Cannabidiol, commonly known as CBD, is a compound derived from the cannabis plant, often used for wellness benefits like pain, anxiety, and sleep issues. For breastfeeding mothers, a crucial question is whether this compound can transfer into breast milk. Understanding the scientific facts about CBD’s presence in breast milk is important for ensuring infant safety and making informed decisions.
CBD Transfer into Breast Milk
CBD, a lipid-soluble compound, can pass from a mother’s bloodstream into breast milk, as cannabinoids like CBD are stored in fat tissue, allowing them to readily reach the mammary glands and be secreted into milk. This transfer occurs through passive diffusion, where substances move from an area of higher concentration to lower concentration. Studies have detected CBD in breast milk after maternal use. The concentration varies based on the mother’s dosage, frequency of use, and individual metabolic rates; for instance, oil or pipe use may result in higher concentrations than edibles. Other cannabinoids, including psychoactive tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), also transfer into breast milk and can remain detectable for several days.
Potential Effects on the Infant
Despite CBD’s increasing popularity, comprehensive, long-term research on its effects on breastfed infants is lacking. An infant’s developing brain and body may react differently to substances than an adult’s. While CBD is generally considered non-intoxicating, its interactions with the infant’s central nervous system and endocannabinoid system are not fully understood. Potential effects of CBD exposure could include drowsiness, changes in feeding patterns, or neurodevelopmental alterations. Although infants may receive very small exposures of CBD through breast milk, the implications for their developing systems remain unclear, and the potential for cumulative exposure and unknown long-term consequences suggest caution.
Official Guidance and Considerations for Mothers
Major health organizations consistently advise against the use of CBD during breastfeeding due to insufficient safety data and potential risks to the infant, with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) strongly recommending avoidance of CBD, THC, and marijuana in any form. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), American Academy of Pediatrics, and American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists also discourage CBD and marijuana use while breastfeeding. Mothers considering CBD use should discuss this with their healthcare provider to explore alternative treatments. Products containing CBD are largely unregulated, which can lead to concerns about their actual content and purity, potentially containing inaccurate CBD levels, undeclared THC, or contaminants like pesticides, heavy metals, bacteria, or fungi, posing additional risks. This lack of regulatory oversight underscores the importance of professional medical advice before using any CBD product while breastfeeding.