A marijuana edible may look and taste very similar to products without marijuana, so it can be easy for a person to unintentionally be exposed to marijuana. This may lead to unpredictable side effects, especially if the person consuming the edible is not used to marijuana. Particularly when black market marijuana is used for homemade edible products, marijuana’s potency can vary widely. Extensive datais availabledocumenting the increased side effects edible marijuana has compared to smoked marijuana. A comprehensive toxicology screen including cannabis was negative (Table 4). A 56-year-old male on no medications with no known history of substance abuse presented via ambulance to the emergency department after being found by coworkers with bizarre behavior, vomiting, and slurred speech. Most currently available studies do not look at isolated CBD nor their synthetic equivalents, and purity is not guaranteed, thus leading to unforeseen side effects and toxicities. Many of these compounds are eliminated during the processes used to make oils and butters from cannabis, such that edibles may contain high amounts of Δ9-THC and only a fraction of the cannabis plant’s other constituents. Tragically, at least one death has occurred following ingestion of an edible cannabis product. Cannabis-related calls to poison control centers in decriminalized states increased by 30.3 percent per year, and states undergoing transition to decriminalization had an average increase of 11.5 percent per year. For some people, trying to quit after developing a cannabis use disorder can be challenging and may lead to marijuana relapse. Over time, heavy or frequent use can also contribute to marijuana addiction (known as cannabis use disorder), which may involve strong marijuana cravings and difficulty cutting down or stopping use even when it causes problems. Negative psychiatric side effects, such as anxiety, paranoia, and even a psychotic reaction involving agitation, hallucinations, and delusions, can occur with an overdose of eating or smoking marijuana.1,3 Urine tests are easy to obtain, and a small amount can be collected when the child urinates. A urine sample (known as a urine toxicology screen) is typically used to test for marijuana exposure, and it can detect marijuana for days or weeks after use. Learn more about marijuana from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) in their marijuana fact sheets. That’s why they need incredibly different care. The state also set maximum doses of THC (the compound that gets people high) per serving and per package. Some were even sold in packaging that’s very attractive to kids, such as peanut butter cups that looked like Reese’s.” But what happens when those treats are laced with marijuana? “It's important for parents to ensure products containing THC are properly stored, as with any medication. The final delta-8 THC product may have potentially harmful by-products (contaminants) due to the chemicals used in the process, and there is uncertainty with respect to other potential contaminants that may be present or produced depending on the composition of the starting raw material. Delta-8 THC products often involve use of potentially harmful chemicals to create the concentrations of delta-8 THC claimed in the marketplace.The natural amount of delta-8 THC in hemp is very low, and additional chemicals are needed to convert other cannabinoids in hemp, like CBD, into delta-8 THC (i.e., synthetic conversion). The FDA has received adverse event reports involving delta-8 THC-containing products.The FDA received 104 reports of adverse events in patients who consumed delta-8 THC products between December 1, 2020, and February 28, 2022. Selling unapproved products with unsubstantiated therapeutic claims is not only a violation of federal law, but also can put consumers at risk, as these products have not been proven to be safe or effective. These products have not been evaluated or approved by the FDA for safe use in any context. With marijuana becoming legal in a growing number of states, cannabis edibles like gummies are being manufactured. Unintentional marijuana ingestion and intoxication are important for primary care providers to recognize, diagnose, and treat across diverse clinical settings as legalization of cannabis products continues. In a retrospective review, the American Academy of Pediatrics reported data that outlined the weight-based impact of marijuana ingestion in children.15 In cases where the ingestion dose was reported, the weight-based dose was a substantial predictor of severe toxicity and duration of symptoms in accidental ingestions. Unfortunately, many labels and packaging used for cannabis products are made to resemble popular candy or snacks, placing children at risk for consumption.8 Homemade products, easy-to-open packaging, and enticing flavours further increase the risk of unintentional ingestion in children.8 While regulations are in place to protect children from ingesting dangerous materials, cannabis products were not included in the original literature of the law. Additionally, pets may eat THC edibles, which can lead to toxicity. Ask guests to safely secure any edibles they may have if they bring them in the house. If your child experiences severe symptoms, such as trouble breathing or seizures, call 911 immediately. A long history of poisoning prevention research demonstrates that there are ways to protect children from drugs, and these principles should guide commercial cannabis sales unless proven unnecessary. Doctors said this should not cause parents to be fearful to seek treatment for their children who have ingested the products. Pediatric edible cannabis exposures have been occurring with increasing frequency since recreational cannabis was legalized in the state of Massachusetts, and hospital admission is a common outcome. While Massachusetts regulations stipulate that edible cannabis products produced in the state must be homogenous and have labeling with content accuracy , products purchased online or out of state may not follow such regulations. Patients in the younger age group were more likely to have a lower median weight, require hospital admission and respiratory support, have an accidental ingestion, receive a urine drug screen, and have bradypnea and/or hypertension. While chatting with TODAY.com Martin said the most common symptoms of accidental marijuana poisonings in children, include balance issues, vomiting and excessive sleepiness. Many delta 8 edibles are packaged in designs that emulate legitimate candies, which may confuse children. Keep all edible cannabis products in a locked cabinet or a high shelf that children cannot access. When a child ingests an edible, the effects can be more severe than in adults because children have smaller body sizes and are more sensitive to THC, the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana. According to the Central Ohio Poison Center, more than 200 children under age 6 were exposed to edibles from January 2024 to July 2024—a 49% increase in exposure to edibles in that age group from 2023. Some online reports imply that kids have ended up comatose and in severe distress from edibles. Of course, a child accidentally breaking into your edibles stash on one occasion is unlikely to impact brain development. If you caught them in the act or immediately after they scoffed the edibles, then they might not exhibit symptoms immediately. If your edibles are gone, it could be the case that your child has eaten them, or they might have just moved them. This article will cover the five steps you need to take if your child has eaten a cannabis edible. Treatment Covered By Medicare Treatment Covered By Magellan Health Discover the history of cannabis through the decades, from medicine to legalization... If your kid consumes an edible or drink containing THC, they might experience the effects of marijuana intoxication or THC poisoning.The researchers for the latest study did not specify whether the children included in the surveillance data experienced any side effects.Almost half (46%) of cases were considered severe; intravenous fluids or vasopressors were used to manage cardiovascular depression, requirement of supplemental oxygen, respiratory failure, seizures, or unresponsiveness.15 The authors concluded a 3-year-old of 25th percentile weight (13 kg) with access to 2 or more 10-mg serving sizes of THC (around 1.7 mg/kg) would place the child at risk of severe toxicity.