Lit Tits: Breastfeeding & Weed in 2025 What’s the Real Risk?

Let’s talk lactation and legalization. Yes, Again.

Since dropping my first Lit Tits post, the conversation around cannabis and breastfeeding hasn’t slowed down and neither has the confusion.

Misinformation is everywhere, and most providers are still too uncomfortable (or under informed) to talk about it. Meanwhile, more states have legalized cannabis, more parents are turning to it for anxiety, sleep, and pain relief and yes, many are still breastfeeding and using cannabis.

So what do we now know in 2025? What’s safe, what’s myth, and where and how do harm reduction and informed choice come into play?

Is THC in Breastmilk? Yes. But Context Matters.

Here’s the science: THC is lipophilic, meaning it loves fat, and breastmilk is full of it. That means THC can pass into breastmilk and may stay there for several hours up to days, depending on your body, dose, and how you consumed it.

Some studies have detected THC in milk up to 6 days after a single use. That sounds scary, but remember that detection isn’t the same as danger. Concentration matters. And more importantly, dose and effect matter which is something studies rarely control for.

📌 Quick fact: One 2021 study found THC levels in breastmilk peaked 1–4 hours after consumption and slowly declined after that. Most infants were exposed to very low levels, and we're talking nanograms, not milligrams.

What About Baby’s Brain Development?

This is the concern that stops many people in their tracks. And it’s valid because infant brains are still wiring up and highly sensitive. But here’s the nuance, most existing studies on cannabis and development are either outdated (pre-legalization), based on heavily on prenatal exposure, or don’t separate out confounding factors like tobacco, alcohol, or stress.

We don’t have definitive data on what microdose exposure through breastmilk does long term. That means we can’t say it’s totally harmless, but we also can’t say it’s harmful without proper context.

In short, we need more high-quality, controlled research before making sweeping statements. Until then, informed harm reduction is important.

Can Cannabis Lower Milk Supply?

Possibly. Some evidence suggests THC may suppress prolactin, the hormone that stimulates milk production, especially in early postpartum (before 12 weeks). But again, results are mixed and may depend on dosage, frequency, and how your body personally responds.

There’s also a cultural myth floating around that cannabis is a galactagogue (milk booster). That’s not backed by evidence. If anything, the munchies may boost your appetite and hydration, which can help with milk production, but cannabis itself isn’t proven to increase supply.

Can You Be a Safe Parent While High?

This is one of the biggest safety issues, it's not just what’s in the milk, but how cannabis affects your judgment, responsiveness, and ability to safely care for your baby.

If you’re very high, drowsy, or disoriented, it could impact things like feeding, diapering, co-sleeping (very dangerous while under any influence), and reacting to baby cues. If you’re using cannabis, consider:

• Avoiding co-sleeping

• Having another adult around

• Using when baby’s asleep or after a feeding session

• Staying away from any driving or safety critical tasks

What’s the Medical Community Saying?

Still not much. Most organizations (like AAP and CDC) take a blanket “not recommended” stance, but don’t provide detailed guidance on harm reduction. Some healthcare providers offer more tailored support, especially in legal states. But many parents report getting silence, stigma, or outdated info.

Basically, it’s still a fairly gray area. That’s why parents need access to evidence based, culturally informed, non-shaming education which was my reason for starting this blog series. I got y'all!

So Should You Use or Not?

I'll tell you like I tell my clients, that’s not for me to decide. But I will say this, breastfeeding parents deserve full information to make choices that work for their health and their baby’s. That includes recognizing:

1. Cannabis may carry some risk, especially at high doses or with daily use

2. Safer use strategies (like waiting 3–4 hours post-consumption before feeding) exist

3. No one deserves to be criminalized or reported for navigating parenthood with cannabis, especially when our systems offer little support for mental health, sleep, or chronic pain

If you’re using weed while breastfeeding, you’re not alone AND you’re not a bad parent. You deserve judgment free healthcare and access to research, not punishment.

Final Puff

Cannabis and breastfeeding is still an emerging field but one thing is clear, we need better research, better conversations, and a whole lot more grace.

Until then, stay informed, stay kind to yourself, and keep your titties lifted and lit.