Does breast milk have cannabinoids?

The Presence of Cannabinoids in Breast Milk
Recent studies have illuminated a complex relationship between cannabis use during lactation and the presence of cannabinoids in breast milk. Cannabinoids, including tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), can indeed be found in the breast milk of mothers who consume cannabis. This raises important questions about the implications for infant health and development.
Cannabinoids and Maternal Use
Research indicates that maternal cannabis use can lead to the accumulation of cannabinoids in breast milk. A study highlighted that THC, the primary psychoactive component of cannabis, can be detected in breast milk for extended periods—up to six weeks after use. This is particularly concerning given that cannabinoids are lipophilic, meaning they bind to fat molecules, which are abundant in breast milk.
Moreover, a study involving breastfeeding mothers found measurable levels of THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids in milk samples, suggesting that the frequency and timing of cannabis use can significantly influence cannabinoid concentrations in breast milk.
Natural Cannabinoids in Breast Milk
Interestingly, breast milk is not only a medium for cannabinoids derived from cannabis but also contains natural endocannabinoids. These compounds, such as 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) and anandamide, play crucial roles in infant development, particularly in the regulation of appetite and immune responses. The presence of these natural cannabinoids underscores the importance of the endocannabinoid system in early human development.
Implications for Infant Health
The implications of cannabinoid presence in breast milk are significant. While natural endocannabinoids are beneficial, the introduction of external cannabinoids through maternal cannabis use could pose risks to infants. Research is still emerging, and there is a pressing need for further studies to understand the long-term effects of cannabinoid exposure on infant health.
Health organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, have expressed concerns about the potential risks associated with breastfeeding mothers using cannabis, advocating for caution and further research into the effects of these substances on developing infants.
Conclusion
In summary, cannabinoids do appear in breast milk, both from maternal cannabis use and as natural components of the milk itself. This dual presence raises critical questions about the safety of cannabis consumption during breastfeeding and its potential impact on infant health. As research continues to evolve, it is essential for mothers and healthcare providers to stay informed about the implications of cannabinoid exposure during this crucial developmental period.

Does the human body produce cannabinoids?

But few people know that the human body naturally produces chemicals that are very similar to delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, the psychoactive compound in marijuana, which comes from the Cannabis sativa plant. These substances are called endocannabinoids, and they’re found across all vertebrate species.

How can I reduce my baby’s exposure to drugs in breast milk?

Timing of feeds

1. give the mother’s dose immediately after the infant has been fed with the aim of avoiding feeding at peak milk concentrations; or.
2. withhold breastfeeding until after a suitable washout period of the medicine. This is most appropriate for short courses of a hazardous medicine.

What drugs show up in 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.

What drugs are excreted in breast milk?

• analgesics and antipyretics: short courses of paracetamol, acetylsalicylic acid, ibuprofen;
• antibiotics: ampicillin, amoxicillin, cloxacillin and other penicillins, erythromycin.
• bronchodilators (e.g. salbutamol), corticosteroids, antihistamines, antacids.

How much CBD is in breast milk?

Median (IQR) cannabidiol (CBD) concentrations were: plasma 0.6 ng/ml (0.5-6.4) and breast milk 1.2 ng/ml (0.5-17.0). Median (IQR) THC M/P: 7.0 (1.8-34.6) and CBD M/P: 2.6. Median breast milk THC concentration increased from visit 1 to visit 2 by 30.2 ng/ml (95% CI 3.05-69.3 ng/ml).

What is the main source of cannabinoids?

Cannabis sativa plant
Cannabinoids are naturally occurring compounds found in the Cannabis sativa plant. Of over 480 different compounds present in the plant, only around 66 are termed cannabinoids. The most well known among these compounds is the delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), which is the main psychoactive ingredient in cannabis.

How can I get natural cannabinoids?

Eat lots of leafy greens. Leafy greens contain a terpene that activate cannabinoid receptors and can help combat inflammation and autoimmunity. Eat more omega-3 essential fatty acids. Some researchers say an omega-3 deficiency will cause the ECS to not function properly.

What substances are in breast milk?

The most abundant proteins are casein, α-lactalbumin, lactoferrin, secretory immunoglobulin IgA, lysozyme, and serum albumin. Non-protein nitrogen-containing compounds, including urea, uric acid, creatine, creatinine, amino acids, and nucleotides, comprise ~25% of human milk nitrogen.

What passes through breast milk?

Foods and drinks to avoid while breastfeeding
Caffeine passes into breastmilk, so large amounts of tea, coffee and cola drinks are best avoided. Drinking small amounts of drinks with caffeine (3 or less drinks a day) should not be a problem. Alcohol also passes into breastmilk and can affect your baby.

Are drugs secreted in breast milk?

Most drugs taken by the mother are excreted in small amounts in breast milk.