POT: Mothers, beware

I am writing to you, hoping that you will print it and that it will be a warning to all women in the child-bearing age, or will be.

On Jan. 10, there was an article called “the Risks of Marijuana use During Pregnancy.” It says that 29 states and Washington, D.C., have legalized marijuana for medicinal and recreational use. Only one state, Connecticut, lists not using it if it could harm another person.

The American College of OB and Gyn has warned against its use in pregnancy and lactation. It has been shown repeatedly that marijuana use “impairs higher order executive functions such as impulse control, visual memory and attention during school years.” The report says that its strength has gone up 3-4 times between 1995 and 2014!

During gestation it is known that marijuana can interfere with the formation of the brain and development of the nervous system. These babies are more likely to be anemic, have a lower birth rate and require care in intensive care!

The result to the unborn child will be that for his/her whole life he/she will struggle with disabilities caused by his mother’s indiscretion. Every would-be mother should talk to her doctor and should seriously ask themselves, “Do I want this baby to be as perfect as it can be?” There is a lot more in the article, but I have not included the scientific material.

I believe that all mothers want the best for their children. May I urge you to abstain from this drug? By doing this you are doing the best for your unborn child!

GEORGE W. RODKEY, M.D.

Post Falls