Child Safety: Preventing Kids’ Exposure to Cannabis Edibles
- The consumption of cannabis edibles by children has become a significant concern, with a dramatic increase in incidents being reported to California Poison Control (CPCS). In 2022, more than half of the cannabis-related calls to CPCS were due to exposure to a cannabis edible, with 62 percent for children five years and under, 57 percent for children aged 6 to 19 years, and 43 percent for those aged 20 and older.
- The age-adjusted rate of cannabis-related calls to CPCS has more than doubled since 2016, with the largest increases being seen in cannabis exposure among youths. This included a 445 percent increase in calls related to cannabis exposure among children aged five years and under, a 151 percent increase in calls for those aged 6 to 19 years, and a 61 percent increase in calls for those aged 20 years and older.
- Precautions to prevent children from accidentally consuming cannabis edibles include never using edible products in front of children, purchasing edibles that come in child-resistant packaging, not purchasing edibles that could be mistaken for candy or another common food, storing edibles safely out of reach of children, and keeping edible products in the original packaging. If a child is suspected to have ingested cannabis, immediate action is advised, with CPCS providing help through its helpline and emergency services available if the situation is critical.
Child Poisoning from Cannabis Edibles Soaring in California
Children are at risk of accidental poisoning from eating colorful cannabis edibles, warning the California Poison Control (CPCS). These products, often packaged like familiar candies and snacks, have led to a sharp rise in emergency room visits.
Edibles are so widespread that reported incidents of those under five years consuming them have dramatically risen to CPCS. In 2022, over half the cannabis-related calls were due to edible exposure: 62% for under fives, 57% for ages 6-19, and 43% for those 20 and older.
Since 2016, cannabis-related calls to CPCS have more than doubled to 5.93 per 100,000 population in 2022. Significant increases were noted in cannabis exposure among youth:
A 445% increase in calls for exposure among children aged under five.
A 151% increase in calls for exposure among ages 6-19.
A 61% increase in calls for exposure among those aged 20 and over.
Cyrus Rangan, MD, pediatrician and medical toxicologist at CPCS, explained, “Edibles, packaged in chocolates, gummies, or other snacks, appeal to children. Their curiosity, coupled with bigger exposure relative to adults, can result in a significant overdose of cannabis.”
Identifying Signs of Edible Ingestion in Children
If a child has ingested an edible, they might act confused, appear drowsy, walk unsteadily, experience dizziness, have trouble breathing, suffer seizures, have a rapid heart rate, or vomit.
Preventing Accidental Overdose in Children
Precautions include never using edibles in front of children, buying edibles in child-resistant packaging, avoiding edibles that resemble candy or common food, storing them securely out of children’s reach, and keeping them in the original packaging.
What to do if a Child Eats an Edible
If you suspect your child has ingested cannabis, call the CPCS immediately at 1-800-222-1222. If they seem to be in immediate danger, go to the nearest emergency room or call 911.
For questions about poison encounters, contact Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 (available in all states). Trained medical professionals are on hand 24/7. The service is confidential and free, with interpreters available. For safety tips, text TIPS to 20121 for English or PUNTOS to 20121 for Spanish. You can also follow CPCS on Facebook and @poisoninfo on Twitter.
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