US statistics from both consumer reports and statista.org: 26% of Americans used CBD in 2022, 24% of people owning pets use CBD for their animals and themselves, 33% of Americans have used CBD products at least once, 64% of Americans have used CBD for pain, 49% of Americans use it for anxiety and stress, and 42% of Americans have used it for sleep and insomnia. CBD is super common, and it is super unregulated. CBD, or cannabidiol, is one of the numerous cannabinoids found in cannabis plants. After THC, CBD is the second most active substance found in the plant. THC produces the euphoria that users feel when consuming it through various methods. CBD differs in that it doesn't produce a high, is non-psychoactive, and like THC, isn't physically addictive. Although CBD has shown promise in migraine care, chronic pelvic pain, fibromyalgia, and cancer associated pain, it is NOT benign. CBD contains several terpenes that are all oil-based. These are known to cause some disturbances in the body's immune system. Other things like lethargy, sedation, and increases in liver enzymes are possible when used regularly. Things like malaise, weakness, heavy fatigue, diarrhea, and a skin rash may occur. Nonetheless, as CBD is viewed as “natural”, many pregnant women look to this as an alternative medication for pregnancy aches and pains. Is this safe? We know that THC is problematic, but what about CBD? We have learned much more about CBD in pregnancy since the ACOG’s CO 722, first released in 2017 and reaffirmed in 2021…and even the term has changed! In this episode we will review the data on CBD use in pregnancy from 2018 (since the last ACOG CO) onward and let you know why one word in particular is no longer favored.