I was excited to read this post, and am considering using MJ in my own birth. I live in a state, Alaska, where using MJ in private residences is legal by state laws (no medical MJ card needed), however this does directly contradict federal laws. I must confess I read the first 5 pages and then skipped to the end. I have a degree in biochemistry and this is what I understand so far about how MJ would affect labor.
MJ causes the release of oxytocin. Oxytocin is the natural molecule that progresses labor. It causes dilation and softening of the cervix, which is necessary for labor to continually progress. I don't believe that MJ would actually lessen the pain, and depending on the strain (indica vs sativa) and % THC and other cannabadiols it might actually increase the pain. Some strains cause whats known as a body high and cause you to be more sensitive to what your body is feeling. Other strains can cause your heart to speed up (bad for baby because it might cause problems with baby getting enough oxygen). Now, compared to pitocin, MJ might be a good option. Pitocin mimics oxytocin, but doesn't cause the same biochemical cascade that oxytocin does. When oxytocin is released, it causes a sequential release of endorphins. Endorphins are those molecules responsible for the exercise 'high' and can negate some of the pain of labor. Pitocin doesn't cause endorphins to be released, which is why so many women need an epidural after starting pitocin, the pain can be too much! MJ would cause the natural molecule oxytocin to be released and allow for the sequential endorphin high, progressing labor and allowing for the body's natural painkillers to be released.
I've heard many women mention having a glass of wine or alcohol, and I'm not sure about those effects. Some of the books I've read suggest consuming alcohol to stall a labor, not progress it (ie. if you need to drive to the hospital). The effect might simply be for relaxation, not progression of labor. Stress can stall labor on its own, so this might be the reason alcohol is suggested.
As for MJ compared to tobacco, I strongly thing that tobacco is worse. While smoking both equate to carbonizing plant matter, which does create some harmful molecules, MJ isn't mass produced and contains additives the way that tobacco does. Carbon Monoxide (CO) is one of the main detractants of smoking MJ, at any time, not just during pregnancy and labor. The way to avoid being exposed to too much CO is to simply take quick hits. delta 9- THC, one of the main psychoactive ingredients in MJ bonds almost instantaneously in your lungs, so inhaling and quickly exhaling allows you to avoid binding CO. The CO binding is bad for you, it binds much more strongly to your blood cells, and won't come off until the blood cell dies and is replaced. Oxygen, or O2, is a bulkier molecule and drops off wherever your body needs it. If you take quick hits, less CO binds to your blood cells, and you can negate much of the damage done by "holding a hit in".
I am also worried about the possibility of drug testing and CPS involvement, so I'm not sure what I'll do when the time comes. Thanks again, for all the posts, and I'm going to keep researching to see what my options are. Best of luck to everyone!!
s.... nak sry bout typos. here is a link to a page about the doc...
