Hyperemesis Gravidarum and Cannabis Consumption
Here's the lowdown:
State Laws: Find out what your state says about cannabis use here (it's not dodgeball, research before you blaze!).
Hospital Policies: Talk to your doctor and hospital – knowledge is power, mama!
Risks & Benefits: We explore both sides (plants over pills? Maybe, but get informed!).
My Story: Hear how cannabis helped me with Hyperemesis Gravidarum, but remember, everyone's different!
DISCLAIMER: Everything here's just my 222 cents based on some research down at the homestead. This is not intended to be taken as medical advice. Do your own research, make your own choices, and don't forget to consult with a professional if and when appropriate, mkay?
summary of key studies & research:
JOURNAL OF CANNABIS RESEARCH 2020 - The use of cannabis for Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG)
Background: Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG) responds only partially to standard antiemetic medications. Cannabis has been known to possess antiemetic effects and there are several medicinal cannabinoids used as anti -emetics for cancer chemotherapy. Its favorable use for HG has been described in social media, but not in the medical literature.
“Conclusions: The results suggest that cannabis may be effective for HG, and should be studied in appropriately powered, controlled studies, fully considering potential fetal risks.”
https://jcannabisresearch.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s42238-020-0017-6
PUBMED 2022 - Patterns of Use and Self-reported Effectiveness of Cannabis for Hyperemesis Gravidarum
Materials/Methods - The study employed a 21-question survey to gather information on demographics, antiemetic prescription use, and experience with cannabis/CBPs among individuals who experienced extreme nausea and vomiting or HG during their pregnancy. Age-adjusted unconditional logistic regression was used to compare odds of symptom relief and weight gain between respondents who used prescription antiemetics and those who used cannabis.
“Conclusions: Respondents reported using cannabis primarily because prescribed medications were self-reported to be ineffective. Although the survey approach has inherent limitations so results should be interpreted with caution, in this sample, cannabis was self-reported to be more effective than prescription medications in alleviating HG symptoms and enabling pregnancy weight gain. Therefore, depending on the safety profiles, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trials of cannabis compared to other antiemetics are warranted to determine whether cannabinoids may provide an effective alternative treatment for HG.”
Summary of Evidence-Based, Peer-Reviewed Articles:
NORML-Cannabis Reportedly More Effective Than Prescription Anti-Emetics for Hyperemesis Gravidarum
A team of researchers affiliated with the University of California, Los Angeles and with the Hyperemesis Education and Research Foundation in Oregon surveyed 550 respondents who suffered from HG during their pregnancy. Among respondents, 96 percent acknowledged having used prescription anti-emetics; 14 percent reported having used cannabis. Most (71 percent) of those who acknowledged having consumed cannabis said that they did so because prescription medications inadequately managed their symptoms.
Authors concluded: “This study adds to growing literature supporting antiemetic properties of cannabis and cannabinoid compounds while also suggesting their potential to treat HG. … A minority of respondents in this survey reported using cannabis for HG; however, those who used cannabis or CBPs [cannabis-based products] reported more frequent relief from HG symptoms compared to those who used prescription antiemetics. Furthermore, those cannabis users were more likely to report weight gain within two weeks of treatment than those who used ondansetron, reportedly the most effective prescription antiemetic for survey respondents.”