Can You Have Marijuana While Breastfeeding?

 Krystal Duhaney Profile Photo
By Krystal Duhaney | Updated on Dec 3, 2023
Image for article Can You Have Marijuana While Breastfeeding?

You should steer clear of marijuana while breastfeeding. 

Why? It's all about the active compound in marijuana, THC. This sneaky little compound is known to get into breast milk3  and can hang around there for quite a while. A study found that THC could still be detected in breast milk up to six days1  after marijuana use.

That might not sound like such a big deal, but remember, your baby's brain is still growing and developing, and THC can potentially disrupt this process. Plus, the American Academy of Pediatrics2  advises against using marijuana while breastfeeding.

So, to keep things safe and sound for your little one, it's best to hold off on the marijuana while you're breastfeeding.

Pregnant woman holding her stomach on a bed with a plant in the background

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  1. National Library of Medicine"Cannabis"Apr 14, 2023https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501587/.

  2. American Academy of Pediatrics"Marijuana Use During Pregnancy & Breastfeeding FAQs"Jul 29, 2019https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/prenatal/Pages/Marijuana-Use-During-Pregnancy-Breastfeeding.aspx.

  3. Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion"Marijuana"May 1, 2023https://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/breastfeeding-special-circumstances/vaccinations-medications-drugs/marijuana.html.


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Updated on Dec 3, 2023

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Can You Have Marijuana While Breastfeeding?

 Krystal Duhaney Profile Photo
By Krystal Duhaney | Updated on Dec 3, 2023
Image for article Can You Have Marijuana While Breastfeeding?

You should steer clear of marijuana while breastfeeding. 

Why? It's all about the active compound in marijuana, THC. This sneaky little compound is known to get into breast milk3  and can hang around there for quite a while. A study found that THC could still be detected in breast milk up to six days1  after marijuana use.

That might not sound like such a big deal, but remember, your baby's brain is still growing and developing, and THC can potentially disrupt this process. Plus, the American Academy of Pediatrics2  advises against using marijuana while breastfeeding.

So, to keep things safe and sound for your little one, it's best to hold off on the marijuana while you're breastfeeding.

Pregnant woman holding her stomach on a bed with a plant in the background

Want evidence-based health & wellness advice for fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum delivered to your inbox?

Your privacy is important to us. By subscribing you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Expectful uses only high-quality sources, including academic research institutions, medical associations, and subject matter experts.

  1. National Library of Medicine"Cannabis"Apr 14, 2023https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501587/.

  2. American Academy of Pediatrics"Marijuana Use During Pregnancy & Breastfeeding FAQs"Jul 29, 2019https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/prenatal/Pages/Marijuana-Use-During-Pregnancy-Breastfeeding.aspx.

  3. Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion"Marijuana"May 1, 2023https://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/breastfeeding-special-circumstances/vaccinations-medications-drugs/marijuana.html.


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