“I also tell families, this is not something your child should take forever.Since this incident, Colorado initiated new packaging and labeling rules requiring that recreational cannabis products contain no more than 100 mg of Δ9-THC and have clear demarcation of each standardized 10-mg serving (1 Colo. Code Regs. § 212-2, 2016).There was a low incidence of need for respiratory support in our population, but hospital admission was more common.The unregulated THC gummies had very high THC content.Parents should practice caution when storing and using CBD gummies at home. Therefore, it’s vital to keep cannabis out of the way of children and teenagers. Next, you need to call poison control, who will help you decide if you need to take your child to the hospital. Plus, there’s information on how to recognize a marijuana ‘overdose’ and advice on how to prevent your kids from eating edibles. It’s all too easy for a child to stumble across a box of edibles and eat the entire tub of weed gummies. 58% involved adults, 41% involved pediatric patients less than 18 years of age, and 1% did not report age.40% involved unintentional exposure to delta-8 THC and 82% of these unintentional exposures affected pediatric patients.70% required health care facility evaluation, of which 8% resulted in admission to a critical care unit; 45% of patients requiring health care facility evaluation were pediatric patients.One pediatric case was coded with a medical outcome of death.3. “I also tell families, this is not something your child should take forever. For example, the intended age of a melatonin product was not specified in nearly half of visits, therefore the involvement of a specific product type might be higher than reported. Meanwhile, the surveillance data used in the report comes with limitations, including a lack of “narrative” information recorded during emergency department visits. Our mission is to help everyone find the best path to recovery through the most comprehensive, helpful network of treatment providers worldwide.In addition, poison control is experiencing a rise in cases of intoxication by pot.If you have leftover edibles or any cannabis products you no longer need, dispose of them properly to ensure they don’t end up in the wrong hands.People with low tolerance (infrequent or new users), those consuming high-potency products, and people mixing THC with alcohol or other substances are more vulnerable to the negative effects of THC.However, many consumers do not understand that the duration of onset (how long it takes for effects to be felt) is often longer with edibles because they are ingested and therefore metabolized through the digestive tract.2,3The ED is the best clinical setting for monitoring and observing patients who may have ingested cannabis.Close to 23% were hospitalized and 8% (573 children from 2017 to 2021) required critical care.Surveys conducted in several US states (California, Washington, and Colorado) and Canada found that 11 percent to 26 percent of medicinal cannabis users had consumed an edible cannabis product during their lifetimes (Grella, Rodriguez, & Kim, 2014; Walsh et al., 2013). Private residences are the most common location for accidental ingestions.10,11 Children indiscriminately explore familiar environments and often discover marijuana kept in the home. Current evidence shows unintentional marijuana ingestion and severe toxicity are steadily increasing. Many countries are decriminalizing and legalizing marijuana, but its negative impact on pediatric health is growing. The American Academy of Pediatrics has more on the dangers of edible marijuana for children. “Limiting the THC dose sold per package and the attractiveness of these products to children may also help reduce the number of large, accidental overdoses,” she said. “The early signs a parent may notice in a child that ingested a cannabis edible could be symptoms such as sleepiness, nausea or vomiting, difficulty walking, confusion or large pupils,” she said. Marijuana was legalized in Colorado for medical use in 2000 and for recreational use in 2012. Products that contain marijuana may be required to have clear labeling with standardized serving sizes and THC content. Some states, including Colorado, Washington, Oregon and Alaska, have passed laws to try to prevent THC poisoning. THC food products often are made to closely resemble popular brand name candy and snacks. His friends told police he ate the whole cookie, which contained six servings of marijuana (10 mg THC/serving). Step #4 – Call Poison Control These products may be enticing to young children who mistake them for typical snack foods. Dr. Childs said the products cause children to become very sleepy, sometimes unresponsive and cause many to become so sedated they forget to breathe. “These gummies that have THC, the psycho active component of what’s in marijuana, can be dangerous for kids,” ETCH Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Joe Childs said. Once your child has rebounded, it’s time for you to make sure this never happens again. “Make sure they are safe from a medical standpoint, and make them feel safe by giving them hugs or whatever they might need.” “The THC will leave the child’s system eventually, once they metabolize it.” “There is no antidote to THC, no reversal agent like naltrexone for opiates,” Hoffman says. CBD has surged in popularity recently, being marketed in oils, capsules, and candies as a health supplement, claiming to treat a wide variety of medical conditions such as glaucoma, pain, and even having beneficial effects on cancer prevention. He felt the products were healthy and safe based on packaging and therefore did not believe they would have any adverse effects. We see more, treat more and heal more children than any hospital in our seven-state region. Furthermore, edible products should not be kept or stored with other non-marijuana food products. While many of the typical presenting signs and symptoms of cannabis intoxication can be distressing to patients and parents, the most concerning toxicity from the standpoint of morbidity and mortality is respiratory depression. The remaining study by Heizer et al. is the most comprehensive due to its inclusion of patients up to 20 years of age, its differentiation between cannabis naïve vs non-naïve patients, and its evaluation for a dose-dependent effect . Both studies searched through all patients presenting to the hospital system; however, Wang et al. only focused on patients less than 10 years of age . Lethargy, altered mental status, and respiratory depression are the most frequently reported symptoms of unintentional cannabis exposures 2, 13–15. “These gummies are made for adults who weigh 120 to 160 pounds on average, so for a kid who weighs 28 pounds, one gummy could be enough to cause a coma or seizure,” he said. It’s also important to advocate for improved cannabis product labeling and child-resistant packaging. “Remember to educate family and friends about storing their cannabis products safely as well,” Pepin said. Edibles should be stored in child-resistant packaging in a locked location out of reach of children, she said. It is important for consumers to be aware that delta-8 THC products