A Modern Conundrum for the Pediatrician: The Safety of Breast Milk and the Cannabis-Using Mother.

Abstract

* Abbreviation: THC — : Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol For the first time in history, a majority of US citizens (61% in 2018) support full legalization of all cannabis-containing products.1 This support has increased despite accumulating scientific evidence that cannabinoids may have long-term detrimental physical, psychological, and developmental effects beyond their potential medicinal benefits. These negative effects are particularly concerning among those individuals who were exposed prenatally and those adolescents who report early onset of use and heavy regular use, when critical brain systems are undergoing active growth, development, and maturation. Despite this cautionary evidence, cannabis is now the most commonly reported recreational drug used by pregnant and lactating women. Up to 36% of women report having used marijuana at some point in their pregnancy, and 18% report having used it while breastfeeding.2 These high rates of reported use raise important issues for those medical providers who provide care to infants and children or who may be asked by parents about the safety of marijuana use during lactation. Until now, the scientific evidence that would be used to help a provider make an informed decision has been essentially nonexistent. Thus, the study … Address correspondence to Sheryl A. Ryan, MD, Division of Adolescent Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Penn State Health Children’s Hospital, 12 Briarcrest Square, 500 University Dr, Hershey, PA 17033. E-mail: sryan4{at}pennstatehealth.psu.edu