Cannabis

Cannabis is a broad term that describes products or chemical compounds that come from the cannabis plant species. It is commonly known as marijuana or weed. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the main chemical that gives the euphoric "high" feeling. Cannabis is legal in much of the United States and use may be medical or recreational. Dronabinol (Marinol) is a prescription cannabinoid typically used for managing nausea during chemotherapy.

THC enters breast milk in small quantities and can remain in the milk for 6 days to 6 weeks after use. How often and for how long cannabis is used can affect how long it can remain in breast milk. Due to the unknown effects in breastfed babies and potential exposure to other chemicals, cannabis use while breastfeeding should be avoided. Long-term outcomes are still relatively unknown, but some research shows that these chemicals may affect the baby's brain development.

Cannabis also may affect the hormone prolactin, which regulates breast milk. Frequent use may decrease the quality and amount of breast milk produced.