A mother-to-be asked me whether she could keep taking her CBD drops during pregnancy, since they had really helped her sleep before. It's one of the rare questions where I don't try to add nuance or weigh up pros and cons: the answer is no, and I'd rather explain clearly why than stay vague.
What health authorities say
The WHO, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists all recommend avoiding cannabis in all its forms, CBD included, during pregnancy and breastfeeding. In 2025, the French health agency (Anses) even proposed classifying CBD as a substance "presumed toxic for reproduction". It's not a symbolic precaution – it's a recommendation shared by several independent bodies.
Why, in practice
CBD is a fat-soluble molecule, which means it easily crosses the placenta during pregnancy and can also pass into breast milk during breastfeeding. Once in the body of a foetus or infant, we simply don't know for sure what effect it may have on a nervous system that's still developing. It's not that there's proof of a proven danger – it's that there aren't enough serious studies to say it's risk-free, and when in doubt, maximum caution is called for.
The "natural" image that catches many people out
CBD is often seen as gentle and harmless because it's plant-based and doesn't cause a psychoactive effect like THC. That reassuring image doesn't mean the molecule is biologically neutral. Many natural substances aren't recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and CBD clearly falls into that category based on current knowledge.
What I suggest instead
If you were looking to CBD for sleep, stress or discomfort during pregnancy, the best approach is to talk directly to your gynaecologist or midwife, who knows your situation and can point you to suitable, medically supervised alternatives. It's not my role as a seller to find a substitute, and I'd rather honestly tell you to wait until you've finished breastfeeding than sell you something while downplaying the uncertainties.
And after breastfeeding?
Once pregnancy and breastfeeding are over, there's no reason not to start CBD again if you used it before and it suited you. This advice is really tied to this specific period of possible transfer to the foetus or infant, not to questioning CBD in general.
"I was a bit disappointed at the time, but I'd rather be told a clear no than be left to carry on without really knowing. I started again as soon as I'd finished breastfeeding." – a customer of the shop
My straight advice
On this specific topic, there's no grey area: avoid CBD during pregnancy and breastfeeding, in any form – oil, gummies or vape. Talk to your doctor if you're looking for a solution for this period, and know that you can start again normally once it's over.