have not been evaluated or approved by the FDA for safe use in any context. Delta-8 THC is one of over 100 cannabinoids produced naturally by the cannabis plant but is not found in significant amounts in the cannabis plant. Delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol, also known as delta-8 THC, is a psychoactive substance found in the Cannabis sativa plant, of which marijuana and hemp are two varieties. Because of the way edible marijuana is metabolized in the body, it becomeswater-soluble, meaning that it can last longer and may have more pronounced effects. Given the increasing legality of marijuana edibles, it is important to be aware of the risks to use them safely. Importantly, homemade edibles can have highly variable amounts of marijuana and can easily lead to amarijuana overdose. Notably, some marijuana edibles have several servings in them. Compared to other ways of consuming marijuana, edibles are known for producing adelayed high. In these instances, kids mistake "edible" marijuana (like gummy bears, brownies, lollipops, etc.) for regular food and eat it unknowingly. This typically occurs after smoking or ingesting marijuana products, and can occur at all ages, and to naïve and chronic users. Get the facts about the potential dangers of marijuana use, including the risks of overdose and long-term health effects. Because THC in edibles is processed differently, the effects are slower in onset and more prolonged than smoking or vaping. Browse medical detox centers, inpatient addiction treatment facilities, aftercare options, and more today. The persistent pattern of inaccuracies in the labeling of Δ9-THC and CBD content in edibles reflects the broader issue of a lack of standardization in formulation and quality control throughout the edibles industry. Consequently, total Δ9-THC content in medicinal cannabis edibles may vary substantially from labeled amounts. This regulation was not originally applied to cannabis sold for medicinal purposes, but effective July 1, 2016, medicinal edible products are only allowed to contain up to 100 mg of Δ9-THC as well (1 Colo. Code Regs. § 212-1, 2016). Yet, despite evidence of the value of including CBD in edibles, especially those intended for medicinal use, few edible manufacturers report the CBD content of their products. Nevertheless, when edibles contain high concentrations of Δ9-THC and low concentrations of CBD and other cannabinoids, their users may be at higher risk of experiencing adverse effects. “These discrepancies in ingredients or strength could pose additional risk” to children, the CDC researchers wrote. A recent study published in the journal JAMA found that 25 products labeled as melatonin gummies contained dangerous levels of the hormone while other contained no melatonin and contained only cannabidiol, or CBD. While the type of melatonin ingested was not specified during most visits, the report shows that children had almost always swallowed the product. This surge is likely due to the excitement behind potentially new medical breakthroughs and the desire as a culture to shift towards therapies that are more “natural.” However, most products, such as the one purchased by this patient are unregulated. Because edible products have very high amounts of marijuana, the symptoms are more severe in a small child. Because edible products have very high amounts of marijuana, the symptoms are more severe on a small child. The dosage of THC in an edible can vary and be difficult to control or even know.1,3,4 This is true for both commercially made products, homemade products created with commercially prepared oils or butters, and products made at home from homemade cannabis oil or cannabutter. In Colorado, where marijuana edibles are easily available to residents over the age of 21, there have already been numerous medical events related to marijuana edibles. Ifpetsandchildrenaccidentally consume marijuana-laced edibles, it can be dangerous. Upon arrival at the emergency department, the patient was weak and drowsy. There were no prior hospitalizations, surgeries, or recent travel. After an hour, the patient was noted to be increasingly sleepy and brought to the hospital. A spokesperson for the Long Island school district said a student gave out the gummies to 11 classmates. “All the students who ate a piece of the rice krispy treat and who spoke with police admitted to knowing that they were eating a THC edible.” Our state-specific resource guides offer a comprehensive overview of drug and alcohol addiction treatment options available in your area. A marijuana overdose is becoming increasingly common for a variety of reasons. Research suggests that this is because the amount of THC a person has consumed can be more difficult to predict when eating marijuana compared with smoking it. Eating marijuana carries a higher risk of overdose than smoking it. “Children have been pretty ill from them, requiring intensive care unit admissions,” Bruccoleri said. That’s why most medications are child-locked! Don’t blame everything on legalized cannabis. She ended up in hospital as a result. They were admitted to the intensive care unit and required oxygen to help breathe. A healthy toddler fell and seemed “wobbly” to their parents afterward. Continued and expanded public health education campaigns are warranted. THC products are illegal in the state of Tennessee. Acute Marijuana Intoxication Anything more than 10 milligrams, though, they should probably be seen by medical professionals.” If the parents can be there to keep an eye on the child and have access to 911, then maybe they can be observed at home. But even if a kid doesn’t get super sick from pot-laced food, the strangeness of the whole experience can traumatize them — and scare the hell out of their parents too. Easy to Confuse with Regular Food and Candy However, few studies exist on how edibles may impact brain growth and development, especially inadolescents and teens. Unlike smoking marijuana, which has a relatively fast onset, eating marijuana products leads to a high with adelayed onset. Marijuana edibles are not new, but a variety of edibles have become available in recent years. Generally, the edible product isinfused with cannabis extract. Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters has been the region’s most trusted name in pediatric care for more than 50 years. Parents should practice caution when storing and using CBD gummies at home. Look at the edible's wrapper to see how much THC it contains. Most of these exposures were in kids 5 years old or younger. Many edible cannabis products come in packaging that is appealing to children—looking very much like candy or treats they would want to eat. Many of these products look just like treats kids would eat—and they’re being increasingly consumed by young children with dangerous effects. Call the poison control hotline if you think your child has ingested edible marijuana. These children developed symptoms as early as 15 minutes after eating the gummies, with most seeing effects after an hour or two of eating the weed-laced gummy. MONDAY, Aug. 28, 2023 (HealthDay News) -- Brightly colored "edibles" can be tempting for young kids and are more widely available now that many U.S. states have legalized cannabis for recreational and medical use. The autopsy identified cannabis intoxication as a chief contributing factor in the man’s death. In March 2014, a 19-year-old man died as a result of injuries sustained when he jumped from a fourth floor balcony after consuming a cannabis-infused cookie in the state of Colorado (Hancock-Allen, Barker, VanDyke, & Holmes, 2015). It is important to note that evidence suggests that tolerance to the intoxicating effects of oral Δ9-THC develops after sustained exposure to high doses (reviewed in Grotenhermen, 2003). “If the parent is totally out of