Pregnancy, Breastfeeding and Marijuana Use
by Anne Eglash MD, IBCLC, FABM
In August 2018, The American Academy of Pediatrics published their Clinical Report entitled Marijuana Use During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Implications for Neonatal and Childhood Outcomes. The report reviews the most recent science regarding how THC may effect fetal brain development, the negative effects of marijuana use on fetal growth, placental function, and long term negative effects on cognition, behavior, neurodevelopment in children exposed to marijuana as fetuses.
There is less information on the effects of THC during lactation as compared to the effects during pregnancy. So far, it has been hard to separate the effect of THC during lactation from the use of other substances such as alcohol, and the effect of marijuana use during pregnancy.
- Pregnant women who have reported use of marijuana during pregnancy were more likely to report nausea during pregnancy.
- Half of the states in the USA that have legalized medical marijuana list pregnancy as a contraindication to dispensing medicinal marijuana.
- In many states, pregnant women who are found to have positive marijuana screens can be subject to child welfare investigations.
- The active ingredient in marijuana, THC, has low transmission into breastmilk because it is a very large molecule.
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Abstract
Marijuana is one of the most widely used substances during pregnancy in the United States. Emerging data on the ability of cannabinoids to cross the placenta and affect the development of the fetus raise concerns about both pregnancy outcomes and long-term consequences for the infant or child. Social media is used to tout the use of marijuana for severe nausea associated with pregnancy. Concerns have also been raised about marijuana use by breastfeeding mothers. With this clinical report, we provide data on the current rates of marijuana use among pregnant and lactating women, discuss what is known about the effects of marijuana on fetal development and later neurodevelopmental and behavioral outcomes, and address implications for education and policy.
Marijuana use is increasing during pregnancy and lactation, likely related to the legalization of medicinal and recreational marijuana. None of the states that have legalized medical marijuana indicate pregnancy as a contraindication. THC does transfer into breastmilk because of its small size and high lipid solubility. More research is needed, so that families have facts for informed decision-making on the use of marijuana during pregnancy and lactation. Several organizations recommend screening pregnant women regarding substance use and I suggest doing so during lactation as well. In recognition that mind-altering substances effect parenting skills and household safety, it seems reasonable that all parents, not just pregnant and lactating mothers, ought to be asked about use.
If women are using marijuana for pain, anxiety, or sleep during pregnancy and lactation, these medical problems should be addressed and safe alternative therapeutic options should be offered.
Jackie schroeder
Is there any studies about CBD use being dangerous ? this is the marijuana that does not have THC in it .
Mary jo moore
At a Lactation conference at Emory university in March of this year, Dr Thomas Hale indicated that he was soon to publish results of a study on marijuana use during Lactation. He was not allowed to give specifics or even to name the journal. Do you happen to know of this study and where it has been published? I work with a great many mothers who have used marijuana.
MilkMob
Here is a link to the published article: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29630019
Elizabeth Seaman
I am desperately seeking studies related to HEMP-based CBD during pregnancy and lactation. Hemp CBD is high in cannabinoids with trace amounts of THC (<0.3%) when used as a full-spectrum oil. What about Broad spectrum (THC removed), or CBD-isolate? We know that mothers produce endo cannabinoids in breastmilk, but what about ingesting phytocannabinoids?
Anne Eglash
I believe there are no major studies published. I suggesting contacting infantrisk.com to see if they are aware of any