Your Questions - Cannabis, Pregnancy and Breastfeeding/Chestfeeding

  • Cannabis
  • Family
  • Harm Reduction
  • Lived and Living Experience

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About this guide

Answers common questions that people who are pregnant, planning to conceive, chest/breastfeeding or caring for very young children may have about cannabis. It also discusses partner support, strategies for reducing the risk of harm and provides a list of resources.

Three key points of interest you will find in the document:

  • There is no known safe amount of cannabis that can be used during pregnancy or chest/breastfeeding. If a person cannot stop using cannabis right away, there are ways to reduce the risk of harm.
  • Because cannabis can remain in breast milk for weeks, “pumping and dumping” does not help to reduce your baby’s exposure.
  • Cannabis can affect a fetus or baby’s brain development, behaviour, learning and mental health, which can last into adolescence and early adulthood.

Related Authors

Shea Wood, PhD

Senior Knowledge Broker

Area of Expertise

  • Cannabis
  • Mental Health
  • Youth
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Justine Renard, PhD

Senior Research and Policy Analyst

Area of Expertise

  • Cannabis
  • Vaping
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Related Publications

Guide
Starting Healthcare Conversations: Cannabis, Pregnancy and Breastfeeding/Chestfeeding
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Report
Clearing the Smoke on Cannabis: Cannabis Use During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
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Poster
Is It OK to Use Cannabis During Pregnancy and while Breastfeeding? [poster]
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