Cannabis is not recommended while breastfeeding. THC passes into breast milk and can stay detectable for days, and major health authorities including the CDC, ACOG, and the American Academy of Pediatrics advise against use during lactation. No safe amount has been established for a nursing infant, so abstaining is the safest choice.
Does cannabis pass into breast milk?
Yes. THC is fat-soluble, so it transfers into breast milk and can be measured in it after smoking, vaping, or eating edibles. Research has found THC in milk up to six days after a single use, and repeated use can keep levels steady. CBD also appears in breast milk, and its effects on a nursing baby are largely unknown.
What are the risks to a breastfed baby?
- Sedation, drowsiness, and trouble waking to feed
- Poor feeding and slower weight gain
- Possible subtle effects on motor development in the first year
- Lung irritation, coughing, and wheezing from secondhand smoke
Long-term studies are limited, so the absence of proven harm is not proof of safety. Infants clear cannabinoids more slowly than adults because their livers and brains are still developing.
cannabis while breastfeeding risks
What do health authorities say?
The CDC recommends against marijuana use while breastfeeding. ACOG advises that cannabis be discontinued during lactation, and the AAP lists marijuana as a substance of concern for nursing parents. These positions apply to THC in any form, including smoked flower, vapes, edibles, tinctures, and concentrates.
Can CBD be used while breastfeeding?
CBD is not considered safe during breastfeeding. The FDA advises against CBD use while nursing because it transfers into milk and human data are lacking. Many CBD products are also unregulated, meaning they may contain THC or contaminants that are not on the label.
What if you used cannabis before you knew?
Tell your pediatrician or a lactation consultant rather than stopping breastfeeding abruptly on your own. A single exposure is usually low risk, but your baby's feeding, weight, and alertness should be checked. Ongoing use is the bigger concern and warrants a frank conversation about support and alternatives.
What are safer options for postpartum symptoms?
Talk with your clinician about nausea, pain, anxiety, or postpartum depression. Better-studied treatments exist, including certain medications and therapies considered compatible with breastfeeding. If anyone in the home smokes, keeping all smoke and vape aerosol away from the baby lowers respiratory risk.
When to call a doctor
Seek care if your baby is unusually sleepy, difficult to wake for feeds, feeding poorly, or not gaining weight. Also reach out if you are using cannabis to cope and want help cutting back. Lactation and substance use support lines can connect you with free, confidential guidance.