CBD While Pregnant or Breastfeeding: Safety & Research

Last updated on September 9th, 2025 at 01:16 pm

If you’re wanting to use CBD while pregnant or breastfeeding and have already dug deep into the research and read some articles, you know that most sources out there are incomplete. I’m glad you made it to this monograph, as it’s the only source that goes in-depth into the science and regulations around CBD use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Based on a systematic framework, this CBD monograph provides a safety classification that can help you understand the potential risks, benefits, and nuances so that you can make an informed decision. 

Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only. None of the information here should be taken as medical advice. Even if a remedy is classified as safe in Herbal Doula blog posts based on the existing evidence, that doesn’t mean it’s safe for you. The classifications in the database are just a general reference point. Follow your body, keep track of your response, and consult an herbalist, holistic practitioner, traditional midwife, or anyone else you feel may help you if you need expert advice. 

CBD Safety Categorization

Learn about Herbal Doula’s safety categorizations here.

Pregnancy Safety:

Caution – 

Avoid

Labor Safety:

Caution 

Breastfeeding Safety:

Caution

CBD Safety Quick Summary

CBD use during pregnancy should be approached with special caution, as human data is lacking and high doses and use in the first trimester may pose risks to placental and fetal development. It may be safest to avoid CBD during pregnancy due to potential risks until more data come out. 

During labor, CBD may help with relaxation and anxiety, but its effects on the baby after birth remain uncertain, especially at higher doses. 

While breastfeeding, CBD may be low-risk since only tiny amounts likely pass into breast milk. However, some babies may be more sensitive to CBD. High doses, THC-containing products, and constant use while breastfeeding a preterm baby or newborn would best be avoided.

CBD Series

If you’re interested in CBD, you may also want to read about:

• CBD While Trying to Conceive: Female & Male Fertility Effects
• Culture & Reshaping Of The Endocannabinoid System in Pregnancy, Birth & Postpartum
• CBD Oil Guide: CBD vs THC, CBN, Hemp Oil & Hemp Seed Oil

Can You Use CBD while Pregnant? (Detailed Summary)

If you’ve been using CBD before pregnancy or are considering starting to manage your symptoms, there’s a lot of nuanced data to consider. This monograph will walk you through it step by step. 

Assessing the safety of CBD in pregnancy and breastfeeding is still limited by a small number of available studies. All the available studies were done in animals, and human data are lacking (Henderson et al., 2023). Since animal data can’t simply be applied to humans, we are left with a lot of unknowns and guesswork. 

Aside from the published research, many women anecdotally report using CBD during pregnancy. Yet it’s hard to say whether CBD is safe during pregnancy based on anecdotal reports. We’d need at least survey-based studies to draw some conclusions. 

High CBD doses and THC-containing CBD products have been linked to pregnancy complications in animals. High doses of CBD may disrupt placental development and fetal development, possibly leaving long-term effects. However, even low to moderate doses of CBD in animals altered placental development and reduced fetal growth (Henderson et al., 2023; Ritchie et al., 2025; Allen et al., 2024; Swenson et al., 2023).

Female offspring seem to be more sensitive to CBD than male offspring. Female offspring whose mothers received CBD had more anxiety and altered communication in animal studies  (Lezzi et al., 2022; Wanner et al., 2021)

Based on the existing data, small and occasional doses of CBD in pregnancy are unlikely to have serious negative effects. However, we can’t know for sure due to a lack of human data and long-term animal data. 

High doses of CBD, CBD use during the first trimester when organogenesis and placental development take place, CBD use throughout pregnancy, and THC-containing CBD products are recommended to be avoided due to potential risks until more data are available.

If necessary, CBD should only be used in pregnancy under the guidance of an experienced care provider for specific health complaints. Trying herbal and dietary alternatives that have more human safety data would be the safer first choice.  

Can You Use CBD During Labor? (Detailed Summary)

Many women report using CBD during labor, but it’s uncertain how CBD affects the birth process. 

CBD seems to have a relaxant effect on uterine muscles, suggesting that it may slow early labor contractions. This suggests that CBD also has potential to be explored for preventing preterm labor. Also, CBD’s relaxant effect coupled with its anti-anxiety action may help women during active labor (Houlihan et al., 2010). 

Still, we don’t know how the cross-over of CBD to the baby may affect the baby after birth, especially at high doses. Special caution is advised. 

Can You Use CBD while Breastfeeding? (Detailed Summary)

CBD may be used with some caution while breastfeeding, and it’s likely to pass into breast milk in tiny amounts, but the data are limited. Although small and occasional doses of CBD are unlikely to cause issues in breastfed babies, we can’t know for sure, and some babies may be very sensitive to CBD.  

High doses and THC-containing products should be used with high caution, especially when breastfeeding a newborn. Cannabinoids can transfer into breast milk, and their effects on baby development are not well known. Animal studies suggest that high doses of CBD may negatively affect brain development in rats, but this hasn’t been confirmed in humans (Swenson et al., 2023). 

