How long do you wait to breastfeed after smoking THC?

Understanding the Risks of Breastfeeding After Smoking THC
As the legalization of cannabis continues to spread across various states, many breastfeeding mothers are left grappling with the question of whether it’s safe to use marijuana and how long they should wait to breastfeed after smoking THC. The consensus among health experts is clear: caution is paramount.
The Transfer of THC to Breast Milk
When a breastfeeding mother consumes THC, the psychoactive component of cannabis, it enters her bloodstream and subsequently makes its way into her breast milk. Research indicates that THC can remain detectable in breast milk for an extended period, with some studies suggesting it can linger for up to six days or even longer after use. This prolonged presence raises significant concerns about the potential effects on infants, who are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of psychoactive substances.
Recommended Waiting Periods
Given the risks associated with THC exposure in infants, health professionals recommend specific waiting periods before resuming breastfeeding. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests that if a mother chooses to use inhaled cannabis, she should ideally wait three to four hours after smoking before breastfeeding. This timeframe is intended to minimize the amount of THC that could be passed to the infant during nursing.
However, some experts advocate for a more conservative approach. For instance, MotherToBaby, a resource dedicated to providing information on medications and substances during pregnancy and breastfeeding, recommends waiting one to two days after using marijuana before breastfeeding again. This extended waiting period is suggested to further reduce the concentration of THC in breast milk.
The Importance of Avoiding Secondhand Smoke
In addition to the direct effects of THC in breast milk, there are also concerns regarding secondhand smoke exposure. Just as with tobacco, the inhalation of cannabis smoke can pose health risks to infants. Therefore, it is advisable for breastfeeding mothers to avoid exposing their babies to any form of cannabis smoke.
Conclusion: A Cautious Approach is Best
In summary, while some mothers may consider using cannabis, the prevailing advice from health experts is to avoid marijuana use while breastfeeding due to the potential risks to the infant. If a mother does choose to smoke THC, waiting at least three to four hours, or ideally one to two days, before breastfeeding is recommended to mitigate the risks associated with THC exposure. Ultimately, the health and safety of the infant should always take precedence in these decisions.

How long does it take THC to leave your body when pregnant?

Metabolized by the liver, the half-life of THC varies from 20–36 hours in occasional users to 4–5 days in heavy users and may require up to 30 days for complete excretion. In animal models, THC crossed the placenta, producing fetal plasma levels that were approximately 10% of maternal levels after acute exposure.

How long after smoking a vape can I breastfeed?

Limit your baby’s exposure
Nurse your baby before you smoke or vape, not after. This way your body will have more time to reduce the level of nicotine in your breastmilk. It takes about 1.5 hours after smoking for the nicotine level in your breastmilk to drop by 50%. Don’t smoke when you breastfeed or hold your baby.

How much THC is in breast milk?

A milk sample that was collected 1 hour after smoking marijuana contained 60.3 mcg/L of THC, 1.1 mcg/L of 11-hydroxy-THC and 1.6 mcg/L of 9-carboxy-THC. [15] One source used data in this case to estimate that the infant receives about 0.8% of the maternal weight-adjusted dosage of THC.

How much THC is in mother’s milk strain?

THC Potency
With a high average THC level of around 27%, Mother’s Milk is a potent strain that experienced consumers will savor.

What are the side effects of THC in breastmilk?

Chemicals from marijuana can pass from a mother to her infant through breast milk. This includes marijuana in any form, such as edibles, oils, or other concentrates. The chemicals can potentially affect a newborn’s brain development and result in hyperactivity, poor cognitive function, and other long-term consequences.

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 does it take for drugs to get out of your breast milk?

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. After using drugs, it is not safe for you to care for or breastfeed your baby.

How long does it take for THC to show up in breast milk?

For participants who used cannabis just once during the study, THC in breast milk peaked between 30 minutes and 2.5 hours after use before declining. Moms who used weed more often during the study showed a continual increase in THC concentrations throughout the day.

Is it safe to take THC gummies while breastfeeding?

No. It is highly recommended that you do not smoke or consume THC edibles while pregnant and breastfeeding.

How long to wait after smoking to hold a baby?

They should change their outer clothes on return, wash their hands and rinse their mouth – traces of smoke can linger on clothing and then be released back into the atmosphere of the room they’re in for up to three hours after smoking. After smoking they should wait at least 25 minutes before handling a baby.