Is cannabis safe during breastfeeding?

Written by Brandon Okey. Mina Draskovic, B.Psy., reviewed this content for accuracy.

According to 2020 survey data from the United States, between 5% and 35% of pregnant and breastfeeding women are using cannabis (marijuana). But cannabis use during breastfeeding is risky to infant development.

THC and other cannabis compounds pass into breast milk and remain in it for days. Infants exposed to cannabis through breast milk may experience decreased motor development, changes in feeding patterns, and potential long-term cognitive impairments.

At our drug rehab center, we combine medical expertise with compassionate care to guide people through cannabis addiction recovery, supporting their journey to wellness.

Why do some breastfeeding mothers use cannabis?

Many breastfeeding mothers receive misinformation that cannabis represents a natural or herbal remedy for postpartum challenges. Dispensaries, online forums, and well-meaning friends often suggest cannabis is safe during breastfeeding.

According to a 2015 study, 41% of lactation professionals believe that, regarding mothers who won’t stop consuming medical marijuana, the benefits of breastfeeding outweigh the infant risks. But this opinion only pertains to mothers with low consumption rates and is not an endorsement of cannabis consumption.

Organizations such as the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend complete abstinence from cannabis during breastfeeding. Still, many mothers who breastfeed their infants resort to cannabis for:

Relief from postpartum anxiety and depression.
Better sleep during nights of constant infant care.
Less pain after childbirth and during uncomfortable breastfeeding.
Help with mood swings as hormone levels change.
Support while adjusting to the demands of parenthood.
Appetite stimulation when exhaustion affects eating.
Relief from persistent headaches and migraines.
Continuation of pre-pregnancy cannabis routines.
Moments of calm during an overwhelming life change.

Despite the perceived benefits, safer alternatives to cannabis exist for most postpartum challenges.

Are cannabinoids present in breast milk?

Cannabis contains over 100 chemical compounds called cannabinoids. These plant-based cannabinoids mimic our body’s natural endocannabinoids, which regulate crucial functions through the endocannabinoid system. The ECS consists of receptors (CB1 and CB2), endocannabinoids, and enzymes that create and break down these compounds. This system manages bodily functions, including sleep, pain, appetite, mood, memory, and brain development.

Cannabinoids exist in breast milk in two forms:

The human body naturally produces endocannabinoids that appear in breast milk as part of normal development. These natural compounds shape infant brain development, feeding behaviors, and bonding. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) activates during breastfeeding to support healthy infant development.
When mothers consume cannabis, plant-derived cannabinoids such as THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol) pass into human breast milk. In heavy cannabis users, THC concentrates in breast milk at levels up to eight times higher than in the mother’s bloodstream because of its high-fat solubility.

When external cannabinoids from cannabis enter a breastfeeding infant’s body, they bind to the same receptors as natural endocannabinoids but with greater intensity and duration. This disrupts the precisely calibrated chemical signaling needed for proper neural growth.

The confusion between naturally occurring endocannabinoids and plant-derived cannabinoids leads some to believe cannabis poses minimal risk during breastfeeding. This misconception overlooks how plant cannabinoids overwhelm the infant’s delicate ECS, potentially altering gene expression and neural circuit formation in ways that could manifest as developmental challenges throughout childhood.

The effects of cannabis in breast milk on infant development

When cannabis compounds reach a nursing infant through breast milk, they interact with multiple developmental systems.

Disrupted brain development and neurological function

THC interferes with neurotransmitter systems beyond just the endocannabinoid receptors. Researchers have documented altered brain wave patterns in exposed infants, with sleep patterns taking the biggest hit. Some infants demonstrate abnormal electrical activity in regions controlling arousal and attention. These neurological changes can manifest as jumpiness, heightened startle responses, and tremors.

Compromised motor development and coordination

Infants exposed to cannabis through breast milk show delays in achieving physical milestones that involve cross-body coordination and fine motor skills. In a 2009 study, these babies scored lower on standardized assessments measuring muscle tone, reflexes, and deliberate movement patterns.

