New York legalized the sale of recreational and edible cannabis products and began sales of gummies and other edibles at state licensed facilities at the end of 2022. A dozen students at William Floyd Middle School in Moriches were sickened and 11 were taken to hospitals after they ingested marijuana edible gummies handed out by another student on Monday, Suffolk police and school district officials said. An emergency room pediatrician is seeing an uptick in children consuming pot-laced edibles that often look and taste like regular candy — and these kids get more than a sugar high. Across the United States, cases of children and teenagers consuming cannabis-infused products are on the rise. 7 middle school students taken to hospital after eating THC Rice Krispy treatsNews1 Prosper preschool teacher pleads guilty after toddlers eat THC gummiesFOX4 Lexington, NC – A North Carolina mother is facing charges after her 4-year-old daughter was hospitalized earlier this month when she allegedly consumed THC gummies that were left within reach, according to law enforcement. Reynolds added that parents can go a step further and store their cannabis products in lockboxes or treat them like medication. If possible, it is best to avoid keeping edibles at home, she said. Despite these conflicting reports, several information sources recommended flumazenil as a potential treatment for coma due to cannabis intoxication (Molly et al., 2012; Miningou, 2014; Lavi et al., 2016). Flumazenil successfully reversed cannabis intoxication-related coma in one case (Rubio et al., 1993), although it was unsuccessful in another (Carstairs et al., 2011). Generally, observation, supportive care and symptom-specific treatments were the most commonly recommended clinical management strategies (Richards et al., 2017a). Route of exposure, source of cannabis, and location of exposure were more frequently discussed in information sources reporting on clinical information than in sources discussing public health impacts (Table 1). Exposure details were variably reported; intent (e.g. intentional, unintentional, etc.) was reported most often, followed by form of cannabis (Table 1). However, there are no absolute changes that rule in or rule out cannabis use so any vital sign or physical exam abnormality should be thoughtfully considered (Table 1). While this is a brief summary list of common changes, we note these so that clinicians may be aware of potential effects. Reported changes in vital signs and physical exam findings that can occur in adults as a result of cannabis use are noted below. Consent for publication Studies have repeatedly shown that children and youth face unique and significant health risks when it comes to cannabis, whether through intentional use or accidental exposure (21–23). Since marijuana legalization, pediatric exposures to cannabis have increased.1 To date, pediatric deaths from cannabis exposure have not been reported. Single-substance pediatric cannabis exposures reported to the Michigan Poison Center increased after medical cannabis was legalized in 2008 through recreational legalization in 2018… Teenagers (13–17 years) had the highest number of inhalational exposures, whereas young children (0–5 years) had the highest number of ingestions. Foy said cases of kids ingesting marijuana edibles were rare at Stony Brook before 2020 but have risen to about a dozen a year since then. This incident, following a similar one in South Africa, highlights the dangers of illicit drug-laced products being sold to unsuspecting children. Despite the decriminalization of cannabis in Jamaica, the government does not allow the import of edibles containing drugs. Look at the edible's wrapper to see how much THC it contains. Edible THC products were involved in more than half the cases. The study found packaging regulations like these aren't enough to keep kids safe. Marijuana was legalized in Colorado for medical use in 2000 and for recreational use in 2012. Children with acute cannabis intoxication can experience potentially life-threatening symptoms such as coma, bradycardia and respiratory depression (Onders et al., 2016; Vo et al., 2018); however, the overall number of cases remains low, and deaths or significant morbidity are rarely reported (Gummin et al., 2019). Cannabis edibles can be more easily prepared at home than alcohol or tobacco products and may pose increased risk for cannabis intoxication due to questionable THC dosing (Wang, 2019). From this review, it appears current practice for management of acute pediatric cannabis intoxication is based on case reports, non-interventional observational studies, and clinical gestalt. We conducted a scoping review to map the available evidence around several facets of acute cannabis intoxication in children. The physician also observed that caregivers were more willing to admit to accidental cannabis exposures in their children post-legalization, making it easier to treat those patients (Hoffman and Habibi, 2016). As states legalize cannabis, a growing number of children are inadvertently consuming marijuana-infused foods. Four Camden County middle school students were treated at a hospital this week after they consumed what a school official said were marijuana gummies. The impact of legalization on trends in hospital encounters for marijuana exposures in young children across states remains unknown. Interestingly, of