CBD During Pregnancy or Breastfeeding: What the FDA Says and What Is Unknown

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The Short Answer: FDA Advises Against It

The FDA strongly advises against using CBD, THC, or marijuana in any form during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. This applies to CBD gummies, oils, and any other cannabis- or hemp-derived product containing these compounds — the FDA does not carve out an exception for low doses, “natural” framing, or hemp-derived sourcing.

This guide separates what the FDA has actually stated, what research does and does not show, and what to do if you already used a product before reading this.

Quick-Answer Box

• FDA position: Avoid CBD, THC, and marijuana in any form during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.
• Why: There is no comprehensive research on how CBD affects a developing fetus, a pregnant person, or a breastfed baby.
• Hemp seed ingredients are different: FDA has evaluated certain hemp seed-derived food ingredients and had no objections to their use in foods, because THC and CBD are concentrated in the flowers, leaves, and stems — not the seeds.
• What to do first: Talk with a doctor, nurse, or pharmacist before taking any medicine, vitamin, or herbal product while pregnant or breastfeeding.

CBD vs. Hemp Seed Ingredients: Why the Distinction Matters

Not every “hemp” product carries the same guidance, and this is a common point of confusion.

• CBD (cannabidiol) is one of the active compounds found in the cannabis plant. It can come from either marijuana or hemp, and it does not produce a “high.” CBD is the compound the FDA’s pregnancy and breastfeeding guidance is specifically about.
• Hemp seeds are different from CBD extract. THC and CBD are found mainly in the flowers, leaves, and stems of the plant, not the seeds. Hemp seeds can pick up trace amounts of these compounds from contact with other plant parts, but the FDA has said these trace amounts are low enough that they do not raise concern for any group, including pregnant or breastfeeding people, in the hemp seed-derived food ingredients it evaluated.

In practical terms: a hemp seed oil or hemp seed protein product is not the same category of concern as a CBD gummy or CBD oil. Reading the label to confirm which ingredient is actually present matters more than the word “hemp” on the front of the package.

Verified Facts From the FDA

• The FDA strongly advises against using CBD, THC, and marijuana in any form during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
• There is no comprehensive research studying the effects of CBD on the developing fetus, the pregnant person, or the breastfed baby. The FDA says it is continuing to collect and study this data.
• In animal studies, high doses of CBD given to pregnant test animals caused reproductive-system problems in developing male fetuses. This is animal research, not a finding in human pregnancies.
• Based on general knowledge of how CBD behaves in the body, the FDA expects that some amount of CBD will transfer to a baby through breast milk.
• CBD products carry a documented risk of contamination, including with THC, and the FDA has received reports of possible contamination with pesticides, heavy metals, bacteria, and fungus. The agency says it is investigating this further.
• In clinical studies of CBD in humans generally, documented risks include liver toxicity, extreme sleepiness, and harmful interactions with other drugs.
• Other than one prescription drug approved to treat rare, severe seizure disorders in children, the FDA has not approved any CBD product. This means unapproved CBD products have not been evaluated for safety or effectiveness, appropriate dosage, drug or food interactions, or other safety concerns.

What the FDA Says About Marijuana and THC Specifically

Because many consumers use “cannabis,” “hemp,” “CBD,” and “marijuana” interchangeably, it’s worth separating out what the FDA and the U.S. Surgeon General have said about THC and marijuana use during pregnancy and breastfeeding:

• The Surgeon General has advised that marijuana use during pregnancy may affect fetal brain development, because THC can cross from the mother’s bloodstream into the fetal brain.
• Marijuana use during pregnancy has been associated with an increased risk of low birth weight, and research suggests an increased risk of premature birth and possibly stillbirth.
• Breast milk can contain THC for up to six days after use, and this THC may affect a newborn’s brain development, potentially contributing to hyperactivity and poor cognitive function.
• Marijuana smoke contains many of the same harmful components as tobacco smoke. Neither should be smoked around a baby or child.

Decision Path: What Should I Do?

If You Already Used a CBD Product

If you used a CBD or cannabis product before reading this, the most useful next step is an honest conversation with your prenatal or pediatric care provider, not guesswork about whether harm occurred. There is no dose or frequency that current research can confirm is safe, and there is also no basis in the FDA’s guidance to assume that a single or small past use has caused harm. A qualified clinician is best positioned to ask about timing, product type, and your specific pregnancy or feeding situation.

• Bring the product label or packaging to your appointment if you still have it.
• Be specific about when you used it and how often, if you can recall.
• Ask your provider what, if anything, they recommend monitoring going forward.
• Avoid further use while you wait for that conversation.

Questions to Bring to Your Prenatal or Pediatric Care Visit

• Is there anything in my CBD, hemp, or cannabis product use that you’d like me to tell you more about?
• Are there specific ingredients or additives in supplements I should avoid entirely while pregnant or breastfeeding?
• Is there anything else — medicine, vitamin, or herbal product — I should check with you before taking?
• What symptoms in myself or my baby would you want me to report right away?

What Remains Uncertain

The FDA has been direct about the limits of current knowledge. As of its most recent published guidance:

• There is no comprehensive human research on CBD’s effects during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
• It is not yet known whether or to what extent CBD in breast milk affects a breastfed baby or a parent’s milk supply.
• The reproductive system findings from animal studies have not been established as applicable to humans, though the FDA cites them as a reason for caution.
• There is no established safe dose of CBD for anyone, in any life stage, because CBD products largely have not gone through the FDA’s drug approval process.

Who Should Be Especially Cautious

• Anyone who is pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
• Anyone taking other medications, since CBD has documented potential for harmful drug interactions.
• Anyone with liver conditions, given CBD’s documented association with liver toxicity in clinical studies.
• Anyone unable to verify a product’s actual CBD and THC content through third-party lab testing, given the FDA’s noted contamination concerns.

Limitations of This Guide

This article summarizes FDA consumer guidance as of its last review date and does not reflect any newer primary research beyond what the FDA has published. It is not a substitute for individualized medical advice, and it does not evaluate any specific brand or product. Hemp and cannabinoid regulation continues to change, and readers should confirm current guidance directly with the FDA or a qualified healthcare provider.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a small amount of CBD safe during pregnancy?

The FDA has not established a safe amount. Its guidance advises avoiding CBD in any form during pregnancy, and it does not distinguish between larger and smaller amounts as safer.

Are hemp seed products the same concern as CBD products?

No. Hemp seeds contain only trace amounts of THC and CBD from incidental contact with other plant parts. The FDA has evaluated certain hemp seed-derived food ingredients and had no objections to their use, including for pregnant or breastfeeding people. Always check the label to confirm what’s actually in the product.

Does CBD pass into breast milk?

The FDA states it expects some amount of CBD to transfer to a baby through breast milk, based on general knowledge of how the compound behaves in the body. It is not yet known to what extent this affects a breastfed baby.

What should I do if I already used a CBD product while pregnant or breastfeeding?

Talk with your prenatal or pediatric care provider. Bring the product label if you have it and be ready to describe when and how often you used it. Avoid further use in the meantime.

Educational Disclaimer

This article is for general educational purposes only and is not medical advice. It does not diagnose, treat, or provide individualized guidance for any person’s health situation. Always talk with a qualified doctor, nurse, or pharmacist before using any supplement, medicine, or herbal product during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. For more on how we source and review information like this, see our editorial standards and medical disclaimer. Learn more about who reviews our content on our editorial team and review process page, or learn more about Take Hemp Gummies.