Lit Tits : A blog series on Cannabis & Lactation Vol 8 - CBD edition

In recent years, the use of CBD (cannabidiol) products has surged in popularity for various health and wellness purposes. You can now grab it at your local Target, CVS or Dispensary, getting CBD is as easy as buying a bottle of water. However, for breastfeeding parents, questions arise about the safety and potential effects of CBD on lactation and infant health.

Let’s dive into what current research suggests.

Understanding CBD and Lactation:

CBD is one of the many compounds found in the cannabis plant. Unlike THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), CBD is not psychoactive and is generally considered safe for adult use in moderation. Yet, when it comes to lactation, the concern is whether CBD can pass into breast milk and potentially affect the infant.

Limited Research and Caution:

It's important to note that research on CBD and lactation is still limited. The existing studies primarily focus on THC and its effects, which can differ from CBD. However, some studies have shown that cannabinoids, including CBD, can transfer into breast milk. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA)Trusted Source strongly advises against it.

Potential Risks and Considerations:

Since there's a lack of comprehensive data, caution is advised. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises against using marijuana or related products, including CBD, while breastfeeding due to concerns about possible harm to the infant’s developing brain.

Here's what we know:

So far, we know that some CBD can transfer to babies through breast milk. CBD products usually also contain some THC and other substances that may pose risks to a baby. Until we have more research it's been considered safer to avoid it.

CBD can stay in a person’s system from hours to about a month, depending on how much a person takes and how they take it.

The half-life of CBD ranges from 1 hour to 5 days.

Half-life is how long the body takes to eliminate one-half of a substance.

Typically it takes about 4 to 5 half lives for the body to eliminate a drug.

CBD sprays and drops have a half-life of about 1.5 - 11 hours.

Heavy use of CBD products consumed orally can increase the half-life up to 2 - 5 days. If smoked, CBD usually has a half life of about 31 hours.

Heavy use of CBD sprays can stay in the body for 10 hours to about 2 days, Heavy use CBD it stays in the body about 10 to 25 days. CBD usually stays in the system for about a week after smoking.

The frequency of your usage also determines how long CBD stays in your body. CBD builds up in your body over time if used regularly. If you use it only occasionally, it’ll clear from your system faster.

After eating, it takes longer for CBD to reach peak concentration in the blood, and when it does, it’s typically higher than in those who take it on an empty stomach. The body also eliminates CBD slower when fed rather than during fasting states.

The method you use affects the onset and duration of effects and how long it stays in your body.

Different forms of consumption of CBD include:

• Pills and capsules

• Oils and tinctures

• Edibles

• Vaping

• Creams and lotions

Vaping is not your lungs and takes effect quickly, and also leaves the body quickly. Oils and tinctures placed under your tongue are absorbed into the bloodstream faster and linger longer.

Your digestive system metabolizes edible forms of CBD, this takes longer. Creams and lotions are also slow to get into and out of the body.

Generally, you can begin to feel the effects of CBD within 15 minutes of vaping or using it sublingually. Edibles and topical products can take as long as an hour or two to kick in. But generally, the effects of CBD can last from 2 to 6 hours.

The 2018 Farm Bill removed hemp from the legal definition of marijuana the Controlled Substances Act. This made some hemp-derived CBD products with less than 0.3% THC legal at the federal level. However, CBD products containing more than 0.3% THC still fall under the legal definition of marijuana, making them illegal at the federal level. The FDA has not approved nonprescription CBD products, and some products may be inaccurately labeled.

Many CBD products contain trace amounts of THC.

If you’re concerned about THC levels, consider the type of CBD products you choose. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Full-spectrum CBD. Full Spectrum CBD extracts contain all of the naturally occurring compounds from the plant they’re from, including THC.

• Broad-spectrum CBD. This is similar to full-spectrum CBD, but it goes through a process to eliminate THC.

• CBD isolate. This option contains only CBD.

If going with a full-spectrum CBD, look for hemp derived CBD instead of one that’s marijuana-derived. Hemp-derived CBD is legally required to contain less than 0.3% THC.

What Parents Should Consider:

If you're a breastfeeding parent considering CBD use, here are some essential considerations:

1. Consult with Healthcare Providers: Always consult with your healthcare provider before using any CBD products while breastfeeding. They can provide personalized advice based on your health history and the needs of your baby.

2. CBD Product Quality: Choose reputable CBD products that have undergone third-party testing for quality and purity. Look for CBD products derived from hemp rather than marijuana, as they typically contain lower levels of THC.

3. Monitor Infant Behavior: Be vigilant for any changes in your baby's behavior or health if you decide to use CBD. If you notice any unusual symptoms, discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional immediately.

4. Alternative Therapies: Explore alternative therapies that are considered safer during lactation, such as relaxation techniques, mindfulness practices, or non-CBD herbal supplements.

Final Thoughts:

While CBD holds promise for various health benefits, its use during lactation requires careful consideration due to the potential risks involved. Breastfeeding parents should prioritize their baby’s health and well-being by consulting healthcare providers and exploring alternative methods for managing health concerns.

Ultimately, more research is needed to fully understand the impact of CBD on lactation and infant development.

If you're a nursing parent interested in CBD, always prioritize caution and informed decision-making to ensure the safety of both you and your baby.