With the increase in popularity of cannabis-derived products, we reviewed the evidence to answer the question: is CBD and weed safe in pregnancy or breastfeeding?
So, let’s take a glance at the research on CBD oil, and especially, what pregnant or breastfeeding moms should realize the things before they think about using it.
Cannabis 101
Close up of cannabis against a black background get things going, let’s lay out some cannabis-related terms! For a start, the word “cannabis” is that the scientific name for the genus of the plant is used as hemp fiber for fabrics and construction materials, edible hemp seed (a good source of healthy fats and protein), and, of course, as a mind-altering drug. During the 1930s within the US, there was a push from the govt to clamp down on the utilization of cannabis as a narcotic. The Mexican term “marijuana” was adopted in anti-drug literature as a sneaky and possibly racist thanks to link cannabis with migrant workers. We’ll use “cannabis” during this post. There are over 70 active compounds in cannabis. Aka cannabinoids. the 2 biggies are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). THC is that the part of the pot that gets you giggling while watching your toes, or having deep philosophical revelations, only to forget them two minutes later. Not that i do know anything that, of course! But CBD is different. It’s not psychoactive, but it does have certain interesting and therapeutic effects on the body.
Therapeutic Benefits of CBD Oil
Hands using to start with, CBD oil has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects and is taken into account neuroprotective. In other words, it’s going to help guard the cells of the brain against damage. within the early literature, CBD has been investigated for its possible effects in reducing anxiety and symptoms of phobia and post-traumatic stress disorder. One exploratory 2012 study found that it had been as effective in treating schizophrenia as standard anti-psychotic medications! CBD treats all types of things. From Tourette’s syndrome to Crohn’s disease to fibromyalgia and pain related to MS. Patients use CBD oil for cancer treatment. It’s thought to assist reduce nausea related to chemotherapy. Now, let’s back it all up for a hot minute here. Before you wish to illuminate a tube (I don’t think I’ve written that word since high school), it’s important to not jump the gun. There’s still little or no research on CBD and far of prevailing research out there was wiped out animals instead of humans. In other words, it’s not solid stuff. In terms of official statements, Health Canada provides a hefty list of potential therapeutic uses for cannabis. They also point to the limited number of studies demonstrating the security and efficacy of cannabis products to deal with any specific illness. The word “potential” is vital here. tons more research is going to be needed (particularly studies in humans instead of animals) watching different products and different doses before any real claims are often made.
Is Weed Safe During Pregnancy?
The pregnant person holding their bellyWhy might mothers, especially, want to use weed or cannabis products while pregnant or breastfeeding? Well, Dr. Hirsch had this to mention. “Increasingly in my practice, women are informing me that they’re already using various sorts of cannabis during their pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Although there’s no high-quality research on its effectiveness, many pregnant and breastfeeding women believe it’s going to be helping their nausea, anxiety, or insomnia.” During pregnancy, it seems some mothers use cannabis to assist with nausea. After birth, women may use cannabis products to deal with postpartum depression. But Dr. Hirsch is quick to say that cannabis can interfere with antidepressant medications, and may cause anxiety, paranoia, and hallucinations. this is often not an excellent situation for brand spanking new parents! TRUST ME. But just what percentage moms are turning to CBD and other cannabis products? consistent with a 2012 study that checked out 25,000 women who gave birth at a hospital in Australia, 2.6% of them reported using cannabis while pregnant. That was, admittedly, an extended time ago, so the amount may be far higher now. The study also controlled for confounding factors like smoking, alcohol consumption, and other illicit substances. However, other factors weren’t controlled for. Self-reports are a limitation since people tend to under-report their drug use. what’s maybe more relevant here is that these mothers were twice as likely to possess babies who were small for his or her fetal age and to be admitted to neonatal medical care.
Dopamine Effect
Even more alarming was that it might seem cannabis use during pregnancy can disrupt the developing neurotransmitter systems within the baby’s brain. this might impact the neurotransmitter dopamine. Dopamine imbalance has been shown to extend the danger of depression, schizophrenia, and the white plague. At this point, most doctors wouldn’t see it as well worth the risk.
Risk of Cannabis Use During Pregnancy
Even more alarming was that it might seem cannabis use during pregnancy can disrupt the developing neurotransmitter systems within the baby’s brain. this might impact the neurotransmitter dopamine. Dopamine imbalance has been shown to extend the danger of depression, schizophrenia, and the white plague. At this point, most doctors wouldn’t see it as well worth the risk.
When asked about the danger of cannabis use during pregnancy, Dr. Hirsch brings up the Ottawa Prenatal Prospective Study. This study began in 1978 with pregnant women and followed their 180 children for a variety of years. They wanted to look at the consequences of cannabis use during pregnancy on children. “After age 4, there have been differences in behavioral problems and decreased performance on beholding tasks. also as language comprehension and sustained attention and memory difficulties in exposed children,” says Dr. Hirsch. She also provided this juicy piece of information. The THC content in today’s cannabis is around 10 times above it had been during the 1970s when the study started!