The only FDA-approved CBD drug, Epidiolex, is approved for children 1 year or older with seizures. Therefore, we have safety data about relatively high doses of CBD in this population. The prescribed doses are much higher than the levels of CBD expected to reach babies via breast milk if their mother is using typical doses of CBD. 

A recent study found that CBD exposure in breastfed infants is likely to be very low, based on real-world breast milk samples from mothers who used CBD. Almost half of the samples had no detectable CBD. The doses breastfed infants are expected to be exposed to were less than 1% of that in children aged 4-11 years administered the lowest therapeutic CBD dose for approved indications. While infant exposure appears low, even small amounts might still pose some risks during early brain development. Long-term safety data is needed to know for sure (Yeung et al., 2023).

CBD does not cause a “high,” so it’s unlikely to affect the way a woman looks after her baby. However, women with a history of addiction or women with complex health concerns would benefit from getting specialized support before using CBD in pregnancy and breastfeeding. 

CBD may interact with drugs, and its interaction with anti-seizure medications is significant. If you take anti-seizure drugs or other prescription drugs, it’s recommended to consult a qualified care provider before taking CBD to avoid interactions. 

The Big Dilemma of CBD in Pregnancy & While Breastfeeding

Where Do We Start?

A quick Google search about CBD safety will highlight the FDA warning that all cannabis products should be avoided in pregnancy and breastfeeding. 

Go down the rabbit hole to Reddit and cannabis blogs, and you’ll be convinced that CBD is either great for everything in pregnancy and while breastfeeding or that it’s the riskiest supplement you could take. 

Ask an OBGYN, and you’ll likely get a stern no. Ask a midwife or herbalist, and you’ll probably get conflicting answers, depending on their inclinations. 

Due to stigma, many women are even afraid to ask about CBD, especially when pregnant or breastfeeding. 

Yet, since you’re here, you’re probably wanting to use or continue to use CBD because it helped you when other remedies didn’t. That’s valid, and by having in-depth information, you can decide for yourself or further consult a care provider openly if you wish. 

After reading this monograph, you’ll understand how dosage, purity, supplement and drug interactions, and different formulations affect CBD safety and what this means for you depending on where you are in your pregnancy or breastfeeding journey. 

This is no small feat, but the Herbal Doula Database was founded precisely to bridge controversies and conflicting data about natural remedies in a holistic and systematic way. 

This monograph is packed with studies and data about CBD that you won’t find in any other single source, critically reviewed and broken down. It’s a condensed, free version of the CBD Pro Monograph that will soon be available in the Herbal Doula Shop. Be sure to sign up to my mailing list to get a notification once it goes live! 

CBD is Not the Same as Cannabis

There are few more controversial topics than cannabis during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. This monograph won’t focus on cannabis more broadly, but it’s impossible not to touch upon it when discussing CBD safety. 

As a relatively new supplement (and drug, in the case of Epidiolex), CBD gets caught in a limbo. It’s not the same as cannabis, yet it gets lumped together with cannabis when assessing safety. 

The research data on CBD alone is almost non-existent, especially in pregnant and breastfeeding women. That’s not the case with various THC-containing cannabis products. 

CBD safety needs to be assessed separately from cannabis and mixed CBD-THC products. 

We need more CBD-focused research to speak about its safety with confidence. 

To make matters more complicated, there are so many CBD products out there, and they’re relatively new. Some have a small amount of THC, and some are free of THC. Some have been through detailed testing for contaminants, others haven’t. Pay close attention to this if you’re considering taking CBD. 

Substance Abuse & Addiction 

Some women do use CBD along with cannabis. Unfortunately, this may overlap with substance abuse, alcohol abuse, and tobacco. This makes interpreting research studies difficult, as some were done on women who struggle with cannabis abuse and other addictions. 

It’s difficult to assess CBD safety when CBD is used alongside cannabis and other substances. It would be almost like trying to assess the safety of nettle in pregnancy in a sample of women who also smoke and drink alcohol regularly.  

This post won’t cover addiction and substance abuse, although it acknowledges the challenges that women with addiction face. 

However, we’ll focus on healthy women who are not dealing with addictions and want to use CBD only for specific health purposes. 

Legal and Cultural Influences

Cultural influences can play in heavily, depending on how CBD and cannabis use are looked upon in various parts of the world and how they’re regulated. I talk about this in my post about Culture & Reshaping Of The Endocannabinoid System in Pregnancy, Birth & Postpartum. 

For example, in some parts of the world, cannabis is widely used and common. In others, it’s illegal or highly condoned. 

With CBD, the situation is more nuanced. Still, CBD is widely available and legal in some parts of the world, and in other areas it may be hard to find or be in a legal grey zone. Unfortunately, this often creates an underground market of low-quality products whose purity and safety are questionable. 

