Cannabis and Breastfeeding: What the Literature Says

Summary of the article written for the ELACTA magazine, Lactation & Breastfeeding, no. 1 2026

The progressive legalisation of cannabis in several countries is accompanied by an increase in its use among pregnant and breastfeeding women. This review article, authored by Elise Armoiry (IBCLC, pharmacist), provides an overview of the available data for lactation consultants.

Pharmacokinetics.

THC, being highly lipophilic, passes into breast milk and persists there for between 6 days and 6 weeks after the last use, with an estimated half-life of 20 days. The dose ingested by the infant is estimated at approximately 2.5% of the maternal dose, after first-pass hepatic metabolism. Bioaccumulation is observed in cases of repeated use.

Effects on the Infant.

In the short term, cases of sedation, lethargy, feeding difficulties, and apnoeic episodes have been reported. Data on long-term effects (neurocognitive development, behaviour) remain limited and difficult to disentangle from prenatal exposure.

Institutional Recommendations.

The main organisations (WHO, AAP, ABM, ACOG) all agree in discouraging cannabis use during breastfeeding, without considering it an absolute contraindication to breastfeeding. A shared decision-making approach, adjusted according to the frequency and mode of use, is recommended.

Clinical Approach.

In the face of concerns about social services reporting, a non-directive and motivational approach is recommended. The lactation consultation represents a privileged space for addressing these issues, evaluating the reasons for use (anxiety, pain, sleep disorders), and directing patients towards safe therapeutic alternatives.

CBD.

Its transfer into breast milk is documented, but its effects on the infant remain unstudied to date. The quality and composition of commercial products are highly variable and unregulated.

Cannabis and Breastfeeding Training

This topic is covered in a training session available as Replay