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Doctors worry study on more women turning to marijuana for nausea will do more harm than good

Posted at 5:31 PM, Aug 22, 2018
and last updated 2018-08-22 22:17:48-04

TAMPA — Smoking marijuana is now more acceptable. Demand for change and new laws is shifting the tide across the nation.

But it seems hearing about one segment of the population lighting up or ingesting is raising eyebrows.

"I'm shocked that pregnant women are smoking anything," said Kim Tonetti, a mother of four kids.

Tonetti is reacting to a new study finding more women are turning to pot to help with morning sickness.

"I just think when you have a baby inside of you, you need to remain as clean as possible. It is not worth the risk," said Tonetti.

Dr. Jill Hechtman, the Medical Director of Tampa Obstetrics, couldn't agree more. And she adds she can't imagine any medical organization endorsing it

"I am going to tell you as an OBGYN, the American Medical Association, The American College of OBGYN, no one is recommending the use of marijuana for nausea and vomiting for pregnancy," said Dr. Hechtman.

Dr. Hechtman said it is illegal to take it in Florida but the study comes out of California where laws are more liberal. But she said that should not be an excuse.

"During the first trimester when you're more likely to have nausea and vomiting, that is the time the baby is forming," said Dr. Hechtman.

She hopes the new study dies down and moms-to-be turn to their doctor.

"When studies come out like this I can say until I'm blue in the face not to smoke marijuana. But if they are seeing studies like this or information on the Internet saying that it's OK to use marijuana, that's what concerns me," said Dr. Hechtman.

To learn more about the study, click here: