How long does THC stay in your breast milk?

Understanding THC in Breast Milk
The presence of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive component of cannabis, in breast milk has become a significant concern for nursing mothers and healthcare professionals alike. As cannabis use becomes more prevalent, understanding how long THC remains in breast milk is crucial for ensuring the safety of breastfeeding infants.
Duration of THC Detection
Research indicates that THC can be detected in breast milk for varying lengths of time, with most studies suggesting a range of up to six days after consumption. A notable study found that 63% of breast milk samples contained measurable amounts of THC for this duration, with an average concentration of 9.47 nanograms per milliliter. This suggests that even after a mother abstains from using cannabis, THC can linger in her milk, potentially affecting her infant.
Interestingly, some studies have reported that THC can remain detectable in breast milk for even longer periods. For instance, research from Children’s Colorado experts indicated that THC could be present in breast milk for up to six weeks. This extended detection time raises concerns about the cumulative exposure infants may receive, especially if mothers use cannabis regularly.
Amounts Transferred to Infants
The amount of THC that infants might receive through breast milk is relatively low. Estimates suggest that infants could receive an average of 0.07 milligrams of THC per day from breast milk. While this amount may seem minimal, the implications for infant health and development are still under investigation, as the effects of THC on young, developing brains are not fully understood.
Factors Influencing THC Levels
Several factors can influence the levels of THC in breast milk, including the timing of cannabis use relative to breastfeeding. THC levels in breast milk tend to peak about one hour after use, which means that mothers who consume cannabis shortly before breastfeeding may pass higher concentrations to their infants. Additionally, since THC is stored in fat cells, it can remain in the body for an extended period, complicating the timeline of its presence in breast milk.
Conclusion
In summary, THC can remain in breast milk for up to six days, with some studies suggesting it may be detectable for as long as six weeks. The potential transfer of THC to infants, even in small amounts, raises important questions about the safety of cannabis use during breastfeeding. As research continues to evolve, it remains essential for nursing mothers to consider the implications of their cannabis use on their infants’ health.

How long do I have to wait to breastfeed after smoking THC?

This leaves us, I think, with remaining questions and — in my mind — remaining reason for caution about use at all. But there is an important, concrete takeaway: If you do choose to consume cannabis while breastfeeding, waiting 5 to 10 hours after consumption to nurse is a very good idea.

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.

What drugs don’t go into breast milk?

Table. Examples of drugs contraindicated in breastfeeding.

Drug	Comment
Iodine	High doses (>150 micrograms daily) lead to risk of infant hypothyroidism
Lithium	Breastfeeding only feasible with rigorous monitoring
Radiopharmaceuticals	Contact obstetric information service
Retinoids (oral)	Potential for serious adverse effects

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.

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.

Can you drug test breast milk?

Substances stay in maternal urine and breastmilk for different lengths of time, assays vary, medications can cross-react, use of reflex confirmatory tests may be inconsistent, false-positives and -negatives can occur, and there may be an arbitrary potentially biased focus on certain drugs and which mothers to test.

Do I have to pump and dump after taking medication?

If it is a short-term medication, pumping and dumping will keep your milk supply up until you can resume nursing. If you are on incompatible medications for the long term, discuss options with your provider. While you may need to wean, donor breast milk is an option for your baby or you may choose to use formula.

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 leave your breastmilk?

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.

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.