the twelve children included in this study, three (25%) required admission to intensive care, though all were discharged home within 12 h. These alarming statistics reflect the broader challenges posed by the legalization and commercialization of cannabis. The school district responded by emphasizing the importance of anti-drug education and promising appropriate disciplinary actions. As THC-infused products become more accessible and cleverly disguised as everyday snacks, the potential for accidental or intentional misuse continues to rise. The teen brain is actively developing and continues to develop until around age 25. We suspect this since 6 of the 7 patients were aged 2 and under (8, 9, 10, 15, and 19 months old and 2 years old) while the seventh patient was 3 years old.In February, the Canadian Paediatric Society recommended that Health Canada ban cannabis products resembling gummy bears or other treats that may be attractive to children when edibles become legal in the fall.Additionally, articles published within Cureus should not be deemed a suitable substitute for the advice of a qualified health care professional.“They’re often packaged in wrappers and bags with logos and colors that look similar to traditional candy brands.”..Municipalities should be more responsible because the lives of children matter more than them making money.”Of 116 who had used cannabis, the authors documented 33 MIs, 27 ischemic strokes, 5 cases of thromboangiitis obliterans, 4 hemorrhagic strokes, 2 myopericarditis cases, and 11 deaths from cardiovascular disease.The high presentation rate among individuals with mental and alcohol necessitates the development of strategies to educate and mitigate potential causes of hospitalization among all age groups and races or ethnicity. However, with increasing availability due to state legalization, increasing percentages of THC in botanicals and newly developed cannabis concentrates, this may be changing. The most common adverse effects reported were agitation (35.3%), tachycardia (29.0%), drowsiness or lethargy (26.3%), vomiting (16.4%), and confusion (4.2%). Major complications noted in the study were cardiovascular (e.g., MI, stroke), acute kidney injury, tonic-clonic seizures, nausea/vomiting, and psychiatric problems (e.g., agitation, psychosis, panic attack, anxiety, paranoia, hallucinations, suicidality). Most cases were observed in an acute setting, received supportive care (e.g., oxygen, IV fluids, benzodiazepines) and discharged within 8 h. One ED found that SCRA overdoses had significantly more cardiotoxic and neurotoxic effects compared with cannabis . Additionally, cannabis use impacts their ambition, achievement, and productivity.In many cases the children accidentally ate illegal edibles that looked like regular candy or other foods and were stored in places kids could easily access, like refrigerators and freezers.The earliest account of CHS comes from an article in 2004 reporting 19 South Australian patients with chronic cannabis abuse and cyclic vomiting .If the patient is having mild psychiatric symptoms but not demonstrating harmful or self-injurious behavior, the clinician should consider a one-to-one observation.Additional research on pediatric exposures to edible cannabis products is needed to fully elucidate the incidence of key signs, symptoms, and outcomes in relationship to the amount of edible product consumed.It’s easy for children to mistake them for candy, as the packages can be bright and colorful with designs that mimic actual candy labels.The highest presentation rates are among individuals ages years and years across all years included in this study, as shown in Figure 2. Couple accused of smoking weed, leaving three children unattended in hotelWJHG Woodstock man charged after his juvenile girlfriend used his cannabis device, leading to her being hospitalizedLMCS Four Southwest High students treated after becoming sick from drinking cannabis-infused beverageKENS5 According to a study published in Pediatrics, the number of children under six who accidentally ingested cannabis edibles increased from 207 cases in 2017 to over 3,000 cases in 2021.She said having to discuss edibles with her fifth grader was unexpected.“Part of the issue here is, parents shouldn’t be keeping that kind of thing in their house where kids can get to it,” Tarchichi said, “and we shouldn’t have this breakout of marijuana dispensaries everywhere you go, including near schools.Synthetic cannabinoid-receptor agonists (SCRA, aka “synthetic marijuana”) are manufactured cannabinoid receptor agonists that are produced to selectively bind to cannabinoid receptors.Their smaller body size means they are more susceptible to the toxic effects of THC, which can include severe agitation, decreased breathing, and prolonged sedation.Decriminalization of marijuana, which refers to removing criminal penalties and replacing them with civil penalties, such as fines and mandatory treatment, began as early as the 1970s.Accidental exposures were found to have a statistically significant association with younger age, lower weight, admission, a urine drug screen collection, bradypnea, and hypertension. Some had found unintentional health impacts on kids. The number of states that legalized recreational cannabis more than doubled in the last five years. While most suffered mild impacts, about one in five were