As time as evolved, parents have a better understanding about pregnancy.  Caffeine, cannabis, tobacco and more can have an impact.

In France, 20% of pregnant women smoke and depending on studies, the prevalence of alcohol use is at least 15%, yet they have lower infant mortality rates. Some of the reason could be the healthcare and support around expectant mothers, but some is general lifestyle. It is is called the French paradox. While no medical professional is advocating for bad habits while expecting, it happens.  Caffeine, tobacco, and alcohol are on the avoid list, but can marijuana cause a miscarriage?

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The evidence is clear smoking, alcohol and caffeine can have an effect on the fetus. Caffeine, tobacco, and alcohol, when consumed during pregnancy, can all have negative effects on a fetus, including potential for low birth weight, development delays, birth defects and even miscarriage. Alcohol poses the most significant risk due to its potential for fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS).

Maternal use of cigarettes, alcohol, cannabis, and caffeine were compared in a research study. The relationship between such usage and growth parameters of offspring followed up from birth to 12 and 24 months of age were examined. Of the soft drugs used, nicotine had the most pronounced effect. After adjustment for other relevant variables, nicotine use prior to and during pregnancy was negatively related to weight and head circumference at birth. Furthermore, third trimester nicotine use was a stronger predictor of decreased weight and head circumference at birth than was first trimester use. The results obtained are consistent with ponderal index (PI) literature suggesting a recovery of growth retardation in infants with a lowered PI. Average consumption of greater than one ounce of absolute alcohol per day was negatively related to birth weight and length. Neither cannabis nor caffeine use had a significant negative effect on any growth parameter.

The chemicals in cannabis, particularly tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), can pass through the placenta and affect the fetus’s development. This can lead to a variety of issues. Frequent cannabis use during pregnancy is associated with lower birth weight. Cannabis use can impair neurodevelopment and increase the risk of abnormal neurological development in the fetus.

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The actions of the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) have caused another delay in marijuana rescheduling – hurting thousands of mom and pop businesses.

While thousands of mom and pop business’s future hangs in the balance, the DEA causes another delay in marijuana rescheduling.  Ever since outgoing President Biden delayed starting the process, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has been dragging their feet on any action. And now they have been ordered to delay to do some questionable actions. While the majority of the public believe it should be legalized and consumer usage has increased, even starting the California sober trend. The DEA and a few members of Congress have fought hard and long against science and public opinion.

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In response to a motion filed by cannabis advocates seeking to disqualify the DEA from its role as proponent of the proposed rule to reclassify cannabis, the agency asserted that there was no new evidence presented warranted reconsideration. The advocates, which include notable groups such as Village Farms International and Hemp for Victory, argue that the DEA has stacked the deck against them by selecting participants who oppose the proposed rescheduling from Schedule I to Schedule III. The DEA’s Chief Administrative Law Judge, John Mulrooney granted a request for leave to file an interlocutory appeal—canceling the scheduled January 21 merit-based hearing and staying the proceedings for at least three months. Mulrooney condemned the agency over its “unprecedented and astonishing” defiance of a key directive related to evidence it is seeking to use in upcoming hearings on the Biden administration’s marijuana rescheduling proposal.

As advocates and industry businesses continue to navigate this complex landscape, they remain hopeful ongoing discussions and potential legal challenges will ultimately lead to a more favorable outcome for cannabis rescheduling. The upcoming months will be critical as stakeholders await further developments in this evolving regulatory environment.

Soap opera reflect and influence opinions in unexpected ways.

Historically, soap operas have addressed various substances, including marijuana, often using them as plot devices to create dramatic tension. In the late 20th century, drug use was frequently depicted in exaggerated scenarios that highlighted the dangers of addiction and substance abuse. For instance, characters were shown experiencing dramatic consequences from drug use, such as overdoses or legal troubles, which served as cautionary tales for viewers. Often, sometime was slipped it and consumed unknowlying, leading them down a path of addiction and bad behavior. As cannabis become more popular, the marijuana become my accepted, like alcohol.

Marijuana’s portrayal in daytime soap operas serves not only as entertainment but also as a reflection of evolving societal attitudes toward drug use. As these shows continue to explore themes related to marijuana, they contribute to ongoing conversations about its implications for health and society.