it and lets edibles just sit on the coffee table, that is a very different circumstance than a child finding and eating one gummy,” Hoffman says. So, unless you catch your child in the act, you may have no idea that the child ate edibles until they start acting funny or getting sick. The tricky part about edibles is that the effects take a while to kick in. No matter what, if there are edibles in a family home, there is a chance a child will eat them. One hour prior to the presentation, his mother witnessed the patient eating her cannabis gummies.This makes sense as legal “recreational” THC edibles in many states are limited to 10 mg THC per serving, but in Pennsylvania our team routinely encounters individual gummies or treats with 100 to 500 mg of THC.Delta-9 THC is the main psychoactive compound in cannabis that causes a “high.”But the cannabidiols (CBD) or tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) ingredients are dangerous for children.They provide the same effects but in a delicious form with none of the dangers of smoking.Discover symptoms, when to call the doctor, and new prevention options like Beyfortus.Learn about quitting Spice/K2 and synthetic cannabinoids, withdrawal symptoms, & treatment for misuse of synthetic cannabinoids like Spice.If their symptoms are serious, they might need to go to the emergency room. This is the chemical that causes you to feel “high.” It can also be used medically to treat conditions like seizures and chronic pain. They might even need to go to the hospital. It's easy for a child to mistake them for ordinary foods. Our teams are working to resolve any issues created by today’s global technology outage. Baldwin Publishing, Inc. strongly suggests that you use this information in consultation with your doctor or other health professional. These findings suggest that consumers of edible cannabis products may not fully understand information provided on Δ9-THC content and dosing.Related article Using melatonin for sleep is on the rise, study says, despite potential health harmsWe list any treatment center that meets our rehab criteria, giving you the best list of options possible when looking for treatment.After ingestion, absorption is slow and variable due to the degradation by gastric acid and hepatic first-pass metabolism.If the child is having trouble breathing, or is having a seizure, call 911.Of those cases, 42 happened to children age 5 or younger.Ensure they are stored in child-resistant containers.Epidemiological research has linked habitual cannabis smoking to several forms of cancer (Callaghan, Allebeck, & Sidorchuk, 2013; Hashibe et al., 2005).Most currently available studies do not look at isolated CBD nor their synthetic equivalents, and purity is not guaranteed, thus leading to unforeseen side effects and toxicities. If needed, they may give oxygen or put an IV to support your child until they have metabolized the THC and it’s left their system. Poison control centers are not judgmental and are already experienced with these kinds of situations. The last thing you want is to see your child struggling with breathing and feeling very ill. In Albuquerque, a fifth-grade pupil brought in a box of gummies to share with her friends, not realizing they contained marijuana. In addition, poison control is experiencing a rise in cases of intoxication by pot. According to local law enforcement, incidents of children accidentally consuming THC are on the rise. However, the short-term dangers of massive cannabis ingestion are enough to trigger concern for parents. How to apply for a Texas Education Freedom Account for school choice program Don’t let your kids see you using them because children will often mimic your behavior. Be prepared to provide information such as the age of the child, what symptoms they’re exhibiting and how much THC the child consumed. Nearly one-quarter of these cases resulted in children being admitted to the hospital. If your child's symptoms are severe, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately. His advice to parents and caregivers is to not have edibles in the house. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers. Consuming marijuana edibles in combination with other drugs, particularly alcohol, is a bad idea. Manyknown side effectsof smoking marijuana exist, including the possibility of long-term lung damage and changes in mood. Two Denver residentsdied after eating marijuana-laced products, and hundreds of others have gone to the ER in need of treatment after ingesting too much. What are marijuana edibles? Recovery.com uses a standard procedure to make sure treatment provider profiles on our site are current and complete. We list any treatment center that meets our rehab criteria, giving you the best list of options possible when looking for treatment. Our advisory council brings together leaders in behavioral health, technology, and business. Our mission is to help everyone find the best path to recovery through the most comprehensive, helpful network of treatment providers worldwide. Cases with known or suspected co-ingestion of other drugs in addition to the edible cannabis exposure were excluded. Inclusion criteria were evaluation at our ED, less than 18 years of age at the time of presentation, and physician documented suspected exposure to edible cannabis. This population is particularly vulnerable to accidental exposures, with children less than the age of five being most commonly reported 4, 8. Martin recognized the signs of cannabis poisoning and suspected that the little boy had accidentally ingested a marijuana product. Taking preventive measures and acting quickly in the event of an accidental ingestion can help protect your child’s health and your family’s legal standing. All patients under 10 years of age required admission except one child who ingested 1 mg/kg of THC, whereas only one subject in the 10–17 year age range required admission after ingesting 2.3 mg/kg. ED emergency department, PICU pediatric intensive care unit, min minute, THC delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, HFNC high flow nasal cannula, BiPAP bilevel positive airway pressure, ECG electrocardiogram, msec millisecond, IQR interquartile range, SD standard deviation The final sample consisted of 32 cases of confirmed or suspected cannabis edible exposures. Our search algorithm was based on the work of Marx et al. and cross-referenced patient ages, dates of emergency department (ED) encounters, diagnosis codes, and chief complaints as recorded by nursing staff at triage (algorithm details in Supplementary Data) . Since marijuana has become legal in more states, more children are being exposed to the drug. If you use edibles, always keep them in a secure place where kids can't get into them. These products tend to be things children like to eat and drink. But these products aren’t safe for children. While consuming marijuana in the form of a candy or cookie may seem harmless, many users’ experience has shown the opposite. If you’ve met your deductible, treatment may cost less right now. “And I’m not saying that teenagers should be using this stuff.” The number increased to 14 children in 2014 (Baskfield, 2015). For instance, between 2005 and 2009 (before recreational legalization), the Children’s Hospital Colorado emergency department saw no cases of accidental ingestion. In order to minimize risk of accidental overdose, it is recommended that users of edibles gradually up-titrate their dose until they find an effective dose. Because of this variability, computation of an exact pharmacologic equivalency between a given mass of Δ9-THC contained in smoked cannabis and a mass of Δ9-THC contained in an edible is extremely difficult. They also reported that it was practical to consume the entire edible product in one sitting, just as they would a normal baked good (Hudak et al., 2015), suggesting a lack of consumer understanding, even among daily cannabis users. Although some of the issues discussed are relevant for other methods of cannabis use (e.g., smoked, vaped), we emphasize issues primarily related to cannabis-infused edibles. Written for the educated layperson and for policy makers, this paper explores the current state of research regarding edibles, highlighting the promises and challenges that edibles present to both users and policy makers, and describes the approaches that four states in which recreational cannabis use is legal have taken regarding regulating edibles. The many formulations of cannabis extracts used in edibles present a unique regulatory challenge for policy makers. “Do everything you possibly can to ensure your kids can’t get to your edibles,” Hoffman says. Edibles are sometimes considered to be a safe and effective way of experiencing the therapeutic or intoxicating effects of marijuana. Edibles are food and drinks that are infused with marijuana extract (cannabis-infused oils and cannabutter) and contain varying amounts of the psychoactive ingredient THC (tetrahydrocannabinol).1 Our editors and medical reviewers have over a decade of cumulative experience in medical content editing and have reviewed thousands of pages for accuracy and relevance. Researched, fact-checked and transparent articles and guides that offer addiction and mental health insight from experts and treatment professionals. In Tennessee, during the year from March 1, 2024 through Feb. 28, 2025, there were 98 poisoning cases involving inhalation or ingestion of delta-8 products, Bruccoleri said. The Tennessee Poison Center wants parents to understand that delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol products (also known as delta-8 THC) are toxic to children. Sadly, more and more kids are getting their hands on their parents’ edibles. They could accidentally give your kids your edibles, so it’s best to be upfront about it. A long-term study revealed a 13-fold increase in accidental cannabis intoxication in children over an 11-year period in France. Do not disregard or avoid professional medical advice due to content published within Cureus. Treatment is mainly supportive and should be focused on ensuring the child’s safety even after discharge. Resolution of the AV block within 24 hours in the case presented may signify that this finding could be transient and supportive measures are sufficient for its management. However, no studies have yet proven that chronic second or third-hand cannabis smoke exposure can lead to such autonomic nervous system changes. With chronic cannabis use, modulation of the autonomic nervous system causes diminished sympathetic activation and increased parasympathetic response . “Some kids come in and they’re really drowsy, and some are unresponsive," Dr. Meghan Martin tells TODAY.com. "Both scenarios are terrifying for the families, and it's becoming more and more common." In some cases, Child Protective Services (CPS) could become involved if there is concern over child endangerment. Teach your kids to avoid eating any food or candy that isn’t given to them by a trusted adult, especially if they find it in an unfamiliar location. A social worker was involved in the care of the patient and counseling regarding child safety was done. The patient was referred to poison control, and observation and monitoring were suggested. One hour prior to the presentation, his mother witnessed the patient eating her cannabis gummies. A previously healthy two-year-old male was brought by his mother to the emergency department for drowsiness. According to the World Drug Report 2021, around 4% of the global population uses cannabis (marijuana), making it the most widely used illicit drug worldwide . For example, medicinal users may choose to consume edibles during the work week and smoke or vape when not at work. Early research comparing the effects of different Δ9-THC delivery methods showed that ingestion of a chocolate cookie containing Δ9-THC produced a longer-lasting and less intoxicating effect than smoking and intravenous administration (Hollister et al., 1981). By contrast, several double-blind studies report comparable subjective effects for dronabinol and smoked cannabis when dose and time after administration are taken into account (Haney et al., 2007; Haney, Rabkin, Gunderson, & Foltin, 2005; Issa et al., 2014). Both low and high doses (1.98 and 3.56 percent Δ9-THC) of smoked cannabis resulted in significantly higher ratings for these effects. Regular cannabis users also find the effects of oral Δ9-THC to be qualitatively different from those of smoked cannabis (Calhoun et al., 1998). Related article Potentially dangerous doses of melatonin and CBD found in gummies sold for sleep Related article Using melatonin for sleep is on the rise, study says, despite potential health harms Melatonin supplements, often sold as flavored gummies, can help someone struggling to fall asleep due to jet lag or sleep-wake disorders commonly seen in shift workers. The patient's lack of substance abuse history and unintentional overdose should raise concern for physicians as more people are consuming such products. Contributing to this diagnostic dilemma is the fact that the majority of these products are synthetic which allows for a larger spectrum of cannabinoids and much higher concentrations than would be found in natural sources. Finally, any patient who may have ingested cannabis should be directed to the ED for evaluation, especially if there is altered state of consciousness or mental status, or respiratory difficulties. In cases of severe toxicity requiring more invasive interventions, transfer to a facility with pediatric wards and an intensive care unit is recommended.19 If a patient has not returned to their baseline after 6 hours, it is generally recommended the patient be admitted for further monitoring. The ED is the best clinical setting for monitoring and observing patients who may have ingested cannabis. Although no standard dosing guidelines have been established for recreational marijuana use, some studies proposed 5 mg as a standard unit of measurement for THC.16 Doses of 1 to 5 mg are considered microdoses and 100 mg or greater is considered a very high dose.17 Children are at risk of consuming an entire product indiscriminately, which may contain high levels of THC, especially when marketed as an enticing candy or encountered as a palatable homemade item. The exact mechanism of cardiac bradyarrhythmia in cannabis exposure has not been fully elucidated. In this case, an EKG done to further investigate bradycardia revealed a prolonged PR interval (180 ms, upper limit for age is 150 ms) , consistent with a first-degree AV block. This could mean that the child in this case must have ingested a high dose of THC to elicit a parasympathetic response. Clinical manifestations of marijuana toxicity can be attributed to its action on the cannabinoid 1 (CB1) receptors predominantly expressed in the central nervous system . Oregon, for example, requires that packaging for all edibles be opaque, unmarked, and child-resistant. Other legal states learned from Colorado and Washington’s missteps and enacted regulations to protect children when crafting their own marijuana laws. “Most edibles look like things kids want to eat — and if you’re a kid, a brownie’s a brownie. Do not store cannabis edibles in the same cabinets or space with other food. The chief complaints recorded in our medical record represent an abbreviated summary of the patient’s chief complaint and are not always a complete reflection of their reason for presentation. Lethargy/somnolence were present in 19 patients (59%), making them the most commonly reported symptoms in our exposed patient population. The public normalization of cannabis use