Altered feeding patterns and growth concerns

Cannabis exposure through breast milk disrupts infants’ feeding rhythms. Affected babies demonstrate difficulty maintaining effective sucking patterns. Klebanoff, et. al. note more frequent mid-feeding disengagement, shortened feeding sessions, and poor weight gain trajectories. Some infants exhibit paradoxical responses to hunger cues. They become agitated when hungry but struggle to focus on feeding.

Immune system and long-term health impacts

Cannabinoid exposure through breast milk may alter immune development with implications beyond infancy. Research indicates changes to inflammatory response patterns and potential alterations to the gut microbiome in exposed infants. Healthcare specialists tracking these children note differences in infection frequency and recovery patterns. These immune modifications may create vulnerabilities affecting health outcomes well into childhood and alter inflammatory responses later in life.

Your baby’s developing brain deserves the best possible start in life. If you’re finding it difficult to stop using cannabis while breastfeeding, our holistic addiction treatment program can help you build healthier coping strategies as you venture into motherhood.

Our Utah, Provo rehab center combines scientific addiction medicine with compassionate care in a supportive environment. We provide customized treatment plans that respect your needs as a parent and an individual.

How long does cannabis stay in breast milk?

Cannabis compounds linger in breast milk much longer than many mothers realize. Davis, et. al. reveal that THC transfers into human milk within one hour of use and remains detectable for up to six days afterward. For chronic users, THC accumulates in fatty tissue and concentrates in breast milk at levels up to eight times higher than in the mother’s bloodstream. This happens because breast milk contains high fat content, and cannabinoids bind readily to fat molecules.

Detection times vary based on consumption method and frequency.

Occasional users release cannabinoids that typically remain in breast milk for 2–3 days after a single use.
Regular users who consume cannabis several times weekly maintain detectable THC levels in their breast milk for 6 or more days after their last use.
Daily users develop a continuous presence of cannabinoids in their milk with potential buildup over time as new doses enter the system before previous ones clear.

Cannabis compounds metabolize and clear the body at inconsistent rates, and “pumping and dumping” doesn’t clear cannabis from breast milk because THC stored in body fat continuously releases back into the bloodstream and milk.

If you’re concerned about cannabis use and breastfeeding, speak with our healthcare team for personalized guidance. Our mindfulness-based therapy and stress reduction techniques equip you with practical tools to manage life’s pressures without substances while supporting your breastfeeding journey.

Reach out to Ardu today.

Is cannabis good for postpartum?

Many new mothers face physical and emotional challenges after childbirth. Cannabis might seem like a quick solution for postpartum discomfort, but weed impacts maternal health beyond the risks to breastfed infants.

Here’s how cannabis affects a mother’s postpartum period.

It impairs alertness and reaction time when mothers need to respond quickly to their babies. The reduced responsiveness can affect infant safety during nighttime feedings and daily care routines.
It reduces mental clarity, impacting mothers’ abilities to make important care decisions for their newborns. Cannabis affects executive function, which can persist for days and create a continuous state of compromised judgment.
It worsens sleep quality. According to a 2022 study, cannabis disrupts REM sleep patterns that process emotions. New mothers who use cannabis often report feeling more exhausted upon waking, not less.
It increases cardiovascular risks, especially for women recovering from pregnancy-related high blood pressure. Cannabis can trigger blood pressure fluctuations that complicate recovery from hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.
Cannabis leads many women to stop breastfeeding earlier, disrupting hormones that help with physical recovery. The prolactin and oxytocin released during breastfeeding aid uterine contraction and emotional regulation. Castro-Navarro, et. al. explain that women who use cannabis report more difficulty maintaining milk supply and show higher rates of early breastfeeding cessation.
Weed raises the risk of postpartum depression and anxiety. The temporary mood elevation from THC often leads to deeper mood drops between uses.
The postpartum period represents a time of heightened vulnerability to developing substance use disorders (SUDs). Hormonal fluctuations and life adjustments make this a particularly dangerous time to begin or resume cannabis use.
Cannabis disrupts the natural hormones needed for strong mother-baby bonding. The endocannabinoid system influences maternal behavior and attachment formation, but external cannabinoids can interfere with these delicate signaling pathways that nature designed specifically for the postpartum period.