hospitalized. It is important that this information is communicated to this generation for their health, happiness, and productivity. Sign up for newsletters DFor pediatric patients, respiratory depression and hypoventilation have been reported CFor pediatric patients, dilated pupils are commonly reported but midpoint and pinpoint are also reported AFor pediatric patients, tachycardia has more commonly been reported but bradycardia has additionally been observed While these time frames are variable, dose-dependent, and were described before the newer concentrated cannabis products were developed, it gives the ED physician a general sense of the expected duration of effects over time. The most common modes of cannabis usage are inhalation and ingestion. Similar incidents have been reported across the country, highlighting a growing public health issue. While the exact source of the gummies remains unclear, the incident has sparked widespread concern among parents, educators, and health officials. On a Monday morning in March 2025, a student at William Floyd Middle School distributed marijuana gummies to at least a dozen classmates. Compared with teens who do not use cannabis, teens who use cannabis are more likely to quit high school or not get a college degree.2 This risk of occurrence and psychological comorbidities 38,39 need to be carefully accessed to ensure individuals at risk are targeted with coordinated public health educational initiatives at local, state, and national levels. Providers, especially in the ER, urgent care centers, and primary provider settings, need to carefully access presentations that may be cannabis related and treat them accordingly. As shown in this study, the rate of cannabis use among individuals with mental and alcohol use disorders continues to increase. Our findings are consistent with the findings of other studies that show an increase in hospitalizations related to cannabis use 7,24. Moreover, given the established relationship with cannabis use, increased accidents, and poor psychosocial outcomes in adulthood , the development of public health strategies is in tandem with local legislative and legalization processes. 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. With marijuana ingestion, neurologic symptoms predominate but cardiovascular manifestations have also been observed. Use of cannabis among parents with children in the home has increased , which may also contribute to the risk of accidental ingestion of cannabis products by children due to increased accessibility. Additional research on pediatric exposures to edible cannabis products is needed to fully elucidate the incidence of key signs, symptoms, and outcomes in relationship to the amount of edible product consumed. Of the ten retrospective studies referenced in the 2017 systematic review on pediatric exposures to edible cannabis products by Richards et al., only four of the studies were from hospital-based data, and the remainder of the studies were based on poison center data . The research will aid in understanding marijuana policies' effects on the healthcare system. If their symptoms are severe, they could be admitted to the hospital for observation overnight. A child who has ingested marijuana might just need to be observed in the emergency room for a few hours. In addition, cannabis products sold in Canada must not have packaging that could appeal to young persons. Four doctors testified in favor of the bill, including Dr. Rob Hendrickson, the medical director of the Oregon Poison Center. “We need to reckon with this a little bit,” said Sen. Lisa Reynolds, a Portland Democrat and pediatrician who chairs the Senate Early Childhood and Behavioral Health Committee. Alan is also warning parents that often THC and Marijuana products can look like candy. It can be, if they’re age-appropriate,” Alan said. The school is asking parents to have conversations at home with their students about these substances and the importance of not sharing food or snacks at school, according to the email. Edible cannabis products pose a high risk to children because it’s easy to take too much and they can be mistaken for ordinary treats. “These early results highlight the urgency of prioritizing the needs of children and youth in policy and education initiatives, especially as edibles become legalized later this year.” While younger children seem to be more at risk for significant symptoms such as respiratory depression and lethargy, larger studies are needed to explore the relationship between THC dosage, age, and incidence of adverse outcomes. The issues surrounding cannabis decriminalization and legalization are complex and involve nuanced health, economic, and sociocultural considerations. Of the patients admitted to the hospital, the majority (7/12; 58%) had a length of stay shorter than 24 h. The majority of patients were ultimately discharged from the Emergency Department (25; 68%); eleven patients (30%) required a medical ward admission; and one patient was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit. Alternative forms of cannabis as well as electronic vapor use have added to accessibility as well as potency of the drug.4, 5 The chemical components of cannabis, known as cannabinoids, are responsible for exerting psychoactive and sedative effects after binding to specific receptors in the brain. Physicians, parents, and children