Smoking Weed + Taking Abortion Pills
Posted November 8, 2024
Can I Smoke Weed During a Medication Abortion?
Yes, you can smoke weed or take an edible during a medication abortion. Smoking weed will not affect how the pills work. In a study on pain management during abortion, all participants who used marijuana said it was at least somewhat effective at relieving pain and cramps.
"People may experience a wide variety of symptoms during a medication abortion including anxiety, nausea and pain. At the M+A Hotline we often have people ask us if they can use marijuana during the process and we give them accurate medical information. It is safe, recommended and doesn’t affect how the abortion medications work to use multiple options to help improve these symptoms. Over the counter medications like 800mg of ibuprofen along with marijuana and taking a bath while having a medication abortion can help improve symptoms during the process."
- Medical Director of the M+A Hotline
What should someone know about getting high during the abortion?
- Weed can help with nausea as well as cramping.
- Indica strains might be a better choice than sativa, as they tend to be more relaxing.
- Write down how often you’re changing pads and any other symptoms, just in case you do need to call the M+A Hotline you don’t have to think too hard ;)
- Don’t rely solely on cannabis for pain management—make sure you have other pain relief options on hand like Ibuprofen (advil/motrin), Acetaminophen (tylenol) and a heating pad.
You can take these pain relievers two different ways:- Take 800mg Ibuprofen with 1000mg Acetaminophen every 6- 8 hours as needed for pain (it is safe to take the medications together as they work differently).
- Take 800mg of Ibuprofen every 6 hours. In between doses of Ibuprofen take 1000mg Acetominophen every 6 hours. This looks like: take 800mg ibuprofen, wait 3 hours, take 1000mg acetominophen, wait 3 hours and keep repeating.
(Ibuprofen has been shown to work better than acetaminophen for cramping pain during the process, so if you only take one, ibuprofen is recommended!)
You don’t want to be so high that you can’t stay alert.
While complications with abortion pills are super rare (less than 1% of the time), they can happen. You’ll need to monitor how much you’re bleeding, keep an eye on your temperature, and be able to communicate with a healthcare provider if something feels off. The M+A Hotline is a great resource if you need to reach a doctor and have more questions — they've heard it all!
Everyone’s experience with a medication abortion is different. Some people have mild cramping, while others experience more intense pain. Both are normal and so is everything in between. The goal is to get as relaxed as possible: put on your coziest PJs, gather up some snacks and water, snuggle into a blanket, put on your favorite show, and if you want, light up a joint or take an edible. If you end up falling asleep, even better!
What about smoking weed after an in-clinic abortion?
It’s also safe and a great tool to use for pain management after the in-clinic abortion! However, on the day of your procedure you need to have a clear mind to sign consent forms so getting high before your appointment isn't recommended. If the doctor or clinic suspects you’re under the influence of any drugs, they will probably make you reschedule your appointment.
If cannabis helps you feel more comfortable and relaxed, go for it! Just make sure to stay in tune with your body and be prepared to manage any symptoms that come up.
If you’ve never tried weed before, maybe now isn't the best time to experiment.
Having an abortion can already feel unfamiliar, and you want to be in a space (physically, mentally emotionally, spiritually) where you feel as safe and comfortable as possible. If you do already have experience with weed—whether smoking or taking edibles—and you know your tolerance and the right dosage, it can actually be a great way to relax and help manage cramping.
If you’re in a state where marijuana is prohibited, be sure to weigh the legal risks before getting high.
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