Cannabis and Breastfeeding: Main Advice
Health agencies advise against cannabis use while breastfeeding. THC, the main psychoactive compound in cannabis, passes into breast milk. No safe amount is known. No safe waiting period is established.
What Research Shows
A 2018 study in Obstetrics & Gynecology tracked 54 breastfeeding women who used cannabis. THC appeared in 63% of breast milk samples. The median time to last detection was 6 days after the last reported use.
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THC is fat-soluble. It moves from blood into milk and stored body fat. Milk THC levels vary by dose, frequency, and route. Edibles, vapes, and flower all deliver THC that can enter milk. Convenience products do not change this.
Infant Risks
Data on infant outcomes are limited. Case reports list sedation, poor feeding, and slow weight gain. A 2018 review found no long-term studies with large samples. The effect of THC on infant brain development is unknown.
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Agency Positions
- CDC: Marijuana use during breastfeeding is not recommended.
- ACOG: Cannabis use during lactation is discouraged.
- AAP: Marijuana use is not recommended while breastfeeding.
- LactMed (NIH): Breastfeeding women should be advised not to use cannabis.
Common Questions
Can I pump and dump?
Pumping and dumping does not remove THC from stored fat. THC can return to milk after the discard period. No fixed discard time is proven.
Does CBD pass into milk?
CBD also appears in breast milk in small studies. Its effects on infants are not known.
What if I used cannabis before I knew?
Stop use and contact a clinician. Report the timing and amount. Most guidance does not require stopping breastfeeding after a single use, but a clinician can assess the case.
Bottom Line
THC enters breast milk. Agencies advise against use during breastfeeding. No safe dose and no safe wait time are established. Convenience formats do not lower the risk.