alike need to be aware of these risks. Cannabis is the most used recreational drug in the United States, with increasing use by children and adolescents. Nearly half of the patients (16; 43%) presented within 2 h of ingestion. Nearly half of the patients (18; 49%) arrived at our hospital by car; another 18 (49%) arrived by ambulance. There were a total of 22 males (59%) and 15 females (41%) included in the study, with a mean age of 5.9±3.8 years (range 0.9 to 17.4 years). Additionally, articles published within Cureus should not be deemed a suitable substitute for the advice of a qualified health care professional. Such an approach would aid in developing public health education and mitigation strategies in tandem with legislation that legalizes cannabis. Inpatient presentations are not isolated to areas with higher states with cannabis legalization, medical or recreational. There has been a consistent increase in pediatric edible cannabis exposures over the past 5 years, with the potential for significant toxicity. Do you have questions about the effects of drugs, chemicals, radiation, or infections in children? The mission of the PRETx program is to promote child health through evidence-based research in therapeutics in pediatric emergency medicine. Symptoms typically presented 2 to 4 hours after ingestion, and patients with severe toxicity experienced symptoms for more than 6 hours. Grant’s study will continue until October 2020 and will monitor trends following the legalization of edibles in the fall. According to marijuana czar Andrew Freedman, the state was unprepared for the risks posed by edibles. Physicians should advise adults who are using edibles to keep them locked up, and make sure teens understand that edibles work differently than smoked cannabis, Grant said. The study captures only the most serious adverse events involving cannabis that resulted in hospitalizations, permanent disability and death, she explained. “You have to be careful what you leave out and have around your children. To see what works for you, experiment with a variety of options, be responsible, and listen carefully to yourself. The proper edible will assist you in sleeping, soothe pain, or improve your mood. For novices, starting with a low dose of 2.5 to 5 mg of THC is advisable, as effects can last for six hours or longer. Periodic reflection and minor tweaking can keep your self-care plan sustainable and more effective over time. Oliver, who had eaten 15 gummies, isn’t the only child who has landed in the hospital after consuming edibles. The problem of children having access to and consuming edible marijuana products is widespread enough to be frightening. 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. Because edible products have very high amounts of marijuana, the symptoms are more severe on a small child. Owing to regulatory changes in Canada and the United States in the past decade, unintentional marijuana ingestion should be highly considered in the differential diagnosis of patients younger than 6 years old presenting with acute onset of somnolence, altered mental status, lethargy, or similar symptoms. Consideration of this clinical presentation is critical for acute care providers. Our data confirm increased paediatric hospital visits related to unintentional cannabis exposures post-legalization. Twelve patients (32%) required admission to the hospital, the majority of whom stayed The majority of exposures were to edibles (28; 76%) in the home setting (30; 81%). A total of 37 patients (22 male) met inclusion criteria, mean age 5.9±3.8 years. Retrospective studies have indicated that cannabis use may accelerate the onset of schizophrenia 12,13. More clinical studies are needed to study the causal association between these conditions due to the rising mortality risk . More than half of the patients presented psychiatric disorders, and almost a third presented respiratory system disorders or cardiovascular disorders . A decade ago, marijuana was illegal across the United States, but the plant is now legal for medicinal purposes in 36 states and completely legal in 15 . The establishment of the 2018 United States farm bill, under federal law, enabled several states to re-examine policies since the bill removed hemp seeds from the statutory definition of marijuana. Clinical information There is no standard dose of THC in cannabis-infused drinks, and the THC content varies by product and manufacturer. Some companies offer free same-day or next-day delivery, and the drinks are also available in some cannabis dispensaries. Common brands of cannabis-infused drinks include Cann®, Keef®, and Artet®. Dexmedetomidine was used to treat intermittent agitation in a lethargic toddler with acute pediatric cannabis intoxication who had failed to tolerate a benzodiazepine bolus (Cipriani et al., 2015). Several information sources remarked on the lack of an effective antidote for acute cannabis intoxication, (Levene et al., 2019; Wong and Baum, 2019; Bonkowsky et al., 2005; Nguyen and Cho, 2016; Thomas and Mazor, 2017; Thomas et al., 2017) but no comparative studies that evaluated the effectiveness of interventions for acute cannabis intoxication were reported. Overall, 116 (73%) information sources discussed clinical aspects of acute pediatric cannabis intoxication. Eight (24%) primary sources evaluated associations between risk factors and acute