Pot use and breastfeeding: Is it harmless?
In the realm of breastfeeding, the use of marijuana and its derivatives, such as CBD, remains a topic of ongoing debate due to limited and inconclusive research.
Cannabinoids, including CBD, can pass into breast milk, but the extent and implications of this transfer are not yet fully understood[1]. This transfer raises concerns, particularly given the lack of thorough studies on the effects of CBD and marijuana on infants during breastfeeding.
Most health organizations, including the FDA and the U.S. Surgeon General, advise against using cannabis products during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to this limited research[2][4][5]. The potential risks are significant, with studies suggesting that early exposure to THC, a primary psychoactive compound in marijuana, could affect cerebellar development, potentially increasing the risk of schizophrenia later in life[6].
While CBD is often considered safer than THC, there is concern about its impact on the developing central nervous system. Studies on CBD's effects during fetal development suggest potential harm, which could extend to breastfeeding scenarios[3].
Given the uncertainty, health authorities generally recommend avoiding cannabis and CBD products during breastfeeding to ensure the infant's safety[2][4][5]. Dr. Heather Bradshaw, a specialist in cannabinoid pharmacology at Indiana University's Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, echoes this advice, recommending against the use of CBD products while breastfeeding[7].
The body stores marijuana in fat cells and also uses fat to make breast milk, allowing chemicals from marijuana to potentially pass to the baby even weeks after a single use[8]. The lack of research makes it difficult for doctors to offer comprehensive recommendations about marijuana and breastfeeding, but factors such as exposure to secondhand smoke, the health of the women who use marijuana, and the amount of marijuana they use have not been adequately considered in most studies[9].
The lack of regulation in the CBD industry adds to the uncertainty regarding safety and purity[1]. As such, there is a clear need for more research to fully understand the risks and benefits associated with CBD and marijuana use during breastfeeding.
In conclusion, while some studies indicate potential risks, comprehensive research is still lacking, and caution is advised when considering the use of marijuana or CBD products while breastfeeding. Approximately 7% of pregnant women in California surveyed use marijuana, highlighting the need for clearer guidance on this issue[10]. Until more research is conducted, it is best to err on the side of caution and avoid these substances during breastfeeding.
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6445457/ [2] https://www.acog.org/-/media/For-Members/Committee-Opinions/Committee-on-Obstetric-Practice/Committee-on-Obstetric-Practice-Recommendation-for-Marijuana-Use-During-Pregnancy-and-Lactation.pdf?dmc=1&ts=20220217T1422416683 [3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6143816/ [4] https://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/breastfeeding-special-circumstances/marijuana.htm [5] https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/q-a-marijuana-use-during-pregnancy-and-breastfeeding [6] https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/fullarticle/2773102 [7] https://news.iu.edu/stories/2021/03/heather-bradshaw-marijuana-cbd-pregnancy-breastfeeding.html [8] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6445457/ [9] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6143816/ [10] https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CHP/CDPHDocumentLibrary/ACOEM/Facts/0103-Marijuana-Use-During-Pregnancy-and-Lactation.pdf
- The use of marijuana and its derivatives like CBD during breastfeeding is a matter of ongoing debate due to limited and inconclusive research.
- Cannabinoids, including CBD, can pass into breast milk, but the extent and implications are not yet fully understood.
- Health organizations, such as the FDA and the U.S. Surgeon General, advise against using cannabis products during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
- The potential risks for infants exposed to THC during breastfeeding include increased risk of schizophrenia later in life.
- While CBD is often considered safer than THC, there is concern about its impact on the developing central nervous system.
- The body stores marijuana in fat cells and uses fat to make breast milk, potentially exposing the baby to chemicals from marijuana even weeks after a single use.
- The lack of regulation in the CBD industry adds to the uncertainty regarding safety and purity.
- Until more research is conducted, health authorities recommend avoiding cannabis and CBD products during breastfeeding to ensure the infant's safety, especially considering the need for clearer guidance on this issue, as highlighted by the 7% of pregnant women in California who use marijuana.
