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One of the biggest medical uses of cannabis in the 19th century was for the treatment of menstrual
cramps and reduction of labour pain. Queen Victoria was prescribed cannabis for this reason by her
physician J.R. Reynolds. Yet there is nothing mentioned in 20th century medical literature. Possibly we
have a such a fear of the unborn child being harmed by its mother's drug taking that any research on this
subject would leave the researcher open to attack. However studies in populations that use cannabis
socially (Costa Rica and Jamaica) have shown that there is no negative effect on the unborn child.
The studies that do show a negative effect need to be checked to make sure that it is not some other
factor such as poverty that causes the effect. Ellen Komp has spent a lot of time researching the
subject and she has written this article for Holy Smoke magazine, which
sums up the scientific knowledge.
Despite the controversy, many women have experimented with cannabis, and have found that it does control
menstrual cramps, makes labour quicker and less painful and relieves the nausea (morning sickness)
associated with pregnancy. If severe nausea is reducing the mother's food intake, then the child may
be harmed by not taking cannabis. |