Are Hemp Gummies Safe During Pregnancy?
No. There is no research showing that hemp gummies are safe to use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. The FDA strongly advises against using CBD, THC, or any cannabis- or hemp-derived product during pregnancy and lactation. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that pregnant patients stop using marijuana and cannabis-derived products and discuss this with their care team.
What Is Actually in a Hemp Gummy?
“Hemp gummies” is a general label. The name alone does not tell you what is inside. Depending on the brand, a hemp gummy may contain:
- CBD (cannabidiol) extracted from the hemp plant
- Small amounts of THC, since federally legal hemp products can contain up to 0.3% THC by dry weight
- Other minor cannabinoids, such as CBG or CBN
- Hemp seed oil, which is different from CBD or hemp extract
This matters because the FDA treats hemp seed differently from CBD and other cannabinoid extracts. Always read the supplement facts panel and ingredient list before assuming what a product actually contains.
Hemp Seed vs. CBD or Hemp Extract: Why the Label Matters
- Hemp seed or hemp seed oil: Comes from the seeds of the hemp plant. The FDA notes that THC and CBD are found mainly in the flowers, leaves, and stems, not the seeds, so this ingredient carries lower concern.
- CBD or full-spectrum hemp extract: Comes from the flowers, leaves, or stems of the hemp plant. The FDA advises against use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
- THC, in any amount: Comes from cannabis or hemp plant material. Linked to fetal brain development concerns and other risks.
Check the ingredient panel of any product before deciding it falls into the lower-concern category. Many products called “hemp gummies” actually contain hemp extract or CBD, not just hemp seed oil.
What the FDA Says
The FDA strongly advises against using cannabidiol, THC, or marijuana in any form during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. According to the FDA, potential concerns include:
- THC can enter the fetal brain through the mother’s bloodstream and may affect brain development
- Marijuana use during pregnancy has been linked to low birth weight, and research also points to a higher risk of premature birth and possibly stillbirth
- THC can remain in breast milk for up to six days after use
- There is no comprehensive research on how CBD affects a developing fetus or a breastfed baby
- High doses of CBD in pregnant test animals caused reproductive system changes in male fetuses; it is not known what this means for humans
- CBD products can be contaminated with substances such as THC, pesticides, heavy metals, bacteria, or fungus
- CBD carries known general risks, including liver toxicity, extreme sleepiness, and harmful interactions with other medications
The FDA has approved only one prescription CBD drug, used for rare, severe seizure disorders in children. Outside of that, CBD products sold over the counter have not been evaluated or approved by the FDA for safety, dosage, or drug interactions.
What ACOG Says
ACOG’s clinical guidance on marijuana use during pregnancy and lactation recommends that all patients be asked about marijuana and other drug use early in pregnancy. ACOG advises that patients who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant be encouraged to stop using marijuana, including for medical reasons, in favor of treatments with better pregnancy-specific safety data. ACOG also notes there is not enough data to evaluate the effects of marijuana on infants during breastfeeding, and in the absence of that data, use is discouraged.
Why the Safety Data Does Not Exist
Both agencies point to the same core problem: researchers have not been able to study cannabis and hemp-derived products in pregnant and breastfeeding people the way they study approved medications. Reasons include legal restrictions on research, wide variation in product strength and purity, and the ethical difficulty of testing these products directly on pregnant participants. Most of what is known about CBD’s effects on a developing fetus comes from animal studies, not human trials. That gap is why medical organizations recommend avoiding these products rather than waiting for proof of harm.
Who should discuss Hemp Gummies and Pregnancy first
- Breastfeeding: THC can pass into breast milk and remain there for days. CBD is also expected to transfer into breast milk in some amount.
- Other medications: CBD can interact with other drugs. Anyone taking prescription medication should talk to a pharmacist or doctor before adding any hemp or CBD product.
- Product quality: Because these products are not FDA-approved, label claims about dosage and purity are not independently verified the way prescription drug claims are.
Useful details to confirm about Hemp Gummies and Pregnancy
- Read the full ingredient list, not just the front-of-package name
- Identify whether the product contains hemp seed oil, CBD, hemp extract, or THC
- Check for third-party lab testing information on the label or seller’s site
- Write down every supplement and medication you currently take
- Talk with your OB-GYN, midwife, or pharmacist before starting or continuing use
- Ask your care team about the specific product, not cannabis products in general
Reader questions on Hemp Gummies and Pregnancy
Are hemp gummies the same as CBD gummies?
Not always. “Hemp gummies” can mean a product made with hemp seed oil, or one made with CBD or hemp extract. These are different ingredients with different FDA concern levels. The only way to know is to read the ingredient label.
Can hemp gummies contain THC even if they are legal?
Yes. Federal law allows hemp products to contain up to 0.3% THC by dry weight. That is a small amount, but the FDA advises against any THC exposure during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Is CBD safer than THC during pregnancy?
Neither has established safety data in pregnancy. The FDA advises against both CBD and THC use during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and notes that comprehensive research on CBD’s effects on a developing fetus does not exist.
What should I do if I already used a hemp gummy before I knew I was pregnant?
Talk with your OB-GYN or midwife as soon as possible. They can review what you used and discuss next steps based on your specific situation. This article cannot evaluate an individual case.
Educational Disclaimer
This article is general consumer education about hemp gummies and pregnancy. It is not medical advice and does not diagnose, treat, or evaluate any individual’s health. It does not review or confirm the safety of any specific product. For personal guidance about pregnancy, breastfeeding, or any hemp or CBD product, talk with a qualified clinician. See our medical disclaimer, editorial standards, and About page for more on how we cover this topic.