Breastfeeding parents often have questions about the safety of consuming cannabis edibles. Understanding the implications of cannabis use during lactation involves considering how its compounds transfer to breast milk, their potential effects on the infant, and how long they remain in the system. This article explores these aspects to provide clarity for those navigating this topic.
How Cannabis Compounds Enter Breast Milk
When cannabis is ingested, its compounds are absorbed into the bloodstream. The primary psychoactive compound, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), is highly lipid-soluble, meaning it dissolves readily in fats. This characteristic allows THC to transfer into breast milk, which naturally has a high fat content. The concentration of THC in breast milk can be higher than in the mother’s bloodstream.
Factors influencing the transfer of THC into breast milk include the amount consumed, the frequency of use, and the individual’s metabolism. Once absorbed, THC is distributed into fatty tissues, from which it is slowly released. Cannabis byproducts, including THC and other cannabinoids like cannabidiol (CBD), can be detected in breast milk regardless of the consumption method.
Known and Potential Effects on Infants
Exposure to cannabis compounds through breast milk raises concerns for infant development. THC can accumulate in an infant’s system, and its presence has been linked to various effects. Research suggests that THC exposure may influence neurodevelopment, potentially affecting motor skills and cognitive functions. Studies have noted associations between postnatal cannabis exposure via breast milk and decreased infant motor development at one year of age, particularly when exposure occurred during the first month postpartum.
Infants exposed to cannabis through breast milk may also exhibit altered sleep patterns, including disrupted rest cycles. Other reported effects include sedation, reduced muscle tone, and poor sucking, which could lead to less feeding and potentially impact growth. While some smaller studies have not found significant differences in growth or mental and motor development, the overall research is still evolving and often limited by ethical considerations, making it challenging to draw definitive conclusions about long-term outcomes. It can also be difficult to distinguish the direct effects of cannabis in breast milk from the indirect effects of maternal cannabis use on childcare or from exposure during pregnancy.
Duration of Presence in Breast Milk
The duration for which cannabis compounds, specifically THC, can be detected in breast milk varies considerably among individuals. THC is fat-soluble and stored in the body’s fatty tissues, leading to a slow release over time. Studies have shown that THC can be detected in breast milk for a range of timeframes, from 6 days to longer than 6 weeks after use.
Edible forms of cannabis can have a delayed onset of effects and a prolonged presence of compounds in the body compared to other consumption methods. This extended detection window means that “pumping and dumping” breast milk after cannabis use is not an effective strategy to eliminate infant exposure, as THC can persist in milk long after the psychoactive effects subside. Individual factors such as the amount consumed, frequency of use, and personal metabolism all contribute to how long THC remains detectable.
Professional Health Recommendations
Major health organizations and medical professionals generally advise against cannabis use during breastfeeding due to insufficient data on its effects on infants. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) all recommend that women refrain from using cannabis or CBD products while breastfeeding.
These recommendations stem from concerns about potential risks to infant brain development, cognitive function, and other long-term consequences, even though the full extent of these effects is not yet clearly defined. Due to the lack of comprehensive, high-quality studies, most organizations emphasize that there is no established safe level of cannabis use during lactation. Healthcare providers encourage abstention from cannabis products during breastfeeding. If a mother continues to use cannabis, they may suggest significantly reducing intake and avoiding exposure to secondhand smoke.