CBD (cannabidiol) is one of the many compounds found in the cannabis or hemp plant. Unlike THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the psychoactive compound in marijuana, CBD will not make you high and is primarily used for its positive benefits like mind clarity, focus, balance and stress reduction. It is available in many forms such as CBD oil, bathbombs, topical creams and CBD drinks, like INTUNE. With this in mind, can CBD be used incorporated into your pregnancy or nursing stage safely? This blog will explore the topic in a little more detail.
Can I take CBD while pregnant?
The research on CBD usage during pregnancy is limited, however some early studies show that CBD may have potential risks for the developing foetus.
One piece of research from the journal Pediatrics in 2018 found that the use of cannabinoids, including CBD, negatively impacted the birth rate of infants and lead to a higher risk of intensive care after birth. Another study in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacology in 2020 found that CBD usage during pregnancy may interfere with the brain development of the baby.
Significant research is lacking and more is needed to truly understand the potential risks or benefits of using CBD during pregnancy. Always consult with your healthcare provider before using any CBD products and if you do choose to use cannabinoids, make sure they come from a high-quality and trusted seller, to avoid contamination.
But what about taking CBD during breastfeeding?
Like CBD and pregnancy, the research about CBD and breastfeeding is limited, but some early studies suggest that CBD enters the breastmilk and may have negative effects on the growing infant.
One study, from the journal Pediatrics in 2018, found that CBD can stay in breastmilk for up to 6 days. Another from Breastfeeding Medincine in 2018 found that using any cannabinoid products during nursing can negatively impact the infant’s development - specifically motor development and sleep patterns.
Again, there is not enough research to give a concrete answer to this question, however the research that exists suggests that CBD is not suitable during nursing. We recommend always consulting with your healthcare practitioner before using and CBD products.
Conclusion
In addition to these studies noted above, the FDA strongly recommends pregnant people to avoid using any cannabinoid product during pregnancy and nursing.
At INTUNE, we note on all of our CBD drinks that they are “not suitable for children or pregnant/breastfeeding women” and therefore do not recommend you to consume any CBD during this time, until more research is released.