Courses

Getting in the Weeds with Perinatal Cannabis Exposure: Considerations for the Infant

What are the effects of cannabis use during pregnancy and breastfeeding on infant health?

Presenter: Rakhi Gupta Basuray, MD, FAAP

Program Date: 17 September 2025

Publication Date: 17 December 2025

Continuing Education Credits: Nurse Contact 1.0 CE; Dietitian 1.0 CPEU

Course Description

This program explores the growing trends in cannabis use during pregnancy and breastfeeding, its potential impact on neonatal and infant health, and practical strategies for healthcare professionals to counsel caregivers with sensitivity. Topics include current legalization trends, pharmacology of THC and CBD, screening and testing considerations, and the latest research on short- and long-term outcomes for infants. Participants will gain insights into best practices for informed decision-making and supporting families in a rapidly evolving landscape. Originally presented as a webinar on 17 September 2025.

Course Objectives:
  • Review trends around perinatal cannabis use.
  • Evaluate the impact on the neonate.
  • Discuss counseling caregivers with sensitivity.
Key Takeaways:
  • Cannabis is a heterogeneous product.
  • Use is increasing with legalization.
  • Evidence on the potential for harm exists.
  • If testing, be mindful of pre-existing disparities.
  • Counseling families should include informed decision making.

Performance Indicators: 3.1.1, 5.1.2, 5.2.6

Activity Code: 190862

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Related Questions:
  • How common is cannabis use during pregnancy, and what trends are emerging?
    Cannabis use during pregnancy is reported in 3% to 35% of cases, with prevalence decreasing across trimesters but often increasing postpartum. Legalization and rising THC concentrations have contributed to greater accessibility and potency, making this an evolving public health concern. Understanding these trends is critical for clinicians to anticipate patient needs and provide informed counseling.
  • How does cannabis use impact breastfeeding and infant feeding?
    THC transfers into breast milk and can persist due to its long half-life (25–36 hours). Reported effects include sedation, apnea, and feeding difficulties in infants. Cannabis is the #1 searched substance on LactMed, reflecting widespread concern among caregivers and clinicians. Current recommendations emphasize cessation or reduction to minimize risk.
  • What are the potential effects of perinatal cannabis exposure on infants?
    Evidence suggests associations with low birth weight (LBW), small for gestational age (SGA), preterm delivery, NICU admission, and later developmental challenges such as attention problems and decreased academic ability. Some studies also indicate links to adolescent cannabis initiation and mental health concerns, including psychosis and depression. While data are mixed and sometimes limited, these findings underscore the importance of early intervention and education.

Course Instructor Bio(s)

Rakhi Gupta Basuray, MD, FAAP

Physician, Hospital Pediatrics
Nationwide Children's Hospital
Columbus, OH, USA

Rakhi Gupta Basuray, MD, is a physician in the Division of Hospital Pediatrics at Nationwide Children’s in Columbus, Ohio. Her career has focused on Hospital Medicine and Medical Education. Dr Gupta Basuray graduated from The Ohio State University College of Medicine, completed her pediatric internship at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital, and residency at Loyola Medicine Children’s Hospital in the Chicago area.

Prior to relocating to Columbus, Ohio, Dr Gupta Basuray was a pediatric hospitalist with the Cleveland Clinic Children’s Hospital. While there, she served as Director of the Quality Improvement Curriculum for the residency program and gained experience as Director of the In-Patient Child Protection Team. Since she transitioned to Nationwide Children’s, she has focused her clinical time within Newborn Medicine. Currently, she serves as co-chair of the American Academy of Pediatrics, Neonatal Hospitalist Subcommittee, within the Section on Hospital Medicine. She has come full circle, returning to The Ohio State University College of Medicine, holding positions within Undergraduate Medical Education as Director of the Knowledge for Practice Competency and Associate Academic Program Director for the third-year students’ clerkship year.

Dr Gupta Basuray has presented at AAP conferences, including National Convention & Exhibits, Pediatric Academic Societies annual meeting, and Pediatric Hospital Medicine. She has published in AAP's journal, Hospital Pediatrics, on the MedEdPortal platform, a book chapter on Interprofessional Communication, amongst other work.

Category
CE CPEU Neonatal Prenatal & Neonatal
Highlighted References:
  • Anderson PO, et al. Breastfeed Med. 2025;20(5):285-287. 
  • Harris M, et al. Breastfeed Med. 2023;18(10):715-733.
  • Lo JO, et al. JAMA Pediatr. 2025;179(7):738-746. 
  • Mark K, et al. Arch Gynecol Obstet. 2024;309(5):1903-1907. 
  • Prewitt KC, et al. J Addict Med. 2023;17(3):e192-e198. 
  • Ryan JP, et al. Child Abuse Negl. 2025;160:107175.
  • Ryan SA, et al. Pediatrics. 2018;142(3):e20181889. 
  • Sainz K, et al. Matern Health Neonatol Perinatol. 2025;11(1):20.
  • Thayyil B, et al. J Perinatol. 2025.
  • Wymore EM, et al. Neoreviews. 2025;26(4):e247-e263.

Abbott Nutrition’s Provider Statement for Nursing CEs:

Abbott Nutrition Health Institute is an approved provider of continuing nursing education by the California Board of Registered Nursing Provider #CEP 11213.

Abbott Nutrition’s Statement for Dietitian CPEUs:

This educational activity has been prior-approved by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR). CDR credentialed practitioners will receive the specified continuing professional education units (CPEUs) for completion of this program/material.