cannabis intoxications, seven of which (all in the USA) reported a positive association between acute cannabis intoxications and decriminalization (Cao et al., 2016; Thomas et al., 2018, 2019; Wang et al., 2013, 2014, 2016, 2019; Onders et al., 2016). We therefore would advise clinicians to immediately assess for CNS depression and any signs of respiratory compromise in a pediatric patient, particularly in infants and young toddlers exposed to concentrates, and maintain a low threshold for intubation to avoid respiratory insufficiency as a potential complication. After his ingestion, he developed the fear of dying and chest pain 30 min later. Whether a mechanism of injury exists between cannabis use and ACS is unknown though multiple theories exist 67–69. This is because marijuana ingested in this manner can have a stronger and prolonged effect, especially in children under the age of 12 years old. The most common overdose incidents in children occur when the drug has been combined with food in an “edible” form of marijuana. In contrast, after ingestion of marijuana in the form of food or beverage, the onset of symptoms can take as long as one to four hours, and symptoms can last for several hours. This study recommended any child with a reported history of high-dose ingestion should be monitored for at least 4 to 6 hours until return to baseline, and in a facility where they could be admitted for treatment.15,18 Mild symptoms of marijuana toxicity in children are somnolence, nausea, vomiting, mydriasis, and conjunctival erythema.9 Patients with abnormal heart rates usually have tachycardia but can have bradycardia. In the United States, cannabis-infused drinks may also contain other substances including caffeine, alcohol, cannabidiol (CBD), or delta-8 THC. A 4-year-old boy drank his mother’s cannabis-infused drink. These drinks, which can be purchased at dispensaries or online, contain various amounts of THC in addition to alcohol, caffeine, or other cannabis derivatives. High-CBD or indica-dominant cannabis gummies are typically favored for slumber, especially those marked as best edibles for sleep support with added melatonin. Combining these cannabis edibles with alcohol or sedatives can increase the risk of side effects such as heavy drowsiness or heart strain. Cannabis edibles, including popular options like cannabis gummies, aren’t regulated the same way globally. Mindful Practices Mindfulness and cannabis edibles, such as CBD gummies and THC gummies, can enhance your experience. Most were under age 5. Edibles also typically contain more tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive ingredient in marijuana. Don't wait – marijuana is a serious drug. Additionally, cannabis can be addictive, with 9% of users becoming dependent on the drug. After adding in Cochrane searches, we employed a Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses search strategy to identify the most commonly reported topic areas related to the ED care of patients exposed to cannabis (Fig. 1). A new study in the journal Pediatrics finds a huge spike in accidental consumption of edible weed among children 5 and younger. The current trend of increasing marijuana use and availability will negatively impact the physical and mental health of children. Build Confidence With Cannabis Edibles At Woodland Cannabis Dispensary Unfortunately, edibles resemble regular candy and the packaging is very poorly labeled." If you suspect your child has consumed an edible, Martin says to first call Poison Control. She notes that the effects of an edible can last up to 12 hours. A study published earlier this year in the journal Pediatrics found that calls to poison control centers for kids younger than 6 consuming cannabis-infused goodies rose from 207 in 2017 to 3,054 in 2021. Martin recognized the signs of cannabis poisoning and suspected that the little boy had accidentally ingested a marijuana product. According to Albany County Sheriff Craig Apple, a 4-year-old girl was hospitalized after she accidentally consumed high-potency THC gummies that were mistaken for candy. If you have children, you know there are a million things we worry about when it comes to their safety, especially when it comes to the things they eat or drink. A 4-year-old girl was rushed to the hospital after she accidentally ate high-potency THC gummies that were mistaken for candy. Clinicians should consider cannabis toxicity in any child with sudden onset of lethargy or ataxia. Twenty (18%) were admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit, and 7 (6%) were intubated. Of these, an estimated 13,304 ED visits were more specifically related to substance use-related symptoms or procedures. The National Hospital Care Survey estimated 29,230 ED visits for cannabinoids in the USA during 2013 using a sample of 82 of 581 hospitals . There were 25,997,000 estimated to have used cannabis within the past month in 2017 or 9.6% of the US population, a statistically significant increase from the prior year. Lifetime usage in 2017 was estimated at 122,943,000, or 45.2% of the US population, a statistically significant increase from the previous year. There is some evidence that the impact is permanent in younger developing brains.50, 55, 56, 57 Although the poor neuropsychological functioning in association with cannabis use in children has been consistently proven, the literature has