We know from Jamaican studies that what most affects the health of mothers and babies from pregnancy to postpartum is support, stable finances, and a rich and supportive cultural environment. Since, for example, Jamaican mothers who use marijuana have a better extended family support system and are well-positioned in society, their babies do better (Hayes et al., 1988; Dreher et al., 1994). 

Meanwhile, in the West, women who use cannabis tend to belong to marginalized social groups and suffer mental health and addiction issues. These underlying issues, coupled with other risk factors, contribute to worse outcomes (Kozak et al., 2022). 

We need to have this in mind when considering what goes along with CBD use culturally. Are the women using CBD in pregnancy and postpartum well supported? Do they have a rich and supportive social network and family structure? Are they well, physically and emotionally? Are they financially stable? Are they well-resourced? 

Whether you’re a practitioner working with women or pondering these questions yourself, these are often deciding factors and shouldn’t be brushed aside. 

Summary

CBD research is often muddied by studies that include women using it alongside cannabis, alcohol, or tobacco, making it hard to isolate CBD’s true effects—especially in healthy, non-addicted populations. Cultural and legal contexts also play a major role in outcomes, as support systems, stigma, and access to quality products can shape the safety and experience of CBD use during pregnancy and postpartum.

A Nuanced Risks-Benefits Approach 

It’s challenging to talk about CBD safety in a balanced way that takes into account the real-world use and potential benefits CBD can offer and the risks that may come from its use based on the research personalized to each woman’s supplementation regimen, specific situation, and overall health.

CBD Mechanism of Action 

Read more about the differences between CBD and THC in this post. It breaks down mechanisms and explains how full-spectrum CBD oil is different from broad-spectrum CBD, CBD isolate oil, and hemp seed oil! This is super important as you want to know what you’re getting and where it’s coming from. 

In a nutshell, CBD only weakly binds to cannabinoid receptors in the body and opposes their action. It also supports the action of GABA, the brain’s main calming neurotransmitter (Stella, 2023).  

Research suggests that typical, occasional, low doses of CBD likely don’t alter natural, endogenous cannabinoids in the body. High doses and chronic CBD use may increase anandamide and other endogenous cannabinoids (Elmes et al., 2015; Boileau et al., 2017; Kozakiewicz et al., 2021). 

It’s important to know whether CBD affects endogenous cannabinoids because your endocannabinoid system gets reshaped in pregnancy. Anything that affects this natural balance may affect pregnancy and labor (Kozakiewicz et al., 2021). 

CBD Uses

The only FDA-approved CBD product is pharmaceutical-grade CBD called Epidiolex for patients 1 year or older with refractory seizures (Dravet syndrome or Lennox-Gastaut syndrome) (Abu-Sawwa & Stehling, 2020). 

Epidiolex is a plant-derived, purified product that contains only CBD, without any THC, along with several additives (see the Formulations section). 

However, CBD is currently being researched as a potential therapy for various psychiatric, neurodegenerative, and inflammatory diseases. It shows promise for mood disorders, anxiety, sleep, chronic pain control, anti-inflammatory support, and helping manage neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease (Meissner & Cascella, 2024).

Here’s a list of conditions people anecdotally use CBD for (Santos et al., 2025; Casedas et al., 2024; Batalla et al., 2021; Sholler et al., 2020; Stella, 2023):  

• Anxiety
• Stress
• Sleep
• Mood
• Migraine
• PTSD
• Nausea
• Chronic pain 
• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
• Tourette Syndrome
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)  
• Schizophrenia
• Addiction 
• Allergies 
• Autoimmune conditions 
• Supportive cancer treatment 
• Epilepsy
• Brain fog
• Multiple Sclerosis 
• COPD and other lung diseases
• Alzheimer’s disease
• Parkinson’s disease
• Crohn’s disease 

Summary

Knowing the difference between CBD, THC, and various CBD products is key, especially during pregnancy when your endocannabinoid system is changing. Low doses of CBD likely don’t disrupt this system, but higher or long-term use might. Though only FDA-approved for rare seizures, many people use CBD for anxiety, sleep, pain, mood, and more.

CBD Research Pitfalls

Lack of CBD-specific Research

It’s difficult to find data focused specifically on CBD, as most research studies examine cannabis use and the impact of THC on fertility and pregnancy outcomes. Some studies claim that THC can have a negative effect on fertility in both men and women (especially with daily use and in women with a history or miscarriages) (Lo et al., 2022). 

The effects of cannabis and THC on pregnancy are debatable. This topic is heated, controversial, and affected by culture, federal laws, cannabis drug status, confounding cannabis use with alcohol and cigarette use, ethics issues, and many more. 

As Aviva Romm points out in her “Botanical Medicine for Women’s Health,” some studies looking at cannabis use during pregnancy reported no adverse outcomes. Cannabis is among the most commonly used recreational drugs, with 10-20% of women using it in pregnancy in some developed countries (Gerede et al., 2024). Rastafari women also use cannabis for nausea and vomiting in pregnancy and for labor pains without complications (Hayes et al., 1991; Dreher et al., 1994). 

