NICU Policies on Cannabis and Breastfeeding Vary Widely Across the US
A survey of 187 NICUs found that 60% of those addressing THC exposure limited breast milk feeding for cannabis-positive mothers, with no consistency based on state legalization status.
Quick Facts
What This Study Found
79% of surveyed NICUs used selective toxicology screening based on risk factors or provider discretion. Among NICUs with THC-specific policies, 60% imposed at least one limitation on breast milk feeding from THC-positive mothers, ranging from total prohibition to waiting for a negative test. State cannabis legalization status had no significant association with policy strictness.
Key Numbers
187 NICUs surveyed. 79% used selective screening. 60% with THC policies had at least one breast milk limitation. 33% had different policies between NICU and nursery within the same institution. No significant association between state legalization and MBM limitations.
How They Did This
Cross-sectional survey of 187 US NICUs assessing policies on toxicology screening of mother-baby dyads and breast milk feeding limitations based on THC screening status. Compared policies across different state legalization categories.
Why This Research Matters
Inconsistent NICU policies mean that whether a cannabis-using mother can breastfeed her NICU infant depends more on which hospital she delivers at than on evidence or state law. This affects maternal bonding and infant nutrition.
The Bigger Picture
The disconnect between cannabis legalization and hospital policies reflects the limited evidence on THC in breast milk. National medical organizations recommend education and shared decision-making rather than blanket restrictions, but policies have not caught up.
What This Study Doesn't Tell Us
Survey response may not represent all US NICUs. Self-reported policies may differ from actual practice. Did not assess patient outcomes under different policies.
Questions This Raises
- ?Do breast milk feeding restrictions for THC-positive mothers affect neonatal outcomes?
- ?Would standardized national guidelines reduce the policy variation?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- 60% of NICUs with THC policies limited breast milk feeding
- Evidence Grade:
- Moderate: nationwide survey of institutional policies, but limited by self-reporting and lack of outcome data
- Study Age:
- Published in 2025
- Original Title:
- Toxicology Screening for Marijuana and Impact on Breast Milk Feeding Policies in Neonatal Intensive Care Units.
- Published In:
- Breastfeeding medicine : the official journal of the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine, 20(8), 567-572 (2025)
- Authors:
- Bae, Sarra, Schofield, Erin M, Davis, Natalie L
- Database ID:
- RTHC-05994
Evidence Hierarchy
A snapshot of a population at one point in time.
What do these levels mean? →Frequently Asked Questions
Does cannabis legalization affect NICU breastfeeding policies?
No. This survey found no significant association between state cannabis legalization status and whether NICUs restricted breast milk feeding from THC-positive mothers.
What do national guidelines say?
Current national medical organization guidelines recommend education and shared decision-making with mothers about cannabis use and breastfeeding, rather than blanket restrictions on breast milk feeding.
Read More on RethinkTHC
Cite This Study
https://rethinkthc.com/research/RTHC-05994APA
Bae, Sarra; Schofield, Erin M; Davis, Natalie L. (2025). Toxicology Screening for Marijuana and Impact on Breast Milk Feeding Policies in Neonatal Intensive Care Units.. Breastfeeding medicine : the official journal of the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine, 20(8), 567-572. https://doi.org/10.1089/bfm.2025.0064
MLA
Bae, Sarra, et al. "Toxicology Screening for Marijuana and Impact on Breast Milk Feeding Policies in Neonatal Intensive Care Units.." Breastfeeding medicine : the official journal of the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine, 2025. https://doi.org/10.1089/bfm.2025.0064
RethinkTHC
RethinkTHC Research Database. "Toxicology Screening for Marijuana and Impact on Breast Milk..." RTHC-05994. Retrieved from https://rethinkthc.com/research/bae-2025-toxicology-screening-for-marijuana
Access the Original Study
Study data sourced from PubMed, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
This study breakdown was produced by the RethinkTHC research team. We analyze and report published research findings without making health recommendations. All interpretations are based solely on the published abstract and study data.