comes at the risk of minimalizing public perception of its potential harms. Increased pediatric exposure to cannabis has been concurrent with the rise in adult cannabis use, which has more than doubled over the past decade . This is likely due to a combination of their smaller weights and usually accidental nature of the ingestion. In sum, ingestion and smoking of Δ9-THC seem to produce similar subjective effects, and CBD may attenuate these effects, at least in experienced cannabis users. Participants experienced drug effects that were rated as favorable, with peak responses occurring an average of 3 hours after ingestion and effects dissipating within 24 hours. Few laboratory studies have been undertaken using actual cannabis-infused edibles. The gummies were brought to school by a student. All were reporting ill effects after ingesting what is believed to be Delta-8 Gummies. What is a marijuana processor license and what are the requirements and fees related to a marijuana processor license? The center provides free, confidential poison information and treatment advice to the public and health care professionals.The Tennessee Poison Center is the state’s only emergency poison information resource center. Some children have ended up in the emergency room, or hospitalized, after eating these products, which are intended only for adults. Edible products are responsible for the majority of health care visits due to cannabis intoxication, which is likely due to the failure of users to appreciate the delayed effects (Monte et al., 2015). Following these findings, the state of Colorado in mid-2014 instituted a requirement that Δ9-THC concentration for recreational edibles be assessed and reported on the label (Brohl et al., 2015; 2014 Colo. Reg. Text 12885, amending 1 Colo. Code Regs. § 212-2). In early 2014, an investigative report from the Denver Post found that the actual Δ9-THC content of retail edibles often differed significantly from the amounts claimed on product labels (Baca, 2014). Unfortunately, inaccuracies in labeling and inconsistencies in formulation are not limited to CBD but also extend to the Δ9-THC content of edibles. These actions by the FDA highlight the lack of consistency in formulation and labeling of cannabis products. In fact, although the FDA has yet to acknowledge the therapeutic applications of the cannabis plant, it has issued warning letters to several manufacturers of products purported to contain CBD. This is usually the call you should make first, if your child is not showing any symptoms, Bruccoleri said.However, if someone of any age is in acute distress, call 911 right away for immediate help. Among those young children, 16 had to be admitted to a hospital. Of those cases, 42 happened to children age 5 or younger. However, given the lack of regulation and heterogeneity of over-the-counter CBD products, it is unclear which substance or substances were to blame in this patient. His heart rate, respiratory rate, and blood pressure dropped abruptly shortly after presentation and then experienced spontaneous recovery around hours later without any intervention other than supportive care. The patient underwent supportive care with intravenous fluids, anti-emetics, oxygen via nasal cannula, and continuous aggressive stimuli. He was transferred to the intensive care unit (ICU) for close monitoring and possible intubation. He was admitted to the medical floor, and VS 3 hours after presentation deteriorated, showing bradycardia with a nadir HR of 47, bradypnea as low as 8, blood pressure of 88/52 mmHg, and oxygen saturation as low as 78%. Many contain milligrams or more of THC, while the recommended dose for an adult inexperienced with edibles is 2.5-5 milligrams. One reason weed edibles are so risky is that they may contain very high levels of THC, even for adults. But it poses both short- and long-term dangers for children and teens. If your child eats a THC edible, they could get very sick. No information provided by Baldwin Publishing, Inc. in any article is a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical condition. Panicking will only cause distress for your child. Up to now, nobody has ever died from a marijuana overdose. Once you have determined that they ingested THC, continue with the steps below – even if they aren’t displaying symptoms. Just because your child is acting normally doesn’t mean they’re safe. Edibles can take a while to sink in, even in a child-sized body. There is an increased risk of marijuana toxicity, poisoning, or overdose when eating or drinking food and beverages infused with marijuana compared with smoking marijuana.1 However, many consumers do not understand that the duration of onset (how long it takes for effects to be felt) is often longer with edibles because they are ingested and therefore metabolized through the digestive tract.2,3 The district didn't specify whether the gummies contained Delta 8 or Delta 9 THC, the latter stronger than the former and both legal in Texas for medical uses at lower dosages. Young children often mimic the behavior of adults. Even using marijuana one time can alter motor control, coordination and judgment. Regular use of marijuana is also linked to psychological problems, poorer lung health and a higher chance of substance use disorder in adulthood. Edible marijuana products often look just like regular sweets and snacks. Patients reported that, having eaten the suggested serving size initially, they consumed the entire edible product after not feeling any effects. In addition, products available for medicinal cannabis patients may not have limits on maximum Δ9-THC content per serving (Brohl et al., 2015). Similarly, dosage estimation for retail products may also be inexact (e.g., see Vandrey et al., 2015). Application of this metric to laboratory analysis of edibles and smokable cannabis available in Colorado suggests that 1 mg of Δ9-THC contained in an edible produces a behavioral effect similar to 5.71 mg of Δ9-THC contained in smokable cannabis. The fact that users of edibles often unintentionally ingest greater than intended amounts of Δ9-THC demonstrates the difficulty of dose titration with edibles, an issue that is not typically of concern with smoked cannabis due to its rapid distribution into the brain. Although it takes longer for the initial psychoactive effect of edibles (30 to 90 minutes) to be felt, the resulting “high” is longer-lasting, with a peak at 2 to 4 hours after ingestion (Grotenhermen, 2003). Literature regarding such cases of “cannabis-induced psychosis” is limited, but the condition is believed to be the result of overconsumption of Δ9-THC, and many of the reported cases occur following ingestion of an edible (Bui, Simpson, & Nordstrom, 2015; Favrat et al., 2005; Hudak, Severn, & Nordstrom, 2015). Generally, in healthy adult users, psychotic symptoms brought on by an overdose of cannabis last only for the duration of intoxication, but in some cases, these symptoms can persist for as long as several days. There was a single incidence of seizure (3%), which occurred in a 4-year-old girl with an unclear ingestion history, though her confirmatory urine testing was positive for cannabinoids and negative for synthetic cannabinoids. Median age and median weight were both lower in the group that needed respiratory support, but this difference was not statistically significant. Of note, the mid-point of our study coincides with the date that legal cannabis dispensaries opened in the state of Massachusetts (November 20, 2018). Once stabilized, limiting your cannabis use and seeking further treatment for cannabis use disorder are both options to help prevent future overdoses. If you are experiencing an overdose of marijuana or any type of substance, call 911 and seek medical attention immediately. By contrast, when cannabis is smoked, THC is