Your motherhood journey deserves support that truly nurtures you and your baby.

Ardu’s cannabis addiction treatment services

Seeking help for cannabis use can transform your health and your baby’s development. Ardu offers professional support during your postpartum journey to help establish the foundation for a healthier bond with your child.

Our cannabis detox services

Our drug detoxification program for those dealing with cannabis use disorder includes:

Medically supervised withdrawal management.
24/7 monitoring by healthcare providers with expertise in addiction medicine and lactation support.
Nutritional therapy to maintain milk supply while reducing cannabis dependence.
Management of withdrawal symptoms with breastfeeding-compatible interventions.
IV hydration therapy to support physical recovery and wellness.

Our cannabis rehabilitation services

Following detoxification, our rehabilitation program offers:

Experiential therapy that helps process emotions without substance use.
Meditation therapy for developing natural stress management techniques.
Rational emotive behavior therapy to address thought patterns that lead to cannabis use.
Person-centered therapy focused on your needs as a nursing mother.
Self-compassion therapy to navigate the challenges of early parenthood.

Our team brings expertise in addiction medicine and women’s health. At our women’s recovery center, mothers find a sanctuary where they can heal without judgment, surrounded by others who truly understand the complex balancing act of parenthood and personal wellness.

Don’t wait to address cannabis use. Reach out to our addiction specialists to learn how our science-based approach can support your journey toward healthier motherhood.

Brandon Okey is the co-founder of Ardu Recovery Center and is dedicated to empowering people on their journey to sobriety.

Cannabis and breastfeeding FAQ

How long after smoking can I breastfeed again?

THC from maternal marijuana exposure persists in breast milk far longer than most realize. Studies examining breast milk samples reveal cannabis compounds remain detectable for 2–6 days after a single use due to their storage in fatty tissue. Regular cannabis users show THC concentrations up to 8 times higher than blood levels, with postnatal exposure potentially continuing for weeks after stopping.

Health care providers universally recommend complete abstinence during breastfeeding, but occasional users who’ve smoked should wait at least 72 hours to minimize potential negative outcomes for infant development. Even this provides only minimal protection against the adverse effects of cannabis products.

Should I stop breastfeeding if I vape?

Vaping cannabis-derived products delivers concentrated psychoactive components directly into human milk. Though vaping reduces secondhand smoke concerns, the primary risk, fetal brain development disruption, remains unchanged. Vaporized cannabinoids reach infant feeding pathways at levels similar to smoking marijuana.

All cannabis plant components pose risks to breastfed infants regardless of consumption method or frequency of use. Consult healthcare providers about alternative therapy options that preserve breastfeeding benefits if you’re a regular medical cannabis user. The documented effects of cannabis exposure on mental development and postnatal development make abstinence during lactation the safest approach for infant outcomes.

What shouldn’t you do while breastfeeding?

Beyond cannabis, breastfeeding mothers should avoid:

Tobacco smoke (even secondhand)
Alcohol
Certain medications without medical supervision
Any type of illicit drugs
High-mercury fish (shark, swordfish, king mackerel)
Excessive caffeine (over 300 mg daily)
Certain herbal supplements

Restrictive diets, dehydration, and exposure to environmental toxins may also impact milk quality. Unlike many substances that are safe in moderation, recreational cannabis in any form presents potential risks to infant development with no established “safe” threshold, according to population-based studies and clinical research.

What drugs don’t go into breast milk?

Following a successful pregnancy, nearly all substances a mother consumes can transfer to her nursing infant. Very few medications completely avoid breast milk transfer. Certain antibiotics, some blood pressure drugs, and insulin reach minimal concentrations and pose little risk to infants. Recreational drugs, such as cannabis, readily transfer during perinatal exposure periods (the period shortly before and after birth).