Given that cannabis use is a matter of debate—it gets even trickier with CBD. 

Using just CBD needs to be assessed independently from cannabis because CBD acts differently than THC. 

In this monograph, I’ll filter out all research that’s not specifically about CBD to provide guidance specific to CBD safety. The compiled data is from clinical trials, animal studies, and scientific reviews. 

Limitations of Animal Studies

The research on the effects of CBD on fertility, conception, pregnancy, and breastfeeding is sparse. Several animal studies have been published, but they have limitations  (Henderson et al., 2023):

• Animal CBD studies used much higher doses
• CBD acts differently in humans than it does in lab animals. Rats and humans metabolize CBD differently. CBD stays longer in rats’ bloodstream, whereas in humans it’s metabolized quickly to 7-COOH-CBD
• Animal data can’t simply be extrapolated to humans. We need data in humans to confidently speak about safety in humans

Epidiolex Data Limitations

Some of the data summarized in this monograph is from the FDA monograph on Epidiolex, the only CBD-based approved drug. There are various limitations to Epidiolex data and clinical trials. It’s key to note that these trials were examining the effects of Epidiolex on childhood seizures, and 94% of the patients were on anti-seizure medications. 

Therefore, the general population may respond differently and experience different side effects. Pregnant and breastfeeding women are distinct categories, and it’s hard to know how much data from anti-seizure studies in children applies to women throughout the reproductive continuum. 

CBD Dosage

There’s no clear-cut guidance on CBD dosage. CBD bioactivity occurs along a continuum. Finding the right dosage is usually highly individual. People often start with lower doses and titrate up to the dosage that works for them. 

Yet, if you decide to use CBD while pregnant or breastfeeding, knowing what dosage to use is important. Staying on the lower dosage end may reduce the possible risks. 

One scientific report recommends that the maximum daily CBD intake is up to 160 milligrams (mg) for “healthy” adults and 100 mg for adults who may have an increased risk for liver injury. For those trying to conceive, are pregnant, or breastfeeding, the report recommends a daily upper limit dose of 70 mg. This was determined based on reproductive effects in animals (Henderson et al., 2023). These are upper limits, and some people do well with much less. 

The authors of this report proposed the acceptable daily intake (ADI) for CBD to be 0.43 mg/kg-bw/day, based on data from 28 human clinical trials. An ADI is intended to apply to all individuals in the general population, including all age groups, physiological states, and pregnant and lactating individuals. In adults, this equates to 30 mg/day of CBD ingested over a lifetime without noticeable health risk (Henderson et al., 2023)

Meanwhile, the UK Food Standards Agency has placed much stricter dosage limits for CBD. They state that the maximum safe dosage is 10 mg/day for a healthy 70 kg adult, when used in supplements and foods. They also state that CBD is “not suitable for use under the age of 18 or during pregnancy or breastfeeding.”

Epidiolex trials used relatively high doses in people with seizures: 5 mg/kg/day, which would be about 400 mg for a 180-lbs person. Since Epidiolex trials used high doses, the reported side effects are likely to be higher than what would be expected with lower daily doses. 

Animal studies that have reported negative effects on fertility, pregnancy outcomes, and offspring health used doses of over 250 mg/kg of bodyweight (/kg-bw). 

The medium-strength dosage typically recommended for CBD in humans is 0.7 mg per kg of bodyweight, which is about 50-80 mg per day. The high dosage associated with adverse outcomes in animal studies is more than 350 X higher!

These are huge differences. We simply cannot talk about the same risks when a compound is given at dosages that differ over 350 times! 

High CBD therapeutic doses for adults are 10–20 mg/kg bw/day (which may be prescribed for seizures or other serious conditions) (Li et al., 2022). People are not recommended to take such high CBD dosages without medical supervision. These doses are still more than 12 X lower than the doses used in high-dose animal studies. 

The dosages used in clinical studies for anxiety and sleep quality are typically much higher than the general doses (400-600 mg single CBD doses). Interestingly, lower dose CBD might be more promising, as single patient case reports and small retrospective studies with CBD reported good results with 18–25 mg of CBD per day over the long term (Stella et al., 2023; Shannon & Opila-Lehman, 2015; Shannon et al., 2019). 

Studies and reports suggest that CBD bioactivity is often biphasic. This means that CBD can have totally different effects at low doses compared to high doses, since it may affect different pathways in the body depending on dosage (Stella et al., 2023). 

Summary

Therapeutic CBD doses in clinical trials are much higher than what’s typically used or recommended for general wellness. Typical CBD daily doses for adults range from 10–160 mg. Animal studies showing reproductive harm used doses over 350 times higher than typical human use, making direct risk comparisons misleading.

CBD in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Official Recommendations

FDA, CDC & Others

The CDC recommends against CBD use in pregnancy, stating “the potential health effects of using CBD products during pregnancy are currently unknown.” They also advise against CBD use while breastfeeding. 