delivered to the brain almost immediately, with maximum effects present after 30 minutes and lasting one to three and a half hours.2 Edibles are food and drink products that are made with marijuana extract. Sarah Ann Rachel Anderson, MD, PhD, is a pediatrician at ColumbiaDoctors, assistant professor of pediatrics at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, and director of medical services and quality improvement for the Primary Care Health Service at Barnard College. Legal products containing THC are sold in child-proof packaging; do not move the product to a different container. If the child is having difficulty breathing, is unconscious, or showing other signs of serious distress, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. It’s important to recognize the effects of marijuana edibles on children, potential health risks, and the steps you should take if your child accidentally ingests marijuana products. Exposure at a young age, the increasing potency of cannabis products in the market, and the availability of edibles that are appealing to children raise an issue of public health concern . Most cases of marijuana intoxication involve young children (of toddler age) and the unintentional ingestion of high-potency edible products. Our study is underpowered to fully model the complex relationships between age and the weight-based dose of THC ingested and symptom incidence and hospital disposition.The most common overdose incidents in children occur when the drug has been combined with food in an "edible" form of marijuana.Urine tests are easy to obtain, and a small amount can be collected when the child urinates.The exact mechanism of cardiac bradyarrhythmia in cannabis exposure has not been fully elucidated.Resolution of the AV block within 24 hours in the case presented may signify that this finding could be transient and supportive measures are sufficient for its management.Both studies searched through all patients presenting to the hospital system; however, Wang et al. only focused on patients less than 10 years of age .For one, edible manufacturers can do a better job at disguising their products more effectively so as not to make them look tempting to children.For teens, regular marijuana use can impair memory and concentration and may interfere with learning. Since that time, Canada published regulations for the commercial production and packaging of cannabis-containing products with the intention of reducing the risk of accidental ingestion; this includes warning labels, plain-text requirements, and child-resistant packaging. In 1970 in the United States, the Poison Prevention Packaging Act was passed with the intention of preventing children from accidental exposure to harmful chemicals, such as bleach, cleaning solutions, and prescription medications.12 However, regulation for packaging of cannabis products does not fall under the act and remains unregulated. What symptoms should prompt consideration of marijuana ingestion and how should accidental ingestion be managed? The caregiver reported cannabis products in the home in the form of gummies the caregiver takes for sleep and anxiety. A Case of Toxicity from Cannabidiol Gummy Ingestion What are the security requirements for a marijuana licensee? What are the recordkeeping requirements for marijuana licensees? Limited marijuana retail sales, Or. Cannabinoid edible labeling requirements, Or. He has seen his fair share of kids who have gotten into their caregiver's weed gummies. A person's age, weight, tolerance of cannabis, medical conditions and other exposures such as alcohol or other drugs also play a role in the potential consequences. For the study, the researchers reviewed hospitalization records for kids under 6 who consumed weed gummies from Jan. 1, 2015, to Oct. 25, 2022. Because children are small, they have a much greater risk of severe and potentially life-threatening effects from weed. For example, a girl from Nova Scotia consumed 15 times the recommended limit for adults when she got her hands on a marijuana chocolate bar. In other cases, severe damage can occur. The long-term effects are more concerning. Although marijuana can be harmful, it isn’t fatal. If your child's symptoms seem severe, call 911 or go to an emergency room right away. If your child unintentionally eats a marijuana edible, try to find out what and how much they ate. Someone experimenting with THC edibles might not feel the effects as quickly as expected. Unfortunately, so is the unintentional THC poisoning risk these products pose to kids who get a hold of them. No information concerning the amount of THC ingested was reported, nor the children’s age were reported. Edibles also typically contain more tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive ingredient in marijuana. Don't wait – marijuana is a serious drug. Discover symptoms, when to call the doctor, and new prevention options like Beyfortus. They also share a commitment to quality, excellence and family-centered care. The packaging of the THC gummies closely resembled a popular brand of candy. "It's crazy. I don't think they should be selling the stuff that looks like candy. You can't even tell the difference between the candy and the THC products." In all, 11 students were hospitalized to be monitored or treated as a precaution. Bradycardia, which was observed in this case, is an uncommon cardiovascular manifestation in children with marijuana exposure. Similar to the case presented, most ingestions occur in children less than five years old 4-8. However, many edibles contain a much higher concentration of THC than smoked cannabis . His mother and two other adults smoked cigarettes and marijuana inside the house but stated that they always placed the children in a separate room when they smoked. Here, we present the case of a previously healthy two-year-old male with sinus bradycardia and first-degree atrioventricular (AV) block following accidental ingestion of tetrahydrocannabinol-laced gummies. Edibles come in many forms—including baked goods, candies, gummies, chocolates, lozenges, and beverages—and may be homemade or prepared commercially for dispensaries.But if they consumed a 25mg gummy a few minutes ago, you can expect them to feel its effects soon and thus should monitor them closely.No matter what, if there are edibles in a family home, there is a chance a child will eat them.If you suspect a child may have ingested THC edibles, call your local poison control center.But it’s also seriously scary to see your child suffering when they accidentally ingested edibles.In order to minimize risk of accidental overdose, it is recommended that users of edibles gradually up-titrate their dose until they find an effective dose.The vast majority of research on the therapeutic efficacy of cannabinoids has been conducted using oral preparations formulated by pharmaceutical companies for the treatment of these conditions. Edibles have emerged as a popular method of cannabinoid administration in the legalized cannabis market and have proven to be quite lucrative for states, dispensaries, and manufacturers. Oregon and Alaska are still in the process of establishing regulatory systems for legalized cannabis. In 2012, Colorado and Washington became the first states to legalize retail sale, purchase, and possession of cannabis by anyone 21 and older. In Alaska, the Marijuana Control Board regulates cannabis. Since this incident, Colorado initiated new packaging and labeling rules requiring that recreational cannabis products contain no more than 100 mg of Δ9-THC and have clear demarcation of each standardized 10-mg serving (1 Colo. Code Regs. § 212-2, 2016). For example, a group of preschool teachers in California experienced nausea, dizziness, headache, and other symptoms after consuming brownies containing cannabis. Not unexpectedly, ingestion