Cannabis Education & Prevention
Our Cannabis Education & Prevention Program is funded by the Cannabis Regulatory Agency's Medical Marijuana Operation and Oversight Grant. The purpose of this program is to educate Clinton and Montcalm County residents of the risks of driving while under the influence of cannabis, the importance of safe storage of cannabis products, and the dangers of consuming cannabis while pregnant or breastfeeding.
Driving While High
Driving under the influence of cannabis is dangerous and illegal. Cannabis affects areas of the brain that control the body’s movements, balance, coordination, memory, and judgment. 1
Cannabis use can impair important skills required for safe driving by:
- Slowing reaction time
- Delaying the ability to make decisions
- Decrease in coordination
- Changing perception
Those involved in vehicle crashes with THC in their blood, particularly higher levels, are three to seven times more likely to be responsible for the incident than drivers who had not used drugs or alcohol. 2
Safe Storage
Young children may confuse cannabis & THC Products for regular food or candy. Be sure all cannabis products are kept in child-resistant packaging, clearly labeled, and locked up. Children should not be able to see or reach the locked products.
A safe storage plan can help lower the risk of accidental ingestion.
Cannabis Use While Pregnant or Breastfeeding
Cannabis use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding can be harmful to your baby’s health. The chemicals in cannabis (in particular, THC) pass through your system to your baby and may harm your baby’s development.
Studies show that cannabis use during pregnancy may be harmful to a baby’s health and cause a variety of problems, including:
- Fetal growth restriction (when a baby doesn’t gain the appropriate amount of weight before birth)
- A greater risk of stillbirth
- Preterm birth (being born at or before 37 weeks)
- Low birth weight
- Long-term brain development issues affecting memory, learning, and behavior. 3
To limit potential risk to the infant, breastfeeding mothers should be advised not to use cannabis or products containing THC or CBD in any form (smoking, edibles, lotions, etc.) while breastfeeding. Those who drink alcohol and pump their milk then dump it (“pump and dump” method) does not apply to those who use cannabis while breastfeeding. Cannabis stays in the body far longer than alcohol does, so it is not safe to use it even with time between use and breastfeeding.
Some people report using cannabis to treat severe nausea or heartburn associated with their pregnancy, but there are better and safer options available that do not harm your baby. Find some answers to common pregnancy-related issues here.