been inconsistent in demonstrating the negative impact of cannabis on neuroimaging. Many adverse effects are gastrointestinal (nausea, emesis, diarrhea), although there are case reports of respiratory depression and psychogenic effects.17, 18, 19, 20 Management of cannabinoids acute overdose is mostly symptomatic. The clinical presentation of acute CBD intoxication is usually benign, although there are occasions of inadvertent adulteration of these products with THC. Between 2017 and 2018, Utah reported 52 cases of poisoning from ingestion of CBD oil that produced symptoms that included hallucinations, nausea, vomiting, seizures, and loss of consciousness.16 Further investigation found that this was due to a synthetic cannabinoid, 4‐cyano CUMYL‐BUTINACA in many of the samples. Because children are small, they have a much greater risk of severe and potentially life-threatening effects from weed. A total of 327 (76.8%) exposures were from cannabis ingestion, 79 (18.5%) from inhalation, 2 (0.5%) from both ingestion and inhalation, and 18 (4.2%) from unknown route. Mother works to draw awareness about ‘pot poisoning’ in children NBC , June 30 Those requiring medical care jumped astronomically, too… Table 1 describes information source type, population, care setting, and reporting of exposure details by our four review questions. We narratively summarized quantity and coverage of information within each of our four review questions to provide an overview of the main findings, while highlighting gaps in the evidence. Since the nature of scoping reviews is to examine the breadth of literature on a particular topic, rather than conduct a quantitative synthesis, most variables were extracted as “reported” if they were discussed in an information source, regardless of whether the information source actively collected data on that topic. PART 2 - How Kids Can Help Parents Struggling with Addiction: A Compassionate Guide The school district followed up with families the next day, calling the situation an isolated incident. Alan said symptoms can appear 30 minutes to two hours after consumption. “I don’t think there is a concrete dose that is too much for a child. No criminal charges will be filed and any discipline will be handled at the school level. “And that was something that I just didn't see before we legalized marijuana in the state of Michigan.” “These kids show up looking potentially extremely sick, and really require all of our resuscitative efforts to save their lives,” said Dr. Erica Michiels, an emergency medicine physician and the chair of pediatrics at Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital in Grand Rapids. Deeply reported insights into legislation, politics and policy from Sacramento, Washington and beyond. “If they are showing any signs or symptoms that are serious, we usually recommend they see their physician.” Reports of marijuana exposure to poison control centers also might be up because “people feel freer to call poison centers now that use is legal,” Gieringer said. With increasing cannabis use and the availability of different products including “edibles,” exposure of children to this harmful substance has become a public health concern . If a young child eats marijuana edibles or if a child of any age is unable to walk, is vomiting or suffering other serious symptoms, parents should call the Poison Control Center or seek emergency care, according to Harris. Improving guidance for clinical management of pediatric acute cannabis intoxication patients may reduce health resource use (e.g. unnecessary diagnostic testing), as well as unnecessary harms (i.e. distress, pain, radiation exposure from diagnostic imaging) (Zarider et al., 2015). 9 students at Commerce City middle school taken to hospital after ingesting marijuana ediblesFox News Denver Local expert speaks on the rise of children consuming marijuana ediblesWLNS.com RCMP investigating after three children eat cannabis gummies on school bus in ManitobaThe Growth Op Officials urged parents to securely store cannabis edibles and educate children about the dangers of ingesting them. 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. Common symptoms of marijuana ingestion in young children are drowsiness, somnolence, nausea, and vomiting, with children being at high risk for severe symptoms of respiratory depression and seizures. The caregiver reported cannabis products in the home in the form of gummies the caregiver takes for sleep and anxiety. As cannabis laws evolve and the marijuana business expands, incidents involving THC-infused edibles in schools are becoming more frequent. Yoga is the perfect marriage of body awareness and cannabis gummies, enhancing relaxation and can be combined with relaxing music for added effect. For anxiety, CBD-only or CBD-heavy edibles are appropriate for all-day use without intoxication. Choosing premium extracts, particularly the best edibles, often leads to a more effective and healthful experience. So, I’m not really quite sure what kids know nowadays about edibles.” She said having to discuss edibles with her fifth grader was unexpected. This afternoon, five (5)students reported feeling ill as a result of ingesting an unknown substance at lunch brought from another child’s home. The students, ages 13 and 14, got sick after taking the gummies. The most commonly used ED method to screen for cannabis is a urine