Marijuana and Breastfeeding

Your breastmilk is the best food for your baby and has unmatched health benefits. Here is some information on the use of marijuana while breastfeeding or providing breastmilk to your baby.

Marijuana may be natural, but it is not recommended for use by breastfeeding mothers. 

THC, the active ingredient in marijuana, passes into breastmilk. There is research showing that THC can affect infant mental and motor development. For this reason, it is recommended that you do not use marijuana during breastfeeding or while providing breastmilk to your baby.

There is no safe form of marijuana when breastfeeding.

This includes vaping and edibles. Some products, including those containing cannabidiol (CBD), could contain contaminants such as pesticides, heavy metals, bacteria and fungus. These can be dangerous to both mom and baby.

Marijuana can stay in the body for many days to weeks.

THC is stored in fat cells in your body for a long time, so “pumping and dumping” is not sufficient to prevent your baby from receiving THC. THC is also stored in the fat cells in your baby’s body and brain for extended periods of time. The effect of this in unknown at this time.

Secondhand smoke from marijuana puts your baby at risk.

Secondhand smoke contains many of the same toxins as cigarette smoke and also exposes your baby to THC.

Secondhand smoke doubles your baby’s risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

Being under the influence of marijuana may put your baby at risk.

You may be less able to safely care for your infant.

The use of marijuana impairs your judgment.

It is never safe to sleep in the same bed with your infant, and this is especially true if you are under the influence.

The choice to use marijuana is a personal decision.

If you chose to continue to use marijuana for medical or recreational purposes, we support the use of formula for the best health of your baby.

Positive toxicology screens for marijuana on mom or baby’s record is considered a safety concern. Please ask to speak to the social worker with any questions or concerns.

Your doctor may be able to help you find treatment alternatives if you are using marijuana to treat a medical condition.

Marijuana, especially edibles, may look like food or candy to children.

If marijuana is in the home, keep it in a locked area out of reach of children.