The FDA strongly advises against CBD use during pregnancy and breastfeeding, stating they are “continuing to collect and study the data on the possible harmful effects of CBD during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. However, based on what we do know, there is significant cause for concern.”  They advise against all cannabis and marijuana products during pregnancy or while breastfeeding without differentiating between CBD, THC, and marijuana.

The FDA highlights that CBD products may contain other compounds that can pose a risk to the fetus or breastfed baby, including THC and other contaminants (pesticides, heavy metals, bacteria, and fungus). 

France’s health agency recently proposed classifying CBD as a reproductive toxicant based on animal studies showing possible risks to fertility and development. However, this contrasts with other international classifications like Australia’s B2 rating, which suggests no observed harm in human use and limited animal evidence of risk.

Databases 

CBD and cannabis are not mentioned in most herbal textbooks and associations typically reviewed for Herbal Doula monographs. 

Only the NatMed Pro database contains an entry on CBD, stating that CBD products might contain THC and other contaminants that can be dangerous to the child, and that animal research shows that high levels of cannabidiol can damage the reproductive system of male offspring. 

Other Opinions

Lactation expert Dr. Jack Newman, in one of his Facebook post and articles, thinks that CBD is unlikely to be harmful to breastfed babies. He says that likely only up to 20% gets absorbed when it’s used orally, that it’s highly bound to proteins in the blood, and that only tiny amounts enter the breastmilk. 

This, coupled with the fact that CBD does not cause a “high” and that there are huge benefits to breastfeeding, in his opinion, “suggests that there is no problem with CBD, and this is what I tell the mothers who contact me. No Problem.”

Stay tuned for an article that will specifically interview experts, including midwives, holistic practitioners, and naturopaths, about their opinions on using CBD during pregnancy and breastfeeding. 

CBD while Pregnant 

Read more about using CBD while trying to conceive in this post (it summarizes the CBD data in both men and women). 

All studies in this section are broken down in more detail in the CBD Pro monograph. This free monograph provides a quick summary of the findings. 

Human Pregnancy Exposure

There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to antiepileptic drugs, including Epidiolex. On the Epidiolex monograph, it’s noted that women taking Epidiolex are encouraged to enroll in the North American Antiepileptic Drug (NAAED) Pregnancy Registry. However, there is still no data on CBD in their latest study data report. 

Animal Data: the “Bad”

Some animal studies suggest that high doses of CBD may negatively affect placental and fetal development. 

The Epidiolex FDA monograph states that animal studies show high CBD doses may cause fetal harm. In rats and rabbits, CBD led to increased fetal loss, low birth weight, and developmental issues. These effects occurred at doses much higher than typical human use.

Scientific reviews concluded that CBD adverse effects are usually observed in animals when it’s used at 150 or 250 mg/kg-bw/day (Henderson et al., 2023). 

A recent animal study found that CBD exposure during pregnancy may affect male and female offspring differently, with female pups showing greater signs of communication disruption. These effects may resemble patterns linked to neurodevelopmental disorders like autism, but more research is needed (Lezzi et al., 2022). 

In a high-dose animal study, CBD exposure before and during pregnancy increased anxiety and altered brain gene regulation (DNA methylation) in female offspring. While it boosted memory and brain cell growth, these changes during early development may also carry long-term risks, possibly including links to autism and emotional disorders (Wanner et al., 2021).

A new mouse study from McMaster University found that high-dose oral CBD oil containing low levels of THC during pregnancy may harm placental development, restrict fetal growth, and affect offspring behavior. This study had several limitations, though (Ritchie et al., 2025). 

In one study, giving CBD stomach injections at relatively low doses (3 mg/kg) to pregnant rats led to blood vessel defects in the placenta, causing reduced fetal growth (Allen et al., 2024).

In another study, moderate-high doses of CBD disrupted brain development and behavior in offspring. Males showed increased pain sensitivity, while females had reduced problem-solving abilities (Swenson et al., 2023).

One study found that fetal loss was specific to animal models of smoke exposure as exposure to CBD via injections did not result in a reduction in litter size or the number of losses in rats. This might have been to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in cannabis smoke (Allen et al. 2024). 

Animal Data: the “Good” 

A study in rats found that high-dose CBD reduced inflammation linked to gastroschisis, a serious fetal abdominal defect, suggesting it may have potential for future research in preventing this condition (Callejas et al., 2018). 

In another rat study, CBD helped restore brain function and protect against damage caused by iron overload, which can cause neurodevelopmental issues. This suggests CBD may have potential as a brain-protective therapy in cases of excess iron, including during pregnancy (Delahunty et al., 2024). 

In one more rat study, CBD had antipsychotic effects and fewer side effects than traditional drugs, improving cognition and social behavior in offspring at risk of schizophrenia. CBD may hold promise for babies who are at high risk of schizophrenia and whose mothers take antipsychotic medication (Osborne et al., 2017).  

