Cannabis Use While Breastfeeding

Cannabis has a long history as a stigmatized substance with racial and economic bias impacting its use and regulation. Like many substances, there is still a lot we do not know about cannabis use and breastfeeding as it is difficult to study.

Some studies have found cannabis-exposed infants experience developmental delays but confounding factors to these studies include:
❌ Co-occurring mental health concerns or other medication or substance use
❌ Recent increase in potency and forms (edibles vs. vapes vs. joints etc) and possible contaminants
❌ Differentiating prenatal vs. postpartum cannabis use (has been shown to negatively effect infant’s in utero, similar to alcohol)
❌ Inaccurate reporting due to stigma or law enforcement involvement

Current guidelines recommend to reduce or avoid cannabis use while breastfeeding.

Cannabis use is NOT a contraindication to breastfeeding. This means if you choose to use cannabis, you can keep breastfeeding, as the risk of not breastfeeding may outweigh the risk of cannabis exposure.

If a parent chooses to use cannabis, while breastfeeding, a few safety precautions to keep in mind:
✅ Reduce intake when possible.
✅ Avoid smoking directly around your baby to avoid secondhand smoke exposure.
✅ While under the influence of cannabis, avoid cosleeping due to increased risk of SIDS.
✅ Ensure a sober adult is present to care for your child when under the influence of cannabis.

Sources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501587/
https://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding-special-circumstances/hcp/vaccine-medication-drugs/marijuana.html
https://laleche.org.uk/smoking-vaping-cannabis-breastfeeding/