The psychoactive component of marijuana and its metabolites play a crucial role in this process because of their chemical structure. Unlike water-soluble medications, THC’s fat-soluble nature causes maternal exposure, transmission, and accumulation in breast milk. If you’re a breastfeeding mother, disclose all substance use to your health care provider for proper guidance about medication safety during this sensitive period.

What do I do if I accidentally eat an edible while breastfeeding?

If you accidentally consumed an edible while breastfeeding, take a breath. It’s not immediately dangerous, but cannabis does pass into your milk and can affect your baby. The impact depends on how much THC was in what you ate (store-bought edibles typically contain 5–10 mg of the psychoactive component, but homemade ones vary wildly).

Here’s your action plan:

Write down when you ate the cannabis-containing product and roughly how much.
Pause breastfeeding for now and switch to stored milk or formula.
Know that THC sticks around up to six days, with the highest levels 2–4 hours after eating it.
Watch your infant during lactation for unusual sleepiness, poor sucking, breathing changes, or unusual behavior.
Call your pediatrician immediately and be completely honest about what happened. The frequency of cannabis use matters in their advice, so mention if this is truly a one-time thing.
Hold off on breastfeeding until your doctor gives you the green light. You can pump and dump to maintain your milk supply and prevent engorgement, but this won’t remove the THC faster from your system.

One-time exposure poses fewer neurodevelopmental risks than daily use. Still, even a single dose introduces exogenous cannabinoids to your baby’s developing system. The long-term effects of marijuana exposure aren’t fully understood, which is why doctors recommend caution.

Can babies get high from breastfeeding?

During lactation, infants absorb the psychoactive component of marijuana through breast milk. Their developing human brains contain higher concentrations of cannabinoid receptor types than adults, which makes them uniquely vulnerable to cannabis metabolites. As a result, breastfed infants exhibit altered behavioral patterns including excessive drowsiness, weak sucking reflexes, and disrupted sleep cycles. These effects mirror neurobiological mechanisms observed in prenatal marijuana exposure but manifest differently in the neonatal period.

Low-dose exposures can trigger emotional reactivity changes and cognitive impacts with potential ramifications for brain development. Even cannabis used for medicinal purposes transfers these compounds to nursing infants at measurable concentrations in breast milk, presenting risks that contradict any maternal benefits.

Does paternal cannabis use affect breastfed infants?

While marijuana during pregnancy gets more attention, paternal cannabis exposure also deserves consideration. When fathers use cannabis around nursing infants, secondhand smoke creates passive exposure to cannabis that bypasses breast milk entirely. A qualitative study done by Sangmo, et. al. examined household cannabis habits and found detectable THC in infants’ hair samples even when only fathers used cannabis. Effects of marijuana use on paternal caregiving behaviors may indirectly impact breastfeeding success through disruption of family routines and support systems.

Can cannabis use affect breastfeeding initiation?

Cannabis use during the final weeks of gestation can complicate breastfeeding initiation. The component of cannabis that affects hormone production may disrupt the natural onset of lactation. Women using cannabis near delivery show higher rates of delayed milk production and early supplementation with formula.

A statistical analysis of birth weight and feeding methods revealed that cannabis-exposed infants often struggle with proper latch and milk transfer in the first 72 hours. These early challenges can lead to a shorter duration of exclusive breastfeeding, even among mothers with strong intentions to breastfeed long-term. First-time mothers with specific maternal characteristics, like previous cannabis dependence, face high risks.

How does cannabis-exposed breast milk affect infant sleep patterns?

Breast milk containing cannabis metabolites can disrupt infant sleep architecture in ways different from direct psychoactive effects. While adults often report improved sleep with cannabis, infants exposed through breast milk demonstrate fractured sleep cycles and more frequent night wakings. Behavioral alterations observed in clinical settings include increased apneic episodes during sleep, which raises safety concerns.

Multiple longitudinal studies tracking sleep patterns of exposed infants note disruptions persisting for several months of age beyond the exposure period.

Significant differences in irregular sleep, quiet time, and sleep-related body movements were found for children with prenatal cannabis exposure a few days after birth […] and less total sleep time and less efficient sleep was found at 3 years of age amongst those with prenatal cannabis exposure.

