The use of cannabis among breastfeeding parents in the United States is on the rise, with more individuals incorporating the drug into their daily routines. However, the extent to which THC, the main psychoactive compound in cannabis, is present in breast milk remains uncertain. A recent observational study conducted in the US found that THC can still be detected in breast milk up to 12 hours after the last use of cannabis. Despite this discovery, the peak levels of THC in breast milk are not well understood. The legalization and widespread use of cannabis in the US have led to an increasing number of reproductive-aged women viewing the drug as posing no risk. While the decision to use cannabis among parents is often made after careful consideration, it is not medically recommended.
Research on the effects of cannabis on breastfeeding babies is limited, primarily due to the stigma surrounding the drug and the historical exclusion of mothers and breastfeeding individuals from clinical trials. As the acceptance of recreational and medical cannabis continues to grow, some parents are opting to use the drug despite the unknown risks it may pose to their infants. There is a critical need for more rigorous and comprehensive evidence on how cannabis impacts breastfeeding to better inform parents’ decisions. While CDC guidelines suggest that breastfeeding parents wait at least two hours after consuming alcohol before feeding their child, recommendations regarding cannabis use are less clear-cut, with the CDC currently advising complete abstinence.
A recent study recruited 20 breastfeeding mothers from Washington and Oregon, where cannabis is legally available, who reported using cannabis on a weekly basis. The participants provided breast milk samples for analysis, along with detailed reports on their cannabis use. After a minimum of 12 hours since their last cannabis consumption, mothers collected baseline breast milk samples at home. They then consumed cannabis as they typically would, with an average THC level of 35 percent, and collected additional breast milk samples over specified time intervals. While THC was detected in the breast milk of participants, the concentrations were relatively low, averaging just 0.07 mg of THC per day, which is significantly lower than the THC content in a typical low-dose edible.
Unlike alcohol, which peaks and declines in breast milk within a few hours, THC levels in breast milk did not exhibit a consistent pattern among the study participants. For mothers who used cannabis only once during the study, the peak THC concentration varied between 30 minutes to over 2 hours after consumption. On the other hand, those who used cannabis multiple times throughout the day showed a continual increase in cannabinoid concentrations in their breast milk. This variability presents a challenge for parents trying to time breastfeeding around THC peaks in breast milk. The researchers emphasize the need for further investigations to determine the potential effects of regular THC exposure on infants and the developing infant.
It is crucial for breastfeeding parents who use cannabis to be aware that their infants are likely ingesting cannabinoids through the breast milk they produce. The long-term effects of THC exposure on infants remain unknown, underscoring the importance of caution and informed decision-making. While more research is needed to understand the impact of cannabis use on breastfeeding, the current study highlights the need for guidance and education for parents navigating the intersection of cannabis use and breastfeeding.
The increasing prevalence of cannabis use among breastfeeding parents raises important questions about the potential risks and benefits for infants. As attitudes toward cannabis continue to evolve, it is essential for healthcare providers and researchers to prioritize evidence-based information and support for parents facing these complex decisions.
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