In another study on uterine tissue samples, CBD seemed to reduce contractions, suggesting that it may relax the uterus. This correlates with the way endocannabinoids, our endogenous cannabinoids, act in pregnancy (Houlihan et al., 2010).  

Normally, endogenous cannabinoids peak right before labor. Blocking them can induce preterm labor and contractions. CBD, on the other hand, may help reduce preterm contractions, but human data would need to confirm this.

Cell studies 

Cellular studies should be interpreted with a high degree of caution, as it’s impossible to know if and how they may translate to humans. 

Two cell-based studies suggest that CBD may disrupt the development of the placenta and the cells of the uterine lining in early pregnancy  (Alves et al., 2021; Neradugomma et al., 2019).

In cell-based placental models, high-dose CBD was found to alter the function of key protective transporters like P-gp and BCRP, which normally help limit fetal exposure to harmful substances. These changes may increase placental permeability and affect the fetal environment, especially during early development  (Feinshtein et al., 2013; Feinshtein et al., 2013). 

Using CBD While Pregnant FAQs

Can CBD Cross the Placenta?

THC, CBD and CBN can likely cross the placental barrier. All three cannabinoids have been detected in meconium (Monfort et al., 2022). 

In one animal study, giving CBD via an IV to pregnant mice caused CBD  transfer to the fetus within 15 minutes of administration. Yet, it stayed for less than 2 hours in both mother and fetus, suggesting that it doesn’t accumulate. The authors concluded that once-daily CBD intake during pregnancy is unlikely to result in CBD accumulation in the mother or fetus, but human data are needed (Ochiai et al., 2021).

Does CBD Help with Pregnancy Nausea? 

Anecdotally, some women report that CBD helps them with pregnancy nausea. Others claim it didn’t help them. No human studies have tested whether CBD improves pregnancy nausea. 

Can I Use Topical CBD in Pregnancy?

People tend to think that topical CBD is safer than oral supplementation in pregnancy. However, topical CBD also gets absorbed into the bloodstream. Since CBD is fat-soluble, it’s absorbed well through the skin (Kirk et al., 2022). 

Applying CBD on the skin also activates skin cannabinoid receptors, which may help with wound healing, skin inflammation, pain, and itching (Makhakhe et al., 2022). So, it’s a good choice if you want to target local symptoms like itchiness, back pain, or neuropathy (Hall et al., 2023). 

However, it’s much harder to dose topical CBD. There’s a lot more variability between people in how much CBD gets absorbed. Topical CBD products may also have looser testing, so it’s harder to know how much CBD you are actually getting (Varadi et al., 2022). 

It’s smart to be cautious, check the dosage on the product you want to use, and stick to small amounts. 

CBD While Breastfeeding 

All studies in this section are broken down in more detail in the CBD Pro monograph. This free monograph provides a quick summary of the findings. 

Human Data

LactMed states that CBD has not been studied in nursing women taking Epidiolex, but it has been detected in the breastmilk of some mothers who used cannabis products. 

In published reports of anticonvulsant CBD Epidiolex use during breastfeeding, most women were taking a combination of anti-seizure medication. These drugs can affect how CBD is metabolized and how much may pass into breastmilk, so it’s hard to assess how much breastfed babies might be getting (LactMed). 

CBD was also measured in the milk of mothers who reported using cannabis and donated milk samples. In a sample of 54 samples of milk from 50 mothers, the mean concentration of CBD was 5 mcg/L (LactMed). 

CBD Exposure in Breastfed Babies of Mothers Taking CBD

Since we don’t have much data about CBD exposure in breastfed babies, one USA- and Canada-wide study set out to create a model to predict it. They highlight how having knowledge about CBD exposure in breastfed infants can provide a better understanding of potential risk (Yeung et al., 2023). Yay, way to go!

The team sought to answer what realistic infant exposure might be in breastfeeding mothers taking CBD based on real-world use. So, how did they do it?

They got milk samples from an existing human milk research biorepository, the UC San Diego Human Milk Biorepository (HMB). This repository had human milk samples from mothers who were or were not taking medications and recreational drugs, including marijuana, CBD, and CBD-containing products. They included 200 samples from 181 unique breastfeeding mothers for whom self-reported administration data and CBD concentrations had previously been measured. 

Based on CBD concentrations in milk samples, they simulated how much CBD infants may get, taking their age into account.  

This study found that:

• Oil and pipe use led to higher CBD concentrations compared to joint/blunt or edibles
• Longer use led to higher CBD concentrations in breast milk
• 42% of breast milk samples had CBD concentration below the level of quantification. 

Estimated CBD exposure to breastfed infants was less than 1% of that in children aged 4-11 years administered the lowest therapeutic dose for approved indications. 

They point out that low predicted exposures of CBD in breastfed infants may still have the potential for adverse effects, if infants are more susceptible in early brain development.