The duration of detection, ranging from days to weeks, means sleep effects may continue even after a mother stops cannabis use. These sleep disruptions potentially contribute to developmental challenges as quality sleep plays a crucial role in early brain development.

Resources

Davis E, Lee T, Weber JT, Bugden S. Cannabis use in pregnancy and breastfeeding: The pharmacist’s role. Can Pharm J (Ott). 2020 Jan 8;153(2):95-100. doi: 10.1177/1715163519893395. PMID: 32206154; PMCID: PMC7079319.

Bergeria CL, Heil SH. Surveying Lactation Professionals Regarding Marijuana Use and Breastfeeding. Breastfeed Med. 2015 Sep;10(7):377-80. doi: 10.1089/bfm.2015.0051. Epub 2015 Aug 7. PMID: 26252053; PMCID: PMC4692106.

Sheryl A. Ryan, Seth D. Ammerman, Mary E. O’Connor, COMMITTEE ON SUBSTANCE USE AND PREVENTION, SECTION ON BREASTFEEDING, Lucien Gonzalez, Stephen W. Patrick, Joanna Quigley, Leslie R. Walker, Joan Younger Meek, IBCLC, Margreete Johnston, Lisa Stellwagen, Jennifer Thomas, Julie Ware; Marijuana Use During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Implications for Neonatal and Childhood Outcomes. Pediatrics September 2018; 142 (3): e20181889. 10.1542/peds.2018-1889

Wu CS, Jew CP, Lu HC. Lasting impacts of prenatal cannabis exposure and the role of endogenous cannabinoids in the developing brain. Future Neurol. 2011 Jul 1;6(4):459-480. doi: 10.2217/fnl.11.27. PMID: 22229018; PMCID: PMC3252200.

Garry A, Rigourd V, Amirouche A, Fauroux V, Aubry S, Serreau R. Cannabis and breastfeeding. J Toxicol. 2009;2009:596149. doi: 10.1155/2009/596149. Epub 2009 Apr 29. PMID: 20130780; PMCID: PMC2809366.

Klebanoff MA, Wilkins DG, Keim SA. Marijuana Use during Pregnancy and Preterm Birth: A Prospective Cohort Study. Am J Perinatol. 2021 Aug;38(S 01):e146-e154. doi: 10.1055/s-0040-1708802. Epub 2020 Apr 1. PMID: 32236911; PMCID: PMC9526354.

Dong C, Chen J, Harrington A, Vinod KY, Hegde ML, Hegde VL. Cannabinoid prenatal exposure during pregnancy and its impact on immune function. Cell Mol Life Sci. 2019 Feb;76(4):729-743. doi: 10.1007/s00018-018-2955-0. Epub 2018 Oct 29. PMID: 30374520; PMCID: PMC6632091.

Kolla BP, Hayes L, Cox C, Eatwell L, Deyo-Svendsen M, Mansukhani MP. The Effects of Cannabinoids on Sleep. Journal of Primary Care & Community Health. 2022;13. doi:10.1177/21501319221081277

Irma Castro-Navarro, Mark A McGuire, Janet E Williams, Elizabeth A Holdsworth, Courtney L Meehan, Michelle K McGuire, Maternal Cannabis Use during Lactation and Potential Effects on Human Milk Composition and Production: A Narrative Review, Advances in Nutrition, Volume 15, Issue 4, 2024, 100196, ISSN 2161-8313, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.advnut.2024.100196.

Sangmo L, Braune T, Liu B, Wang L, Zhang L, Sosnoff CS, Blount BC, Wilson KM. Secondhand marijuana exposure in a convenience sample of young children in New York City. Pediatr Res. 2021 Mar;89(4):905-910. doi: 10.1038/s41390-020-0958-7. Epub 2020 May 13. PMID: 32403116; PMCID: PMC7882144.

Smith, C.B., Schmidt, J., Holdsworth, E.A. et al. Cannabis use, decision making, and perceptions of risk among breastfeeding individuals: the Lactation and Cannabis (LAC) Study. J Cannabis Res 6, 6 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s42238-023-00212-w