Is it safe to use THC while breastfeeding?

The Safety of THC Use While Breastfeeding: A Complex Issue
As the legalization of cannabis continues to spread across the United States and beyond, many new mothers are left grappling with the question: Is it safe to use THC while breastfeeding? The answer is far from straightforward, as emerging research and expert opinions highlight significant concerns regarding the potential risks to infants.
Understanding THC and Its Presence in Breast Milk
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive component of cannabis, can indeed pass from a mother to her infant through breast milk. Studies have shown that THC is lipophilic, meaning it binds to fat and can persist in breast milk for days to weeks after consumption. This raises alarms among health professionals, as the long-term effects of THC exposure on a developing infant’s neurodevelopment remain largely unknown.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that data are insufficient to definitively state whether it is safe for breastfeeding mothers to use marijuana. The chemicals from marijuana, including THC, can transfer to the infant, potentially affecting their development. This uncertainty is compounded by the fact that cannabis can be consumed in various forms—edibles, oils, and concentrates—all of which may carry different risks.
Expert Recommendations and Concerns
Leading health organizations, including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the American Academy of Pediatrics, strongly recommend that women refrain from using cannabis during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. The rationale behind this guidance is rooted in the potential for THC to affect an infant’s brain development and overall health.
Some healthcare providers have expressed a more nuanced view, suggesting that while they allow breastfeeding for mothers who use THC, they encourage reducing consumption due to the unknown long-term effects on infants. However, the prevailing sentiment among experts is one of caution. The FDA has explicitly advised against the use of THC and other cannabis products during breastfeeding, citing concerns about contamination and the unknown effects on infants.
The Bottom Line: Caution is Key
In conclusion, while some mothers may consider using THC for various reasons, including pain management, the consensus among health professionals is clear: it is advisable to avoid THC while breastfeeding. The potential risks to the infant, coupled with the lack of comprehensive research on the long-term effects of THC exposure through breast milk, make it a precarious choice. Mothers are encouraged to consult with healthcare providers to explore safer alternatives for managing their health during this critical period.

Can I breastfeed if I vape?

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.

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.

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.

How long does it take for THC to leave the umbilical cord?

The detection window for most drugs of abuse in meconium and umbilical cord testing is up to approximately 20 weeks (some drugs such as methamphetamine may be less).

How long does it take to get THC out of your breast milk?

It can also cause poor sucking when breastfeeding and even slow down growth. THC is stored in your fat cells, which means it sticks around for a long time. Studies show that although THC levels in breast milk peak one hour after use, it remains in your system for six days after use.

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.

How much THC is in breast milk?

Mother’s milk produced by weed users always had detectable amounts of THC, even when the mothers had abstained for 12 hours, results show. The amounts detected were low – infants receive an average of 0.07 milligrams of THC per day through breast milk, researchers estimate.

Is it safe to take THC gummies while breastfeeding?

All major medical organizations and the CDC strongly recommend against using cannabis during pregnancy and lactation.

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 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.