In a memo to healthcare providers in Alaska issued on December 5, Dr. Jay Butler, the state’s Chief Medical Officer, said breast-feeding mothers using cannabis could continue cannabis use while nursing, if at suggested decreased levels.
“The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine, American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists concur that there is stronger associative evidence of potential adverse health outcomes related to pregnancy and marijuana use than that between marijuana use and breastfeeding,” Dr. Butler cited in the memo.
Several healthcare guidelines were recommended to expectant mothers and their providers in the memo, including:
- Stop marijuana use during pregnancy,
- Continue to breastfeed while making every effort to reduce the amount of marijuana consumed, whether smoked, vaped or eaten,
- Protect children from second-hand marijuana smoke in their home or car, the same way they protect their children from second-hand tobacco smoke,
- Do not drive a car while under the influence of marijuana with or without your child,
- Safely store marijuana and edibles out of reach of children and pets. Remind caregivers to also safely store any marijuana or edibles, and,
- Have sober, unimpaired childcare providers take responsibility for their children whenever they are using any impairing substance, including marijuana.
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