Cannabis and breastfeeding is a relevant issue for parents that use cannabis recreationally or medically. Often the following concerns arise: can THC be present in the mother’s breast milk, for how long, which is more appropriate to use — THC or CBD, and what should parents do if cannabis has been used during breastfeeding?

The current data do not allow for establishing the amount that would be safe, as well as for recommending the waiting period before breastfeeding. The main active component of cannabis is THC, and it can get into the breast milk, but the level of the substance that will not pose any risk for the development of the baby has not been identified yet.

Cannabis and Breastfeeding: How Can THC Get Into the Breast Milk?

When cannabis and breastfeeding is taken, the cannabinoids end up in the bloodstream. THC is very lipophilic, which means it is fat-loving. The human breast milk has fat, which contributes to the presence of cannabinoids in milk.

According to the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine, the levels of THC in human breast milk can be greater than those found in maternal blood serum because of the fatty nature of milk and the cannabinoid nature.

This is one of the reasons why cannabis and breastfeeding need to be considered much more than just how high the caregiver may still be.

An individual could feel perfectly fine many hours after using cannabis, even though THC is still present in their body. The level of the substance passing into milk depends on different variables.

How long does THC stay in breast milk?

It’s not possible to give an exact number of hours that guarantees the lack of THC in breast milk.

According to the CDC, breast milk may contain THC within up to six days after consuming cannabis and breastfeeding based on one study, while others have reported more prolonged periods. Similarly, the FDA says THC may be present in breast milk for several days.

That has much to do with how THC works in the body. It accumulates in the body’s fat tissue, where it can be released slowly. As a consequence, the period of exposure does not have to coincide with the time when a parent feels the effects of cannabis.

Because each case is unique, parents should be careful about following any recommendations that say they need to wait for some specific time after using cannabis for safe breastfeeding.

Can Pumping and Dumping Eliminate THC?

Breastfeeding parents might find pumping and dumping beneficial for establishing a breastfeeding schedule and preventing breast engorgement. However, it must be noted that pumping and dumping is not a tried-and-tested approach for fast elimination of THC from breast milk.

The point is that THC can stay within the mother’s body, and she can continue to release it into her milk. Therefore, discarding breast milk in one round will not necessarily eliminate THC from a mother’s body.

Consequently, the use of cannabis and breastfeeding cannot be handled through pumping and dumping like some other substances that can be eliminated from breast milk quickly.

Parents who have used cannabis and breastfeeding recently and want to breastfeed should consult a pediatrician, a physician, or a lactation specialist.

What Are the Potential Risks to a Breastfed Baby?

It is still unclear how exposure to cannabinoids via breast milk impacts a baby. One key issue with research is that it is unethical to test the effect by exposing infants to cannabis and breastfeeding in clinical settings.

This means that the available data is mostly observational, making it challenging to rule out other variables that may affect the baby’s development.

There are certainly some issues that one should keep in mind.

For instance, the CDC mentions that compounds found in cannabis and breastfeeding products may be transferred to the baby during breastfeeding. This organization is concerned about the possible impact on brain development and highlights that THC remains in the body for an extended period.

Does CBD Make Cannabis and Breastfeeding Safe?

CBD differs from THC as it does not usually cause the same kind of intoxication “high.” This means that it does not mean that CBD products are deemed safe for breastfeeding women.

FDA recommends strongly not using CBD, THC, and marijuana in any form while breastfeeding. It further warns that CBD products can contain THC as well as pesticides, metals, bacteria, or fungi.

FDA says that the risks associated with CBD include liver damage, excessive sleepiness, as well as interactions with other drugs. Further, there is no sufficient evidence about the recommended dose of CBD for breastfeeding.

This means that switching from a THC-based cannabis and breastfeeding product to an over-the-counter CBD product does not automatically make it a safer choice.

What Do The Medical Bodies Advise?

The contemporary advice in the field of medicine generally recommends not using cannabis and breastfeeding.

According to the recommendations of the CDC, breastfeeding mothers should stay away from cannabis and breastfeeding any CBD-containing products, as certain substances that could pass into the breast milk could harm the child. It also recommends not to expose children to marijuana smoke.

