What happens if you breastfeed on THC?

The Impact of THC on Breastfeeding
As the legalization of cannabis continues to spread across the United States, many new mothers are grappling with the implications of using marijuana while breastfeeding. The primary concern revolves around tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive component of cannabis, and its potential effects on infants.
THC in Breast Milk
Research indicates that THC can indeed be excreted into breast milk. Studies have shown that THC can remain detectable in breast milk for up to six days, with some findings suggesting it may linger for even longer—potentially exceeding six weeks in certain cases. This prolonged presence raises significant concerns about the exposure of infants to THC, as the substance can easily pass into the bloodstream of a breastfeeding baby.
The pharmacokinetics of THC in breast milk are complex. Unlike alcohol, which has a predictable decline in concentration over time, THC does not exhibit a consistent peak point in breast milk. This unpredictability complicates the assessment of when it might be safe to breastfeed after cannabis use.
Risks to Infants
The potential risks associated with THC exposure in infants are still being studied, but there are several known concerns. THC is lipophilic, meaning it binds to fat, which allows it to accumulate in body tissues, including breast milk. The effects of THC on a developing brain are particularly troubling, as infants are in a critical stage of neurological development. Current research suggests that exposure to THC could lead to behavioral and neurobiological consequences for infants, although definitive conclusions are still pending.
Health organizations, including the CDC, recommend that breastfeeding mothers avoid using marijuana or any products containing THC or CBD. This caution stems from the unknown effects these compounds may have on infants, as well as the potential for long-term developmental issues.
Recommendations for Mothers
For mothers who use cannabis, the best course of action is to reduce or eliminate cannabis use while breastfeeding. If a mother chooses to use marijuana, it is advisable to wait as long as possible before breastfeeding to minimize the risk of THC exposure to the infant. However, given the long half-life of THC in breast milk, there is no guaranteed safe window.
In conclusion, while the legalization of cannabis has opened new avenues for its use, breastfeeding mothers must navigate the complexities and potential risks associated with THC exposure. The health and safety of their infants should remain a top priority, guiding their decisions regarding cannabis use during this critical period.

Can you breastfeed after taking CBD?

FDA strongly advises against the use of cannabidiol (CBD), tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and marijuana in any form during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Cannabis and Cannabis-derived products have become increasingly available in recent years, with new and different types of products appearing all the time.

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 happens when you sleep high?

However, the risks of sleeping high may involve: Impaired sleep quality. Disruption of rapid eye movement (REM sleep) Next-day effects (e.g., reduced alertness, accident risk)

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 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 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.

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.

Are cannabinoids 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.

How long will one hit of a cart stay in your system?

Will one puff of weed show up in a drug test? It is very unlikely that a single hit of weed would stay in your system for more than a few days. The average elimination period after single usage was found to be 42 hours. Depending on several other factors, a single use of marijuana may be detected for up to 3-4 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.