What to know
Using marijuana may allow harmful chemicals to pass from the mother to the infant through breast milk or secondhand smoke exposure. To limit potential risks to the infant, breastfeeding mothers should be advised not to use marijuana or products containing cannabidiol (CBD).
Breastfeeding considerations
Data are insufficient to say if it is safe for mothers who use marijuana to breastfeed.
Chemical exposure to infants
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.
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main active component of marijuana, is stored in body fat and slowly released over time. This means an infant could be exposed to an unknown amount and for an extended period. Additionally, some products, including cannabidiol (CBD) products, may contain other contaminants that could be dangerous to a mother and her infant. Such contaminants include pesticides, heavy metals, bacteria, and fungi.
Breast milk can contain THC for up to 6 days after use, according to one study. Other studies have noted even longer duration.
Risk to infants
Other safety considerations
If a breastfeeding mother continues to use marijuana or CBD, she should be encouraged to reduce her intake significantly.
To minimize secondhand smoke exposure, parents or caregivers should not smoke marijuana products around babies or children.
Marijuana use may also impair a mother or other caregiver's judgment and ability to care for an infant.
Medicinal marijuana
Resources
What You Should Know About Using Cannabis, Including CBD, When Pregnant or Breastfeeding—U.S. Food & Drug Administration.
What You Need to Know About Marijuana Use and Pregnancy—CDC.
The Health Effects of Cannabis and Cannabinoids Report—National Academy of Sciences.
Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®)—National Library of Medicine.
The Transfer of Drugs and Therapeutics into Human Breast Milk: An Update on Selected Topics—American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
Policy Statement: Breastfeeding and the Use of Human Milk—AAP.
Marijuana Use During Pregnancy and Lactation—American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
Clinical Protocol #21: Guidelines for Breastfeeding and Substance Use or Substance Use Disorder—Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine.