with the somewhat opposing findings regarding short- and long-term effects on infant health, the study “definitely indicates that more research is needed in this area to help provide women and doctors with further guidance,” dr. davis says in a statement from the american academy of pediatrics (aap).
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a spanish study published late last year notes that “an important concern is the increase in cannabis use among pregnant and breastfeeding women, especially since the content of thc is currently around two-fold higher than it was 15 to 20 years ago.”
and research involving women in california, published in 2019 , indicates that cannabis use frequency in the year before pregnancy and during pregnancy had increased among women , with relative rates of daily use increasing most rapidly.
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the drugs and lactation database notes that thc is excreted into breast milk in small quantities, with the compound being detected from six days to more than six weeks in various studies.
indeed, a study earlier this year out of colorado found that thc stays in breast milk for up to six weeks. the concentrations of thc varied from woman to woman, likely depending on their level of use, body mass index and metabolism, notes a statement on the findings .
“there is no known amount of cannabis that is safe to consume during pregnancy and lactation,” according to perinatal services b.c. , noting that thc “may be present in human milk up to 30 days after cannabis is consumed.”