Breastfeeding is a magical journey that bonds mother and child, providing essential nutrients and antibodies to the infant. However, in our modern world, where the use of cannabis has become increasingly common, new mothers face a unique challenge. The psychoactive component of cannabis, THC, has been found to linger in breastmilk, raising concerns about the potential impact on breastfeeding infants.
In a groundbreaking study, researchers at Washington State University discovered that THC, the intoxicating compound in cannabis, dissolves in the fats contained in human milk. This means that when breastfeeding mothers use cannabis, THC can be detected in the milk they produce. What’s particularly alarming is that THC was found in mother’s milk even when the mothers had abstained from cannabis for 12 hours. The levels of THC detected were low, with infants receiving an average of 0.07 milligrams of THC per day through breast milk. To put this into perspective, a common low-dose edible contains 2 milligrams of THC.
The question that naturally arises is: how does this amount of THC affect an infant or its development? The answer, unfortunately, is not clear. “Breastfeeding parents need to be aware that if they use cannabis, their infants are likely consuming cannabinoids via the milk they produce, and we do not know whether this has any effect on the developing infant,” said lead researcher Courtney Meehan. This uncertainty is a cause for concern, as the effects of THC on a developing brain are not fully understood.
One of the most perplexing findings of the study is the lack of a consistent peak in THC concentrations in breast milk. Unlike alcohol, where guidelines suggest waiting at least two hours after drinking before breastfeeding, there are no such guidelines for cannabis. This is because THC concentrations in breast milk do not follow a predictable pattern. For occasional users, THC levels in breast milk peaked between 30 minutes and 2.5 hours after use before declining. However, for more frequent users, THC concentrations showed a continual increase throughout the day.
Elizabeth Holdsworth, who worked on the study, highlighted the difficulty for mothers trying to time their breastfeeding to avoid peak THC concentrations: “There was such a range. If you’re trying to avoid breastfeeding when the concentration of THC peaks, you’re not going to know when THC is at its peak in the milk.”
The study involved 20 breastfeeding mothers who use cannabis, all with infants younger than 6 months. These mothers provided detailed reports on their cannabis use and collected milk samples at various intervals after use. The samples were taken in their homes, at times of their own choosing, with weed they purchased themselves. This approach reflects the real-life scenarios of cannabis-using mothers, making the findings highly relevant.
Interestingly, an earlier study by the same team found that many breastfeeding mothers use weed for therapeutic purposes, such as managing anxiety or dealing with chronic pain. Shelley McGuire, a researcher on the team, noted, “Our results suggest that mothers who use cannabis are being thoughtful in their decisions. These women were mindful about their choices. This is far from a random lifestyle choice.”
The presence of THC in breast milk is not an isolated phenomenon. THC is just one of many commonly used substances that can be found in breast milk, and there is a significant gap in our knowledge regarding their effects on breastfeeding babies. “This is an area that needs substantial, rigorous research for moms to know what’s best,” McGuire stated.The findings of this study, published in the journal Breastfeeding Medicine, come at a time when the use of cannabis is on the rise among women of childbearing age.
With the medical use of cannabis legal in 37 states and the District of Columbia, and recreational use legal in 21 states and D.C., there has been a notable increase in cannabis use. Data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health indicates that cannabis use in pregnant women rose from 2.37% in 2002 to 3.85% in 2014 in the United States, with 21.1% of pregnant women who used cannabis reporting daily use.
As we know that the use of cannabis during pregnancy may negatively affect fetal growth and brain development. However, the impact of cannabis and its byproducts, secreted into breast milk, on nursing infants is less understood. This gap in knowledge poses a challenge for healthcare providers and mothers alike, who must navigate the murky waters of cannabis use while breastfeeding.
The study by Washington State University sheds light on the complex issue of THC in breastmilk. It underscores the need for further research to understand the implications for infant development and to establish clear guidelines for breastfeeding mothers who use cannabis. Until then, mothers and healthcare providers must proceed with caution, balancing the therapeutic benefits of cannabis for some mothers with the potential risks to their breastfeeding infants.
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Study finds THC lingers in breastmilk with no clear peak point
