Use of cannabis by pregnant women has been growing in the United States and other countries such as Canada in recent decades.
Past studies have shown the use of cannabis during pregnancy is linked to abnormal neurological development, autism and hyperactivity, attention issues, and other cognitive and behavioral issues in children, according to the U.S.
The chemical CBD is marketed over the counter and online as being “nonpsychoactive” and a safe option for anxiety, depression, sleep, pain, nausea and more.
There is currently not a lot of regulation, so CBD products may contain unknown levels of THC, as well as “pesticides, heavy metals, bacteria and fungus,” the agency said.
Known risks of CBD to humans include liver damage, “excessive sleepiness and harmful interactions with other drugs,” the agency said.
Based on all that is known, “women should refrain from using when they’re pregnant or breastfeeding,” Moore said.