Cannabis & Conception: What Women Need to Know When Trying to Get Pregnant

By Vanessa Jarvis-Findlay, Founder of NEKED Cannabis Café & Functional Wellness Advocate

Let’s face it—modern women are juggling more than ever: careers, family, self-care, and the often complex decision of when (or whether) to have children. As conversations around cannabis become more open and evidence-based, one question I hear often from women at NEKED is:

“Can I still use cannabis if I’m trying to fall pregnant?”

It’s a fair question—and one that deserves a clear, compassionate, and science-informed answer.

Understanding Cannabis & the Female Body

Cannabis interacts with the body through the endocannabinoid system (ECS), a complex network of receptors that regulates everything from mood and appetite to hormonal balance and fertility.

For women, the ECS plays a role in:

• Ovulation

• Menstrual cycle regulation

• Implantation of a fertilised egg

• Early pregnancy signalling

This means any substance that influences the ECS, including cannabis, could potentially impact fertility or pregnancy outcomes. But let’s dive into the details.

What Does the Science Say?

1. Ovulation & Hormone Disruption

Some studies suggest that THC, the psychoactive compound in cannabis, may affect the hormonal signals responsible for ovulation, particularly if consumed in high doses or very frequently. Delayed or suppressed ovulation can make conception more difficult.

That said, the evidence isn’t conclusive. The impacts seem to vary based on frequency, dosage, the method of consumption, and individual biology.

2. Menstrual Cycle Changes

There is anecdotal evidence and limited studies suggesting that heavy cannabis use can cause irregular cycles or anovulation (when the body doesn’t release an egg). However, this appears to be more common in chronic or daily users.

Occasional or moderate use—especially in the form of low-dose tinctures or CBD—has not been definitively shown to affect cycles in the same way.

3. Implantation & Early Pregnancy

THC may influence the uterine lining and the early stages of embryo implantation. Some animal studies have raised concerns, but human data is still limited and often conflicting. Most health professionals recommend avoiding THC during the two-week wait and after a positive pregnancy test, just to be safe.

What About CBD?

Unlike THC, CBD (cannabidiol) is non-psychoactive and has a different mechanism of action. Current research suggests that CBD is less likely to interfere with ovulation or implantation, though there’s still a lack of long-term human data.

Many women use CBD to manage stress, anxiety, and sleep disturbances—all of which can indirectly support fertility by balancing cortisol levels and promoting overall wellness.

Smoking vs. Other Methods

If you are using cannabis while trying to conceive, it’s worth considering how you’re using it. Smoking (combustion) introduces toxins and carbon monoxide into the body, which is not ideal for egg health or uterine conditions.

Safer options include:

• Tinctures (with exact dosing and no smoke)

• Edibles or gummies

• Topical applications (for localised pain relief)

  
  

Real Talk: Should You Quit Cannabis While Trying to Conceive?

Here’s my honest, expert take:

If you're casually using cannabis, and you're actively trying to fall pregnant, it’s worth taking a mindful pause—especially during ovulation and the luteal phase (the second half of your cycle). This is when implantation happens and when the body is highly hormonally sensitive.

However, if you’re using cannabis medically or therapeutically for pain, anxiety, endometriosis, or other chronic conditions, speak to a qualified healthcare provider who understands both plant medicine and reproductive health.

It’s not about blanket bans—it’s about informed choices.

Final Thoughts: Empowering Women with Knowledge

At NEKED, we advocate for body literacy, plant-based wellness, and personal empowerment. That includes having open, honest conversations about how cannabis affects women, especially when it comes to fertility, pregnancy, and hormonal health.

Every woman is different. Your health, your cycle, and your reasons for using cannabis are unique, and deserve to be treated with nuance, respect, and science.

So if you’re on a fertility journey or simply planning, know that you have options, you have support, and you are not alone.

For personalised guidance, visit us at NEKED Cannabis Café in Clarens or chat with a wellness consultant at www.neked.co.za.

Your body. Your journey. Your choice—always.