CBD, pregnancy and breastfeeding: what the authorities say

The position is clear and shared by both competent agencies: ANSM and ANSES advise against any consumption of CBD during pregnancy and breastfeeding, whatever the format — oil, flower or cosmetic for internal use. That recommendation draws no distinction between doses or frequency of use.

This caution stems from the lack of solid clinical data on the effects of CBD during these specific periods. In the absence of sufficient studies in pregnant or nursing women, the precautionary principle prevails, as it does for many other poorly documented active substances in this context.

CBD is a fat-soluble molecule, able to cross biological barriers that are normally protective. It can cross the placenta and pass into breast milk, according to ANSES, potentially exposing the foetus or infant to the substance without its effects on their development being well characterised today.

This ability to cross barriers is not unique to CBD: many fat-soluble molecules share the property. But the absence of reassuring data specific to CBD justifies the authorities applying a recommendation to avoid it rather than a simple general warning.

In March 2025, ANSES proposed classifying CBD as toxic for reproduction, category 1B, according to the agency itself. That category covers substances presumed toxic for human reproduction on the basis of the available data, without absolute certainty but with a level of presumption sufficient to justify a regulatory classification.

If confirmed, this proposed classification would strengthen the current recommendation of caution in law. It also illustrates the persistent gap between the growing popularity of CBD as a wellness product and the still incomplete state of scientific knowledge concerning certain specific groups.

The simplest and most cautious recommendation is to avoid any consumption of CBD during pregnancy and breastfeeding, in line with the position of ANSM and ANSES. That applies to every format, including cosmetics for internal use and infusions.

CBD is in no way a substitute for medical advice, and any question about well-being during pregnancy or breastfeeding should be put to a health professional, the only person qualified to assess an individual situation. Our guide to what is known about the expected effects of CBD sets out more broadly the limits of what science can assert today.

Can you take CBD while pregnant, even in a small dose?

No. ANSM and ANSES advise against any consumption of CBD during pregnancy, with no distinction of dose or format, for want of sufficient data on its effects during that period.

Does CBD really pass into breast milk?

Yes. CBD can cross the placenta and pass into breast milk, according to ANSES, which is why the recommendation is to avoid any consumption while breastfeeding.

Why does ANSES want to classify CBD as toxic for reproduction?

In March 2025, ANSES proposed a category 1B classification, a category reserved for substances presumed toxic for reproduction on the basis of the scientific data available to date.

Is there an exception for CBD cosmetics?

The authorities' recommendation covers any consumption of CBD, including cosmetics for internal use. For ordinary use on the skin, it is best to discuss it with a health professional beforehand.