Many people don’t realise that our bodies produce their own cannabinoids, known as endocannabinoids. These naturally occurring substances play an important role in development and wellbeing, starting in pregnancy and continuing after birth (1).
But what does this mean for CBD while breastfeeding? Is it safe to use CBD oil or other CBD products during this time? And what part do cannabinoids naturally play in breast milk?
This article summarises the current scientific knowledge and explains why a cautious approach to CBD while breastfeeding is recommended.
The endocannabinoid system and breast milk
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is an important part of the human body. It consists of receptors (CB1 and CB2), naturally occurring cannabinoids (endocannabinoids) and enzymes that break these substances down.
This system helps regulate key functions such as sleep, appetite, mood and how we perceive pain. Researchers have also discovered that the ECS plays a crucial role in the development of newborns.
A study published in the European Journal of Pharmacology (2004) found that CB1 receptors begin forming in the womb (2). In other words, the ECS is active from the very start – including during breastfeeding.
Natural cannabinoids in breast milk
Breast milk contains natural endocannabinoids, the body’s own cannabinoids that play an important role in early development (3). They help newborns regulate their appetite and activate the sucking reflex, which is essential for feeding and survival.
There is also evidence that endocannabinoids in breast milk help protect nerve cells and support healthy brain development. These processes are completely natural and show how closely the endocannabinoid system is linked to growth and early development.
What happens if CBD is used while breastfeeding?
This is where things get sensitive. CBD products contain cannabidiol, a plant-based compound that also interacts with the body’s CB1 and CB2 receptors. Even though CBD is not psychoactive like THC, it could theoretically affect the delicate balance of a baby’s endocannabinoid system (4).
Research shows that cannabinoids are fat-soluble, which means they can easily accumulate in the fatty components of breast milk (5). In practical terms, if a breastfeeding mother uses CBD, small amounts of the compound may pass into her milk and be absorbed by the infant.
At the moment, there are no reliable long-term studies showing how CBD might affect a baby’s development. Because of this uncertainty, doctors and health organisations recommend avoiding CBD while breastfeeding to rule out any possible risks (6).
Why is caution so important when it comes to CBD while breastfeeding?
Research on CBD during breastfeeding is still at a very early stage. While some studies confirm that natural endocannabinoids are present in breast milk, there is almost no research examining how externally supplied CBD might affect a mother or her baby (7).
This means that even though CBD is generally considered well tolerated, we cannot rule out the possibility that it may have unknown effects on an infant’s brain, immune system or nervous development.
In situations where safety hasn’t been firmly established, healthcare professionals follow a simple rule of thumb: when in doubt, it’s wisest to hold back.
No CBD while breastfeeding without medical guidance
Even though CBD products are considered safe in many other situations, there is no solid scientific data on how they might affect infants or breastfeeding mothers. Because CBD can pass into breast milk and its effects on newborns remain unknown, health organisations advise against using CBD while breastfeeding.
If you are dealing with stress, sleep difficulties or muscle tension, it’s best to speak with your doctor or midwife to explore safe alternatives. For the wellbeing of both mother and baby, caution is the wiser choice – and sticking to medically recommended ways to relax is the safest path.
Frequently asked questions
How long does CBD stay in breast milk?
CBD is fat soluble, which means it can build up in body fat and also in breast milk. Early research suggests that cannabinoids may be detectable in milk for several days, depending on the dose taken, how often it is used and individual metabolic factors. Because there is no reliable data on how this might affect infants, experts advise avoiding CBD while breastfeeding.
How does CBD affect breast milk?
CBD can, in theory, pass from the bloodstream into breast milk. Because breast milk has a naturally high fat content, CBD can bind easily to its fat molecules. What remains unclear is whether this changes the composition of the milk or has any effect on a baby’s development. Since there are no solid studies answering these questions yet, the safest approach is to avoid CBD while breastfeeding.
References
- Maccarrone, M., et al. (2014). The Endocannabinoid System and its Role in Reproduction: A Focus on Pregnancy. Progress in Lipid Research, 53, 419–430. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.plipres.2014.07.004
- Fride, E. (2004). The endocannabinoid-CB(1) receptor system in pre- and postnatal life. European Journal of Pharmacology, 500(1-3), 289-297. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejphar.2004.07.033
- Fride, E., et al. (2009). Endocannabinoids and the regulatory function of milk. Chemistry and Physics of Lipids, 160(1), 79-87. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemphyslip.2008.12.012
- Ritchie, T., et al. (2020). Prenatal cannabinoid exposure impairs early development in mice. eBioMedicine, 62, 103114. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ebiom.2020.103114
- Holder, K., et al. (2024). THC and CBD in breast milk of breastfeeding mothers: A recent observational study. Breastfeeding Medicine, 19(3), 172-179. https://doi.org/10.1089/bfm.2024.0021
- Swissmedic & World Health Organization. (2018). Cannabidiol (CBD) Pre-Review Report. https://cdn.who.int/media/docs/default-source/controlled-substances/cannabidiol-pre-review.pdf
- Deutsches Ärzteblatt. (2023). CBD in Schwangerschaft und Stillzeit: Medizinische Fachgesellschaften warnen. Deutsches Ärzteblatt. https://www.aerzteblatt.de/archiv/doi/10.3238/arztebl.m2023.0192