was the most common route of exposure resulting in most of these emergency room visits (Wang et al., 2014). Despite the potential promises of edibles for treatment of a variety of ailments, there are also dangers inherent in edible use that present challenges for users and policy makers. In addition to health issues that are likely confined to smoking cannabis, research has suggested that regular cannabis use may have detrimental effects on brain development, psychiatric health, and heart health (Volkow et al., 2014). Yet use of cannabis-infused edibles is not without its own set of challenges. One of these advantages may be the longer duration of action for edibles (Huestis, 2007). Certainly, the continued use of edibles despite initial nonpreference by many users suggests other advantages of this route of administration. When marijuana is eaten, more THC makes it to the liver. This was the case with New York Times columnist Maureen Dowd, who experienced an unintentional overconsumption with unpleasant and long-lastingside effects. Taking too much marijuana at once has led tooverdose. This effect can cause someone to consume much more marijuana than they are ready for. There is also the potential for harmful interactions with drugs sometimes prescribed for children’s allergic reactions. However, more research is needed to determine if supervised use of melatonin for children is safe or needed. The new report says that the vast majority of unsupervised melatonin ingestions did not result in hospitalization. Thus, children, as well as adults and household pets (Meola, Tearney, Haas, Hackett, & Mazzaferro, 2012), may unintentionally consume edibles if they are not properly safeguarded. At any rate, eating cannabis-infused edibles does not seem to affect pulmonary function or to increase cancer risk, which provides a solid rationale for choosing this route of administration as opposed to smoking cannabis, particularly for medical conditions such as cancer. However, the increased state-level legalization of cannabis for medicinal or recreational purposes may serve as an impetus for funding additional high-quality studies on the effects of cannabis on health and in treatment of disease. Survey data can be used to determine an estimate of actual consumption of edibles, which account for a substantial percentage of current cannabis use in both medicinal and recreational user groups. Medicinal use of cannabis involves obtaining a prescription for cannabis from a licensed medical professional for treatment of a medical issue (e.g., pain, muscle spasm, weight loss due to serious illness, childhood epilepsy). Colorado’s retail cannabis outlets are regulated by the Marijuana Enforcement Division in the state’s Department of Revenue, whereas the Liquor and Cannabis Board and Liquor Control Commission regulate Washington and Oregon cannabis outlets, respectively. Because cannabis is illegal at the federal level, the recreational and medicinal cannabis industries are regulated on a state-by-state basis. A nationally representative survey of US adults conducted by the US FDA found that 50 percent of adults reported that they often read the label on food products when buying a product for the first time and 29 percent sometimes read the label (Lin et al., 2016). Further, even among products reported to contain CBD, many contain only trace amounts or none at all (Vandrey et al., 2015). Other cannabinoids, most notably cannabidiol (CBD), are believed to modulate these effects (Russo, 2011; Schubart et al.), although not all research has supported this idea (Haney et al., 2016). One increasingly popular way to consume THC is through edibles. That means it’s easier than ever to get an array of products containing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana. You can also choose edibles with less enticing packaging, he said. “Remove the gummies from their packaging, put them in a child-resistant container, label it, and place in a locked cabinet,” he said. CBD is one of many cannabinoids found in marijuana and marijuana-derived products. Further, patient history revealed that he had consumed two packages of CBD gummies, totaling 370 mg total of CBD (serving size on the package was 30 mg). A 56-year-old male with no known history of substance abuse and no known prior medical conditions presented via ambulance to the emergency department after being found by coworkers with bizarre behavior, vomiting, and slurred speech. Cleaning supplies, medications and fuel-burning appliances can pose serious health risks to kids. It’s important to talk to your kids about marijuana. With marijuana ingestion, neurologic symptoms predominate but cardiovascular manifestations have also been observed. This makes sense as legal “recreational” THC edibles in many states are limited to 10 mg THC per serving, but in Pennsylvania our team routinely encounters individual gummies or treats with 100 to 500 mg of THC. All of Canada legalized “recreational” use of marijuana at the same time, but Quebec province restricted sale of edibles. Our data continually demonstrate that edible candy and food forms of THC pose the greatest risk to children and were implicated in 62% of our child cases in 2023. The Center for Injury Research and Prevention (CIRP) previously reported on the rise in child injury from marijuana-related products here and here. This deceptive marketing of unproven treatments raises significant public health concerns because patients and other consumers may use them instead of approved therapies to treat serious and even fatal diseases.Avoid using edibles in front of them, so they aren’t curious or tempted to try them.“Remove the gummies from their packaging, put them in a child-resistant container, label it, and place in a locked cabinet,” he said.In 2020, the AAPCC received nearly 3,000 calls about children who were accidentally exposed to edible marijuana.If you or someone you love is struggling with marijuana or edible use, you’re not alone.Dr. Peiper works with Dr. Scott Novak on National Institutes of Health (NIH)- and SAMHSA-funded grants related to prescription drugs, injection drug use, marijuana, and psychiatric comorbidity.We see more, treat more and heal more children than any hospital in our seven-state region.Nutritional information labels for edible cannabis products also vary across states. The patient underwent supportive care with intravenous fluids, oxygen, anti-emetics, continuous stimulation, and close neurologic monitoring with full recovery by the following morning. He had legally purchased cannabidiol (CBD) gummies marketed for pain and anxiety relief at a gas station several hours prior. Our specialists are nationally ranked and globally recognized for delivering the best possible care in pediatrics. Learn how we're addressing community health needs Some healthcare professionals listed on our website have medical privileges to practice at Children’s Hospital Colorado, but they are community providers. When you give to Children's Colorado, you're helping us to reimagine children's health through patient care, education, research and advocacy. Because edible products have high concentrations of THC, they can lead to severe symptoms when ingested by a young child. Because we don't yet have the research and science findings to know the full effects, doctors do not fully understand marijuana's long-term effects on children after acute exposures. Camille K. Gourdet, JD, MA, is a public health research policy analyst in the Center for Health Policy Science and Tobacco Research at RTI International. Her research also assesses the impact of educational interventions on outcomes related to healthy eating and foodborne illness prevention. Such risks can be reduced through standardization of product formulations, adequate quality control measures, and appropriate product labeling.