The authors concluded that, based on real-world use, breastfeeding infants are predicted to receive very small exposures of CBD through milk. Future studies should provide further insight into potential risks. 

They highlight that, although their findings do not change official recommendations, they may allow for allow healthcare providers to be better informed to discuss the use of CBD in breastfeeding mothers. 

Summary

A large USA- and Canada-wide study analyzing real-world milk samples from women who used CBD predicted that breastfed infants are likely exposed to much lower CBD doses than therapeutic levels used in children. 

Animal Data

In one animal study from the 80s, about 20% less spermatozoa were found in males whose mothers had received either CBN or CBD on day 1 postpartum. Males exposed to THC had a similar number of spermatozoa to controls. This suggests that CNB and CBD, but not THC, may reduce male fertility. Testicular weight was also reduced in adult mice exposed to CBD during pregnancy (Dalterio & deRooij, 1986). 

According to the Epidiolex FDA monograph, giving CBD under the skin postpartum and then orally to juvenile rats resulted in increased body weight, delayed male sexual maturation, neurobehavioral effects, increased bone mineral density, and liver changes. The lowest dose causing developmental toxicity was about 30 times that in humans at the recommended dose of 20 mg/kg/day.

CBD While Breastfeeding FAQs & Considerations 

Is CBD Less Risky than Prescription Drugs?

It’s impossible to say whether CBD or prescription medications are more risky for breastfeeding mothers without doing an individualized assessment. 

Many women are prescribed pharmaceuticals that can pose significant risks during breastfeeding for conditions that may respond to low doses of CBD, such as anxiety, pain, and chronic headaches. 

For example, recent studies show that antidepressant and anti-inflammatory medications can alter the macronutrient profile of breastmilk. Women exposed to these medications had lower levels of protein and fat in milk, which could impose health risks for breastfed infants (Heinonen et al., 2025). 

On the other hand, there may be safer natural remedies during breastfeeding that you may wish to try as an alternative to CBD and prescription medications. 

As always, you should also take into account your baby’s age, your baby’s health, breastfeeding frequency, and amount of exposure to CBD. It’s best to consult an integrative practitioner knowledgeable and open about CBD to assess your individual situation. 

How Does CBD Affect Milk Production?

It’s uncertain if CBD affects milk production. Based on anecdotal reports, small and occasional CBD is unlikely to affect milk production. 

Some women claim that CBD helps them during breastfeeding by soothing anxiety and sleep issues. Since anxiety, insomnia, and stress can make breastfeeding more difficult, CBD may indirectly help. However, no clinical or human data are available. 

It’s equally uncertain whether cannabis affects milk production. According to some sources, cannabis may suppress prolactin production. Others suggest that long-term cannabis users may have chronically high prolactin. Prolactin is the “milk hormone,” which stimulates breast milk production (LactMed).

In a study using HC11 mammary cells, both THC and CBD disrupted the expression of key genes involved in milk protein and fat synthesis. THC and CBD reduced cell viability and interfered with normal mammary cell differentiation. There are no animal or human studies to suggest that CBD disrupts breastfeeding, though (Josan et al., 2022). 

All in all, there are almost no studies about whether CBD affects breast milk production. Anecdotal data is much more widespread, and many individual factors come into play. 

If you’re starting CBD and concerned about your breast milk supply, be sure to track how you respond and know how to support your breast milk supply. 

Can CBD Alter Breast Milk Composition?

It’s uncertain whether CBD can alter breast milk composition.

According to one study, cannabis use during breastfeeding may alter the composition of human breast milk. However, there’s no data on CBD alone (Josan et al., 2023).

In the study, CBD was detected in the milk of women who used cannabis postpartum. Relative to non-users, lactose levels were higher and the levels of certain antibodies (SIgA) were lower in in women who used cannabis. 

The authors suggest that cannabis metabolites may build up in the body with long use. 

Yet, out of 13 samples, only 1 milk sample displayed a measurable level of CBD, which was also from a user who had the highest THC levels in the study. So, this study was not designed to analyze CBD use or its effects. 

How Long Does CBD Stay in Breast Milk?

According to very limited studies, about 2.5% of the cannabinoid maternal dose (THC, its active metabolite, and CBD) is detectable in breastmilk 1 to 4 hours after use and remains for up to 6 days after use (Davis et al., 2022). 

Most studies suggest that cannabinoids are present in breast milk for at least 40 hours (LactMed). CBD has also been measured in the blood for up to 60 hours after exposure (Zhang et al., 2024). 

Real-world analyses did not find detectable CBD levels in almost half of the breast milk samples of women who used CBD. This means that only tiny amounts of CBD may remain in the body for weeks after use (Yeung et al., 2023). 

In one study, CBD concentrations were at least two times higher in breast milk than in plasma. This was from samples of mothers who used cannabis, not CBD oil. Yet, it makes sense that fat-soluble cannabinoids navigate into breast milk, which is higher in lipids than blood (Moss et al., 2021). 

