Can cannabinoids pass through breast milk?

Cannabinoids and Breast Milk: An In-Depth Look
As the legalization of cannabis continues to expand across the United States, with medical use permitted in 37 states and recreational use in 21, the implications for breastfeeding mothers have become a pressing concern. A significant number of women of childbearing age are using cannabis, raising questions about its effects on breastfeeding and infant health.
The Passage of Cannabinoids Through Breast Milk
Research indicates that cannabinoids, particularly tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary psychoactive component of cannabis, can indeed pass into breast milk. Studies have shown that THC is excreted in small quantities, with detection durations varying widely—from as short as six days to over six weeks after consumption. A pharmacokinetic model suggests that THC has a half-life in breast milk of approximately 39 hours, meaning that the concentration of THC can remain detectable for an extended period after maternal use.
Moreover, a study highlighted that breastfeeding mothers who frequently use cannabis may have accumulated levels of THC and cannabidiol (CBD) in their breast milk. This accumulation raises concerns about the potential exposure of infants to these substances during breastfeeding.
Effects on Milk Production and Quality
The impact of cannabis on breast milk production is another critical area of concern. Contrary to some beliefs that cannabis might enhance milk supply, evidence suggests that it may actually inhibit lactation. Cannabis can interfere with hormones essential for milk production, such as oxytocin and prolactin. This hormonal disruption could lead to decreased milk supply, posing risks for infant nutrition.
Additionally, animal studies have indicated that cannabinoids can alter the lipid composition of breast milk, which is crucial for infant development. These changes could affect the nutritional quality of the milk, potentially impacting the growth and health of breastfeeding infants.
Health Risks for Infants
The transfer of cannabinoids through breast milk raises significant health concerns for infants. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has noted that chemicals from marijuana can pass from mother to infant, regardless of the form of cannabis consumed—be it edibles, oils, or concentrates. The potential effects of these substances on infant development and health are still not fully understood, but the urgency for further research is clear.
A historical study suggested that an infant could ingest about 0.8% of the weight-adjusted maternal intake of THC from a single feeding. This statistic underscores the importance of caution for breastfeeding mothers who use cannabis, as even small amounts could have implications for an infant’s health.
Conclusion
As cannabis use becomes more prevalent among women of childbearing age, understanding its effects on breastfeeding is crucial. The evidence suggests that cannabinoids can pass into breast milk, potentially affecting both the quantity and quality of milk produced. Given the potential risks to infant health, breastfeeding mothers are advised to approach cannabis use with caution and consult healthcare professionals for guidance. The ongoing research in this area is vital to ensure the safety and well-being of both mothers and their infants.

What can you not do while breastfeeding?

What foods and drinks should I limit or avoid while breastfeeding?

• Alcohol. There’s no level of alcohol in breast milk that’s considered safe for a baby.
• Caffeine. Avoid drinking more than 2 to 3 cups (16 to 24 ounces) of caffeinated drinks a day.
• Fish. Seafood can be a great source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids.

Does vaping pass through breast milk?

Using tobacco or electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) while breastfeeding can allow harmful chemicals to pass from the mother to the infant through breast milk or secondhand smoke exposure. Mothers who use tobacco or e-cigarettes should be encouraged to quit.

Should I still breastfeed if I vape?

E-cigarettes, vaping and breastfeeding
New mums are advised to use licensed NRT products for help with quitting smoking and staying smokefree. However, if you do choose to use an e-cigarette to help you stay smokefree, it’s still better to carry on breastfeeding as the benefits will outweigh any potential harm.

How long after taking drugs can I breastfeed?

A breastfeeding plan
If you do use drugs such as amphetamines or heroin as a one-off, you will need to express your breast milk in the 24 hours afterwards and throw it away before you breastfeed again.

How long does CBD stay in your system?

CBD can stay in a person’s system from hours to about a month. This depends on how much a person takes and how they take it. The half-life of CBD in the body can range from about 1 hour to up to 5 days . Half-life is how long the body takes to eliminate one-half of a substance.

Are cannabinoids in breast milk?

The cannabinoids THC and CBD are present and accumulate in breast milk after maternal cannabis use, whether by inhalation or edible ingestion. They appear rapidly after exposure and may remain present for at least 1–2 days.

How long should you wait to breastfeed after smoking?

Breastfeeding and cigarette smoke
Nicotine passes rapidly into your breast milk and affects how much milk you have. Nicotine in breast milk and passive smoking can give your baby chest infections, vomiting, diarrhoea and irritability. Avoid smoking for half an hour before you breastfeed.

Do cannabinoids cross the placenta?

Cannabis is the second-most common psychoactive substance (after alcohol) used during pregnancy. Elements of cannabis can pass through the placenta and affect the fetus’s development.

Can you breastfeed after taking CBD?

FDA strongly advises against the use of cannabidiol (CBD), tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and marijuana in any form during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Cannabis and Cannabis-derived products have become increasingly available in recent years, with new and different types of products appearing all the time.

What drugs pass through breast milk?

Most drug molecules, including alcohol, nicotine and caffeine, are small enough to enter milk. Exceptions are drugs with high molecular weights such as heparins and insulin.