Are you considering taking the abortion pill but have questions about marijuana use? Perhaps you are interested in receiving more information on smoking marijuana after the abortion pill. As marijuana use becomes more popular, many women have questions regarding the combination of marijuana and the abortion pill.
If you have already taken the abortion pill and are searching for further information regarding marijuana use, please call your clinic or medical provider.
Avenue Women’s Center is a women’s limited medical clinic that provides services for those facing unexpected pregnancies in the Chicagoland area. If you are considering taking the abortion pill, reach out to Avenue for our first step pregnancy services. Call or text us today for an appointment at one of our six locations in Darien, Elmhurst, Glen Ellyn / Lombard, Naperville, West Chicago, or Wood Dale, Illinois.
When looking into “smoking marijuana after the abortion pill,” you may find that there is a lack of official medical studies or research on the topic. So, what can we tell you in response to your question? Let’s begin with a brief explanation of how the abortion pill works and how it generally affects users.
Abortion Pill:
A combination of two different drugs is often used in a medication abortion (the abortion pill). Typically, the first is Mifeprex (generic name: mifepristone), which stops the pregnancy from growing. The second drug, Misoprostol, brings on contractions to expel the pregnancy from the uterus. Use of the abortion pill typically involves contractions and heavy bleeding.
Although they are rare, complications may occur with a medication abortion. For example, excessive and dangerous bleeding. Typically, the majority of the medication abortion process takes place at home rather than in a medical office. For that reason, it has been suggested that it’s important to remain alert throughout the process in order to identify and take action on any potential problems.
Marijuana:
Now, how does marijuana typically impact the body? Medically, smoking marijuana can cause a significant increase in your heart rate. It can also slow reaction time, result in mood changes, short-term forgetfulness or temporary memory loss, random thinking, and difficulty in thinking or problem-solving.
Combining Marijuana With the Abortion Pill
In spite of the unknowns, since each part of this equation – the abortion pill and smoking marijuana – has its own effects, you should speak to your medical provider before mixing the two.
We must also speak to the issue of legality. The State of Illinois allows for the legal use of cannabis. However, legality varies from state to state.
Although this article does not give a definitive answer, we hope that it has provided you with some points to consider. Beyond “smoking marijuana after the abortion pill,” what else might you be wondering or asking about an unexpected pregnancy?
- How do I get information I need about the options before me?
- What are the differences between the abortion pill and a surgical procedure?
- This isn’t something I want to talk about with just anyone. Where can I safely and confidentially explore my alternatives?
- Are there things I should be asking that I haven’t even thought to address yet?
If you have already taken the abortion pill and are searching for further information regarding marijuana use, please call your clinic or medical provider.
At Avenue Women’s Center, all our services are strictly confidential. If you feel it would be helpful to discuss such a sensitive issue with someone a bit farther removed from the situation than a friend or family member, we hope you will call, text, email or chat for a free, no-obligation appointment with one of our experienced pregnancy consultants. Our offices are comfortable and safe; our staff members are genuinely compassionate and nonjudgmental. An unexpected pregnancy is not something to be faced alone. We are here for you!
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References:
- National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2019, December). Cannabis (Marijuana) DrugFacts. Retrieved from: https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugfacts/cannabis-marijuana.
- WebMD. (2021, December). How Does Pot Affect Your Mind and Body? Retrieved from: https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/marijuana-use-and-its-effects#1
- American Addiction Centers (DrugAbuse.com). (2023, February). Effects of Marijuana Use. Retrieved from: https://drugabuse.com/library/the-effects-of-marijuana-use/
- Mayo Clinic. (2022, July). Medical abortion. Retrieved from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/medical-abortion/about/pac-20394687.
Reviewed by Patricia Kuenzi, APN-CNP, MSN, ANP, PNP.
The information provided here is general in nature. It is not a substitute for a consultation with a medical professional. Before any medical procedure, it is imperative that you discuss your personal medical history, risks, and concerns with your doctor. If you have questions during or after a procedure, your doctor should be immediately contacted. Avenue Women’s Center is not an emergency center. If you are experiencing severe symptoms, such as bleeding and/or pain, seek immediate medical attention. Contact your physician, go to an emergency room, or call 911.