health

How THC tests have landed more than a thousand new mothers onto child abuse registries

Updated on: August 9, 2026 / 10:08 AM EDT / CBS News

How THC tests have landed more than a thousand new mothers onto child abuse registries

TL;DR

  • New mothers in states like Idaho are placed on child abuse registries for having trace amounts of THC in their newborn's system, impacting their ability to work in certain fields.
  • Accidental ingestion of marijuana edibles or use of CBD products with trace THC has led to investigations and penalties for mothers.
  • In South Carolina, mothers can face felony charges and arrest for THC detected in newborns, even if the exposure was unintentional.
  • Legal action is being taken against states like Idaho, arguing that mothers are being penalized without due process and with devastating consequences for their livelihoods.
  • Data suggests racial disparities in law enforcement referrals for alleged substance use during pregnancy.
  • While some charges are dismissed, the impact on mothers, including job loss, financial strain, and emotional distress, can be long-lasting.