Motherisk update: Marijuana use and breastfeeding

Question: One of my breastfeeding patients is using marijuana to combat chronic pain. Is it safe for her to breastfeed? Answer: Lactating mothers should refain from consuming cannabinoids. Advising mothers to discontinue breastfeeding if they cannot stop using cannabinoids must incorporate the known risks of formula feeding. Cannabinoid exposure through milk has not been shown to increase neonatal risk, but there are no appropriate studies of this. In every case, nursing babies should be closely monitored.