Is Weed Safe WHILE BREASTFEEDING?
Woman holding her baby outdoors what about cannabis and breastfeeding? just one sizable study from the University of California San Diego has examined the connection. The study analyzed 54 breastmilk samples from 50 mothers who used cannabis while breastfeeding. The researchers were ready to detect THC in 63% of the samples analyzed up to six days later! The samples contained a mean of 9.5 nanograms per milliliter of THC. To place that in context, the govt of Canada’s Bill C-46 proposes that any blood levels of THC above 5 ng/mL be considered impaired driving. therefore the women’s milk samples had almost double the allowable amount! On the opposite hand, THC has an oral bioavailability of no quite 12%. this suggests that if ingested (as in breastmilk), but 12% of it’ll be absorbed into the baby’s bloodstream. Would these small amounts affect a baby? It’s (unfortunately) very likely. Another study found that infants exposed to THC in breastmilk had decreased motor function by the time they were one year old. Yikes.
Cannabis & Lactation
Not great news for the babe, but what about for the mom and her breastfeeding journey? If you struggled with breastmilk supply like me, you’re getting to want to concentrate up. Studies in both animals and humans have shown that cannabis use in lactating mothers might reduce levels of prolactin. This is often the hormone that promotes lactation in response to suckling. The result? Cannabis may cause a decline in breastmilk production overall.
CBD vs THC in Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Cocktail with a cannabis logo on topkay, okay. So you would possibly be getting the sense that we’re not super gung-ho about moms or mom-to-be smoking abreast of the regular. But what about CBD, the innocent (and potentially therapeutic) cannabinoid cousin of THC? Well, at the instant, there’s just about zero research on the consequences of CBD on infants of pregnant or breastfeeding mothers. Heck, at now, there’s not even sufficient data on plain ole’ marijuana and breastfeeding. Of the 54 breastmilk samples analyzed at UC San Diego, only 5 of them had detectable levels of CBD. However, these samples came from mothers using cannabis, not CBD oil. This study tells us that CBD is in breastmilk. However, we don’t skills much CBD finishes up within the breastmilk of a mother taking CBD oil. Also what effects, if any, exposure to CBD during breastfeeding may need on infants.
CBD in Epilepsy Treatment
However, CBD is gaining traction as a possible treatment for pediatric epilepsy. Recently, a drug composed of pure CBD was approved by the US FDA to be used in seizures. This fact, combined with the very fact that CBD isn’t a psychoactive compound, has forced the US Drug Enforcement Administration to maneuver toward reclassifying CBD from a Schedule I (addictive substances with no medicinal use) to a Schedule II or III (less restricted categories). With a more relaxed law round the use of CBD, there’ll likely be more research into this potentially exciting compound. Hopefully, some more hardline answers about its effects on infants.
Labeling Requirements
In the meantime, there are a variety of CBD oil products different ratios of CBD and THC on the market. this will all be overwhelming or confusing, especially to first-time consumers. Beforehand of cannabis legalization, Health Canada has put forth proposed labeling requirements. this is often so that consumers could theoretically better control the concentration, and ratios they’re getting. They’ve also imposed a legal limit for THC content. 30 mg/mL of THC in any cannabis oil product, and 10mg/dose of all other ingestible products. Natural health products (NPCs), like hemp or CBD oils, are going to be allowed THC concentrations no above 10 parts per million. But is that enough? Dr. Hirsch isn’t sure. “Cannabis strength remains highly variable even within an equivalent dispensary and sometimes a different concentration than labeled. it’s uncertain how legalization will impact this the maximum amount of the cannabis is already approved in Health Canada licensed facilities.”And, she points out, cannabis products can contain harmful mold or pesticides! ” Some people carry a genetic variant making it difficult for his or her system to clear molds. This makes smoking or vaping potentially dangerous to a developing fetus, risking exposure to mycotoxins like Aspergillus. Honestly, numerous pregnant women I speak to are worried about eating unpasteurized cheese, or sushi, or maybe certain teas, this looks like a way bigger risk to require.
Bottom Line about CBD and Weed Safe in Pregnancy or Breastfeeding?
So what to try to if you’re a pregnant mom-to-be and hoping to use CBD oil while pregnant or breastfeeding? Unfortunately, at this point, there’s no straightforward answer. the foremost recent recommendations, from the Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada, warn pregnantly and breastfeeding women against the utilization of cannabis. However, their concerns stem from the possible effects of THC, not CBD, on babies. The SOGC acknowledges that a lot of women (as many as 70%) see no major danger in using cannabis occasionally during pregnancy and breastfeeding. However, when it involves THC, the research thus far doesn’t support its safety during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Dr. Hirsch points to rampant misinformation by saying this. “Much like alcohol and tobacco, simply because cannabis is legal and natural, doesn’t guarantee it’s safe for your baby.” And as for CBD, the jury’s still out. While you ought to speak to your doctor about your options, it looks like most would agree that pregnant and breastfeeding moms abstain until we’ve more definitive studies.
