Cannabis or commonly known as marijuana is known as a psychotropic drug. Marijuana contains the chemical compounds cannabidiol and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC is a psychoactive element that can provide a 'high' sensation for its users.

It cannot be denied that there are many people using marijuana as recreational drug. The “high” effect that can be obtained after using it is considered to be able to help reduce stress. Not only that, marijuana can also be consumed in the form of cigarettes.

Although most of us know that cannabis can damage the body, unfortunately there are still those who consume them, including breastfeeding mothers. Did you know that THC compound in marijuana can enter your baby's body? According to research published in the Obstetrics and Gynecology journal, it was found that breastfeeding women who consume marijuana cigarettes can 'transfer' THC to their babies through breast milk.

In this research, it was found that babies can swallow about 2.5% of the total THC contained in the mother's body. THC will affect the baby's central nervous system for about 2 hours, and it takes 20 to 36 hours for the compound to disappear from the body. Unfortunately, experts have not been able to explain with certainty the side effects of THC in infants. But they expressly forbid you to consume these items while in pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Text by Anggie Triana
Stock photos from Pixabay

Source(s):

• Baker, T., Datta, P., Rewers, K.F., et all (2018). Transfer of Inhalled Cannabis Into Human Breast Milk. Obstetrics & Gynecology, DOI: 10.1097 / AOG.0000000000002575.
• Healthline - New Moms Who Smoke Pot Have THC in Breast Milk (2019). https://www.healthline.com/health-news/new-moms-who-smoke-pot-have-thc-in-breast-milk#1, 14 August 2019.