Prenatal Cannabis Use Is Linked to Earlier Breastfeeding Discontinuation
Among 200,207 pregnancies, prenatal cannabis use was associated with stopping breastfeeding earlier and lower breastfeeding rates at 6 and 12 months, with stronger effects for more frequent use.
Quick Facts
What This Study Found
While breastfeeding initiation was similar across groups (90-96%), prenatal cannabis users were 12% more likely to stop breastfeeding earlier (aHR = 1.12) and had 16-19% lower breastfeeding prevalence at 6 and 12 months. Preconception-only use showed minimal differences.
Key Numbers
200,207 pregnancies. 7.6% preconception cannabis only, 7.2% prenatal use. 94.6% initiated breastfeeding. Prenatal use: aHR for stopping = 1.12 (95% CI: 1.09-1.15). 6-month aPR = 0.84, 12-month aPR = 0.81.
How They Did This
Population-based retrospective cohort of 200,207 pregnancies in Northern California (2016-2022) with universal early pregnancy screening, tracking longitudinal breastfeeding outcomes at well-child visits through the first year.
Why This Research Matters
Breastfeeding provides significant health benefits for both mother and infant. Understanding that prenatal cannabis use is associated with earlier discontinuation can help lactation consultants provide targeted support.
The Bigger Picture
The relationship between cannabis use and breastfeeding is nuanced — most users still initiate breastfeeding, but continue for shorter durations. This suggests barriers to sustained breastfeeding rather than lack of intention.
What This Study Doesn't Tell Us
Observational study cannot determine causation. Cannabis users may differ in other ways that affect breastfeeding. Cannot distinguish whether healthcare providers discouraged breastfeeding in cannabis users.
Questions This Raises
- ?Are cannabis-using mothers discontinuing by choice, due to provider advice against breastfeeding while using, or due to other factors?
- ?Should lactation support be enhanced for cannabis-using mothers?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- Evidence Grade:
- Very large population-based cohort with universal screening and longitudinal tracking — strong evidence for the association, though causation cannot be established.
- Study Age:
- Recent study from 2016-2022 providing the largest analysis to date of cannabis use and breastfeeding outcomes.
- Original Title:
- Association of Preconception and Prenatal Cannabis Use With Breastfeeding.
- Published In:
- American journal of preventive medicine, 69(6), 107964 (2025)
- Authors:
- Young-Wolff, Kelly C(42), Adams, Sara R(18), Homsley, Kenya J, Alexeeff, Stacey E, Gunderson, Erica P, Does, Monique B, Ansley, Deborah, Castellanos, Carley, Haley, Erica, Avalos, Lyndsay A
- Database ID:
- RTHC-08010
Evidence Hierarchy
Looks back at existing records to find patterns.
What do these levels mean? →Frequently Asked Questions
Should women who use cannabis breastfeed?
Most medical organizations recommend against cannabis use during breastfeeding due to THC transfer in breastmilk. However, this study shows most cannabis users do initiate breastfeeding — the issue is shorter duration.
Does using cannabis only before pregnancy affect breastfeeding?
Preconception-only use showed minimal differences in breastfeeding outcomes. The association was primarily with prenatal (during pregnancy) cannabis use.
Read More on RethinkTHC
Cite This Study
https://rethinkthc.com/research/RTHC-08010APA
Young-Wolff, Kelly C; Adams, Sara R; Homsley, Kenya J; Alexeeff, Stacey E; Gunderson, Erica P; Does, Monique B; Ansley, Deborah; Castellanos, Carley; Haley, Erica; Avalos, Lyndsay A. (2025). Association of Preconception and Prenatal Cannabis Use With Breastfeeding.. American journal of preventive medicine, 69(6), 107964. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amepre.2025.107964
MLA
Young-Wolff, Kelly C, et al. "Association of Preconception and Prenatal Cannabis Use With Breastfeeding.." American journal of preventive medicine, 2025. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amepre.2025.107964
RethinkTHC
RethinkTHC Research Database. "Association of Preconception and Prenatal Cannabis Use With ..." RTHC-08010. Retrieved from https://rethinkthc.com/research/young-wolff-2025-association-of-preconception-and
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.