What Are the Risks of Cannabis When Caring for My Baby?

Since CBD does not cause a “high,” it’s not likely to affect the way you care for your baby. However, everyone responds differently, so be mindful if you are consuming CBD while caring for your baby. 

Be careful about CBD products that may be higher in THC. THC and cannabis are psychoactive and can affect your mental and physical capacities. 

Get professional help if you feel like CBD or any other products you are taking are impairing your ability to take care of your baby or if you are struggling with addiction. 

What Do We Know About CBD in Children?

Epidiolex has been approved for children over one with a seizure disorder. Anecdotally, parents also report using CBD to help their children cope with other conditions, including anxiety, ADHD, and migraines. 

Yet, since the dosing and long-term risks in children are unclear, caution is recommended, especially if giving CBD to children who take prescription medications as well. It’s also critical to check for contaminants and THC in CBD products meant for kids. 

CBD Formulations, Side Effects & Interactions

To read more about CBD formulations, read this guide. 

Purity, Contaminants, Pesticides & Artificial Cannabinoids 

One study analyzed 84 CBD products from 31 companies and found that (Bonn-Miller et al., 2017).:

• Only 31% of products were accurately labeled with respect to CBD content
• The other 69% of the products were mislabeled, with 26% containing less CBD and 43% containing more CBD than indicated on the label 

Many CBD-containing products may also contain other constituents derived from hemp (such as other cannabinoids and terpenes) and other substances and contaminants, many of which have not been adequately evaluated for their toxicity. Examples include cases of poisoning from a synthetic cannabinoid found in CBD oil in Utah (Horth et al., 2018). 

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons also exceeded recommended levels in 20 out of 29 CBD products analyzed by the International Cannabis and Cannabinoid Institute in the Czech Republic (White, 2019). 

These data highlight the need for more guidance and quality control of CBD products. Check the label of the product you want to get, do your research on the company, and ask for the Certificate of Analysis when buying CBD. 

Although Epidiolex is considered to be the “gold standard” clean CBD product, it’s a commercial formulation. A closer look at the Epidiolex label reveals that it contains refined sesame oil, ethanol, Sucralose (E955), and strawberry flavor components (including benzyl alcohol). The exact flavors are not specified. 

It’s possible to find CBD products that have high levels of purity, low THC, and no additives. 

CBD Side Effects

Overall, taking CBD by mouth is well tolerated. 

Some possible but relatively uncommon side effects include the following:

• Diarrhea
• Decreased appetite
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Mild headache
• Drowsiness 

Mood changes, thrombocytopenia, sleep issues, liver enzyme elevations, and an increased incidence of respiratory infections have also been reported in Epidiolex trials. 

CBD induces liver enzymes at very high doses but doesn’t seem to cause liver injury, based on studies in healthy animals and clinical data. This is considered to be an adaptive and reversible change (Henderson et al., 2023). 

CBD may induce liver enzymes involved in thyroid hormone elimination. This may affect the thyroid gland and potentially lower T4 and T3 thyroid hormones and cause thyroid enlargement at very high doses (over 2000 times the recommended dosage in humans) (Henderson et al., 2023).

CBD may also worsen Parkinson’s disease and glaucoma symptoms (Tomida et al., 2006; Consroe et al., 1986).  

CBD Food, Herb & Drug Interactions

Based on Epidiolex data, high-fat/high-calorie meals increase CBD absorption and levels in the body by 4-5 times compared to taking it in a fasted state in healthy volunteers. 

CBD may interact with

• Other herbs and supplements (may increase levels of active compounds metabolized through certain pathways; the synergy may be beneficial but requires careful assessment)
• Lithium (may increase levels)
• Caffeine (can increase levels)
• Anti-seizure medication (may increase levels)
• Valproate (may increase the risk of liver damage and other side effects)
• Antidepressants (may increase levels)
• Sedatives and sleeping pills (may increase levels)
• Blood-thinners (may increase warfarin levels)
• Antibiotics
• Chemotherapy (may increase or decrease levels depending on the drug)

The Bottom Line: Is CBD Safe While Pregnant or Breastfeeding?

CBD use during pregnancy and breastfeeding remains a gray area due to limited human data and conflicting guidance. 

While occasional, low-dose use may pose minimal risk, especially during breastfeeding, high doses and CBD products containing THC should be avoided. This is particularly so in the first trimester or throughout pregnancy, due to potential effects on placental and fetal development shown in animal studies. If used, it should be under expert guidance and with careful attention to product quality and dosage.

Healthcare organizations currently advise against CBD during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to the lack of definitive safety data. However, emerging studies suggest infant exposure through breast milk is low, and adult-approved therapeutic CBD doses are much higher than what babies would receive indirectly. 

Still, every case is different, and women should feel safe discussing their choices with a qualified provider to weigh risks and benefits based on their individual health needs.