State Rep. Thomas Albert today introduced a plan to warn expectant and breastfeeding mothers of the harmful effects marijuana use can have on babies.

“The unborn in Michigan deserve a fair shot and exposure to harmful products unfairly inhibits both brain development and subsequent life opportunities,” Albert said. “Putting warning labels on marijuana products is an effective safety measure that will help protect Michigan’s future generations.”

Albert, of Lowell, said preliminary research indicates marijuana is able to reach babies in the womb, resulting in low birth weight and harming brain development. For this reason, both the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists advise against marijuana use during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.

According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, marijuana is the most common illicit drug used during the course of pregnancies across the country. Roughly half of regular female marijuana users continue to use during pregnancy, and 5 percent of women in the United States have reported using marijuana while pregnant.

Albert’s solution would label recreational and medical marijuana sold in Michigan in a similar manner as alcohol and tobacco products.

“As medical and recreational marijuana use becomes more widely accepted in Michigan, the percent of mothers who use marijuana products shows no signs of slowing down,” Albert said. “Parents must be made aware of the fact that it could harm their child.”

House Bills 4126-27 have been referred to the House Judiciary Committee for consideration.

###