How THC tests have landed new mothers onto child abuse registries

In Idaho, more than 1,000 new mothers have been placed on a child abuse registry following positive tests for THC, the primary psychoactive component in marijuana, after giving birth. This practice occurs despite the fact that marijuana is a legal method for pain management in over 40 other states.

Investigations into these policies highlight significant disparities in how these cases are handled and who faces punitive measures. While some jurisdictions utilize registries for these positive tests, other states have pursued criminal charges, including jail time, for mothers testing positive for THC.