Does weed go in my breastmilk if I smoke it?

The Impact of Smoking Weed on Breast Milk
As the conversation around cannabis use continues to evolve, many new mothers are left wondering about the implications of smoking weed while breastfeeding. A critical concern is whether the active compounds in cannabis, particularly tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), can transfer into breast milk and affect their infants.
THC and Breast Milk: A Direct Connection
Research indicates that THC, the primary psychoactive component of cannabis, is indeed fat-soluble, which means it can accumulate in breast milk. Studies have shown that when a mother smokes marijuana, THC enters her bloodstream and subsequently finds its way into her breast milk. This transfer can occur in small quantities, but the implications for infants are significant.
The duration for which THC remains detectable in breast milk can vary widely. Some studies suggest that THC can be present for days to weeks, with a pharmacokinetic model estimating a half-life of about 39 hours in breast milk. This means that even after a mother has smoked, THC could still be present in her milk for an extended period, raising concerns about potential exposure for breastfeeding infants.
Potential Risks for Infants
The transfer of THC into breast milk is not just a theoretical concern. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that using marijuana while breastfeeding can allow harmful chemicals to pass from mothers to their infants. Given that infants are in a critical stage of brain development, exposure to THC could theoretically impact their cognitive and neurological development.
Moreover, cannabis use may also interfere with the hormones that regulate breast milk production, such as oxytocin and prolactin. This could potentially lead to decreased milk supply, contrary to the common misconception that cannabis might enhance lactation.
Conclusion: A Cautious Approach
In light of the evidence, health professionals generally advise against smoking weed while breastfeeding. The risks associated with THC exposure, combined with its ability to accumulate in breast milk, suggest that mothers should exercise caution. While the full extent of the impact on infant health is still being studied, the potential for adverse effects is significant enough to warrant a careful approach to cannabis use during this critical period of development.

How long does weed stay in your breast milk after smoking?

According to LactMed (a database of information on drugs for breastfeeding women), studies have detected THC in breast milk from six days to more than six weeks after a mother uses marijuana.

How long after smoking can I breastfeed again?

About 90 minutes after smoking, the level of nicotine in the mother’s blood and milk decreases by about half. Your baby will probably want to nurse frequently in the early weeks, so you may not always be able to wait that long between smoking and the next feeding.

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.

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.

Are cannabinoids found 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.

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.

Can you test breastmilk for drugs?

Many drugs ingested by lactating women are detectable in milk. The short- and long-term health effects of infant exposure to drugs via milk remain a subject of active research and are subject to evolving clinical guidance.

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.

Can smoke 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.

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.