FDA is no less strict with regard to this matter, as it highly recommends not to use any marijuana, THC or CBD when breastfeeding.

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) has updated its clinical advice regarding the matter in 2025. It suggests to stop using cannabis while breastfeeding, but stresses one significant point – cannabis and breastfeeding use does not constitute a contraindication for breastfeeding.

Is It Important to Take into Account What Kind of Cannabis Product Is Used?

The different products can cause various amounts and patterns of cannabinoid exposure.

The list of products includes:

• Marijuana flower
• Edibles
• Oil
• Vaporizers
• Concentrates
• Tinctures
• High THC concentrates

Edibles, oils, and concentrates may still be exposing parents to THC despite their inability to cause the inhalation of traditional marijuana smoke.

It should be noted that CDC mentions the ability of cannabis and breastfeeding components to get into breast milk irrespective of whether marijuana is taken as edibles, oil, or concentrate.

Thus, the change of the means of consumption does not provide safety for cannabis and breastfeeding.

Secondhand Smoke from Marijuana

Breast milk isn’t the only way of exposure.

If parents smoke marijuana near an infant, the baby will inhale secondhand smoke. Secondhand marijuana smoke has many of the toxins and carcinogens that are found in secondhand tobacco smoke, and it can have THC in the same way.

Therefore, no one should smoke marijuana near a baby at all.

Marijuana products should be stored safely and out of reach of the child. Edible marijuana products are especially dangerous because they look like regular food.

What Should You Do if You Used Marijuana While Nursing Your Baby?

If you have already used marijuana, there is no need to panic. It would be better to tell the truth about the situation to your healthcare professional.

The following details might be useful:

• What type of marijuana was used
• If it included THC, CBD, or both
• How much was consumed
• When it was used
• If you occasionally or often use it
• Medical problems of the child
• If it is used because of some health issues

These pieces of information may help a clinician give personalized advice.

It will be necessary for parents to make sure that an unimpaired adult person will take care of the baby in case when using cannabis and breastfeeding has led to impairments. Indeed, marijuana may affect the judgment, coordination, attention, and reaction of a person, and it is dangerous not only due to the fact that a baby is exposed to the effects of the milk but also because of these impairments.

Is There Inherently Any Danger in Breastfeeding While Using Cannabis?

This is the key nuance in modern recommendations.

The existing data does not confirm the safety of using cannabis while breastfeeding, hence, health institutions recommend avoiding or minimizing the use of cannabis by breastfeeding mothers.

Yet, in accordance with ACOG’s 2025 recommendations, continued use of cannabis and breastfeeding is not a contraindication to breastfeeding and does not serve as an absolute reason for discouraging breastfeeding.

The Bottom Line

While research into the relationship between cannabis and breastfeeding is still evolving, the recommendations call for caution.

THC can be found in breast milk, can persist in the body even after the perceived effects of cannabis and breastfeeding have worn off, and can therefore affect an infant that is being breastfed for a prolonged period of time. The safe levels of exposure have yet to be determined by researchers.

According to the CDC and FDA, cannabis, THC, and CBD should be avoided while breastfeeding. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine also recommend stopping or decreasing its usage, keeping in mind the unique circumstances of breastfeeding.

If you are currently breastfeeding and taking cannabis, consult with your doctor, pediatrician, or lactation specialist.

Sources

1. CDC — Marijuana and Breastfeeding
   CDC: Marijuana — Breastfeeding Special Circumstances
2. FDA — Cannabis, CBD, THC, Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
   FDA: What You Should Know About Using Cannabis, Including CBD, When Pregnant or Breastfeeding
3. ACOG — Cannabis Use During Pregnancy and Lactation
   ACOG: Cannabis Use During Pregnancy and Lactation
4. Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine — Clinical Protocol #21
   Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine: Clinical Protocol #21
5. JAMA Pediatrics — Persistence of THC in Human Breast Milk
   JAMA Pediatrics: Persistence of Δ-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol in Human Breast Milk