The FDA strongly discourages the use of cannabidiol (CBD), tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and marijuana in any form during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Cannabis and cannabis-derived products have become increasingly available in recent years, and new and different types of products are appearing all the time. It can be tempting to turn to CBD; after all, it's not intoxicating, so it seems safe, right? The FDA strongly urges anyone who is pregnant or breastfeeding to avoid cannabis products. They point out that no comprehensive study can demonstrate the safety of CBD in a pregnant or breastfeeding person.
These facts aside, experts do not consider the use of CBD during pregnancy to be safe. In fact, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) strongly warns pregnant and lactating people not to consume any cannabis products, including CBD, as these products could pose serious risks to the fetus or nursing baby. Currently, the FDA advises against all CBD and THC products for pregnant and nursing mothers. Does CBD get into breast milk? Yes.
It is fat-soluble and will be excreted through breast milk. However, much of the controversy over CBD and breastfeeding is due to studies done on THC and breast milk, not on CBD. The FDA strongly discourages all cannabis products, mainly because of studies that indicate that THC during pregnancy has negative results. The main concern with CBD, in particular, seems to be the possibility that low-quality CBD products are contaminated with pesticides, bacteria, fungi and heavy metals.
That's why it was one of my top priorities to find the cleanest possible brand. Until the FDA can study more data and answer questions about CBD products and their effects on pregnant and nursing mothers, taking CBD is not recommended. While the tests won't specifically detect CBD, if you use “full spectrum” CBD, it does contain a very small amount of THC. In one study, researchers tested 84 CBD products and found that 26 percent contained substantially less CBD than shown on the label and 43 percent contained substantially more.
While CBD products may be legal in many parts of the United States, the FDA has not yet approved any over-the-counter (OTC) CBD products. More and more people are turning to CBD to alleviate various physical and mental health symptoms, and you may be starting to wonder whether to consume CBD during pregnancy.
