Several states require health warnings on cannabis product labels, but Oregon “is the only state that currently requires a point of sale warning at dispensaries regarding cannabis use in pregnant or breast-feeding women,” according to background information in the proposal the AMA adopted.
In Colorado, regulators have struggled to spell out guidelines about maternal pot use. Labels warn pregnant and nursing women that “there may be risks” from using marijuana, but there’s no ban on pregnant women buying it. Colorado lawmakers this year rejected a ban on selling marijuana to pregnant women, and another measure to post warning signs in pot shops.
Dr. Larry Wolk, Colorado’s chief medical officer, said health officials there have created informational material and pamphlets about the risks for doctors to give pregnant women. If the effort raises widespread awareness, “we may not need legislation,” Wolk said.
In Illinois, regulated sales of medical marijuana began last week. Scott Miller, an owner of a dispensary in Canton, Illinois, said he was unaware of potential risks linked with use during pregnancy, but that he would not be opposed to warning signs. His dispensary already posts a health-related state-mandated sign noting that edible marijuana products may be made in kitchens “not subject to public health inspections that may also process common food allergens.”
Customers also get pamphlets that mention risks for side effects and addiction. If use during pregnancy is a real risk, “as a dispensary owner, I would want to expose that,” Miller said.