VANCOUVER — Marc Emery's online magazine, Cannabis Culture, encourages marijuana use during pregnancy for relief of nausea, loss of appetite and to help get emotions under control.

"Most studies say cannabis is perfectly safe during pregnancy, but it's controversial, of course," said Jodie Emery, Marc's wife, a well-known marijuana activist who failed in her attempt to run for the Liberal Party.

In an online article, Dr. Kathy Galbraith, known as "Dr. Kate," writes: "Pot can be safely used during pregnancy, and can help with several of the discomforts/problems associated therewith.

"These types of herbs are special friends to women, because they bring the feminine reproductive system into the correct balance, which definitely helps her pregnancy, and state of mind in general.

"Most women these days do not eat enough food, and that is the biggest cause of low-birth-weight babies."

According to most medical studies, the opposite is true.

Health Canada warns against marijuana — even medical pot — for women who are “pregnant, are planning to get pregnant, or are breast-feeding.”

In a study of the effects of cocaine and marijuana on preterm birth and low-birth weight by Shiono, Patricia et al: "Rates of preterm birth and low-birth weight may be somewhat higher among women who are long-term, heavy users of cocaine or marijuana."

Doctors warn marijuana can often be laced with other drugs, thus using it while pregnant can cause additional, unanticipated consequences for the baby.

Marijuana sold from the BC Pain Society vending machines carries the warning: "Pregnant or nursing mothers and those with lung or heart disease should consult a doctor before use."