And if you're pregnant or breastfeeding, you may have even more questions about whether these products are safe for you. The FDA strongly discourages the use of cannabidiol (CBD), tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and marijuana in any form during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Using marijuana while breastfeeding can allow harmful chemicals to pass from mother to baby through breast milk or exposure to second-hand smoke. To limit the potential risk to the baby, breastfeeding mothers should be advised not to use marijuana or products containing cannabidiol (CBD) in any form while breastfeeding.
The health effects of exposure to marijuana during pregnancy and breastfeeding are not certain. In studies conducted with people, it can be difficult to unravel the multiple risk and protective factors that affect fetal and newborn outcomes. Exposure to other drugs (see “The Role of Polyconsumption,” below) and to factors such as nutrition, prenatal care, family support, and stress, among others, can have a significant influence on a baby's health. In addition, many studies are based on self-reported measures of marijuana use, which often underestimate use.
