Breast milk contains cannabinoids

The human body contains natural receptors for cannabinoids called CB1 and CB2. Studies on mother's milk show that these receptors have been in use since infancy.

Various scientific studies (see link below) have just shown that breast milk contains endocannabinoids, and that they are necessary for the proper development of the child. The first endocannabinoids appear in the mother's womb after 14 weeks’ gestation. There are two of them’anandamide and 2-arachidonyol glycerol. Over time, the infant receives more anandamide and less 2-arachidonyol glycerol.

Cannabinoids underpin our nutritional system

Mother's milk, with its cannabinoids, helps activate the CB1 receptors from endocannabinoid system of the baby. The process is the same as with craving after spliff. The infant's receptors distort the messages sent to the nervous system and transmit the message to the brain. «I'm hungry!». Thirst in this case. The baby cries and asks for another dose of milk.

These endocannabinoids are at the root of the infant's eating rhythm. The development of appetite, hunger and the need to eat thus stem from cannabinoid receptors present in our brains from birth. Mother's milk also contains the hormone called leptin which contributes to the feeling of satiety.

In addition, research on endocannabinoids, published in the European Journal of Pharmacology, The authors of this article suggest that this discovery could change the future of cannabinoids in pediatrics.

On a related subject, Dr. Melanie Dreher conducted a study which concluded that the babies of women who use cannabis develop their visual system faster. However, any health professional would advise against smoking cannabis during pregnancy Dr. Dreher's study stopped one year after the baby's birth, so we can't be sure of the long-term effects on the infant.

Théo Caillart