drug screen (UDS), which uses an immunoassay to detect the delta-9-THC metabolite 11-nor-delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol-9-carboxylic acid (9-carboxy-THC). Thus, while there appears to be no conclusive evidence on whether cannabis causes psychosis, ED physicians should consider the possible relationship in an undifferentiated psychotic patient, particularly if that patient is a daily or high-potency cannabis user, until further evidence is elucidated. In contrast, a critical review of the relationship between cannabis and psychosis reports no evidence that cannabis causes psychosis . When you ask him if he smokes, he answers breathlessly, “no, but I vape.” On further questioning, you learn he buys his products from “friends” and he dabs but has never been to a legal cannabis dispensary. Studies report that women are more likely to suffer from cannabis withdrawal symptoms and suffer worse compared to men 108, 109. Estimates of up to one third of regular cannabis users report withdrawal, which occur in both teenagers and adults but is generally more frequent and severe in the latter . Exposed patients may be buying on the rumor (fake is safe and undetectable) but may abstain with education (fake is not safe and increasingly likely to be detected). There may be overlapping signs and symptoms and no clear way to distinguish between the two other than a detailed history. In summary, the clinician should not confuse a cannabis exposure with a synthetic cannabinoid exposure, the latter of which is more likely to be severe and life-threatening. Infused beverages that contain other ingredients, including alcohol and caffeine, may cause other side effects.Of the patients admitted to the hospital, the majority (7/12; 58%) had a length of stay shorter than 24 h.Route of exposure, source of cannabis, and location of exposure were more frequently discussed in information sources reporting on clinical information than in sources discussing public health impacts (Table 1).A 30-year-old previously healthy man is brought into the ED from the airport after he could not be woken up to disembark from his return flight from Amsterdam.State regulations don't allow children in dispensaries without a parent or guardian, and advertisements cannot target those under 21.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 .Other clinical effects noted include tremor, hallucinations, nystagmus, slurred speech, and muscle weakness.11, 31, 32 In the Claudet et al28 study, the majority (70%) of children suffering from neurological impairment were admitted, with 34% going to the ICU with Glasgow Coma Scala 29 reports a high hospitalization rate for observation, but overall favorable outcomes without established sequelae. Marijuana (cannabis) is now legal for medical or recreational use in most U.S. states. The case has reignited debates over cannabis regulation in Thailand, particularly concerning child safety. And the edibles are extremely appealing in terms of the packaging, the colors. Although yet unknown, neuropsychological tests may improve or recover with prolonged abstinence, as this has been observed in some studies but not others.51, 60 The age of onset of cannabis use, as well as frequency and duration of use likely all impact recoverability. Some older teenagers involved in reports to poison control are experimenting with pot they buy outside of retail stores on the black market. The number of calls to poison control centers involving people 19 and younger who were exposed to marijuana has steadily risen from 347 three years ago to 588 last year. The superintendent says any student caught bringing drugs to school will face suspension. This study has a few key limitations to note, primarily its small sample size. In a systematic review of case series and case reports of accidental paediatric cannabis exposures by Richards et al. (28), the authors document a far higher rate of toxicology studies being performed. In a case series conducted in San Francisco by Vo et al. (27), tachycardia (83%), lethargy (50%), and vomiting (42%) were also commonly documented among paediatric patients. A review of the clinical features of our patients reveals a non-specific presentation of altered level of consciousness, somnolence, and vomiting. We describe the clinical features and circumstances surrounding unintentional paediatric cannabis exposures. However, there was a study done in 2023 that suggested that a dose of 1.7 milligrams per kilogram predicted more severe toxicity in the children,” Alan said. We spoke to Sheriff Apple, and he emphasized the importance of keeping products like this out of the sight of children. The children discovered THC-infused gummies in one of the men’s lunchboxes labeled "Super Smacked Bears," and each began to eat them. Severe symptoms (including lethargy and respiratory depression), need for respiratory support and hospital admission were more frequent in younger children.Cannabis is the most popular illicit drug worldwide and is now used for both medicinal and non-medical purposes (United Nations, 2019).The accidental exposure group was younger with a median age of 5 years (range 1–17), compared to the intentional group with a median age of 16 years (range 13–17).Exposure details were variably reported; intent (e.g. intentional, unintentional, etc.) was reported most often, followed by form of cannabis (Table 1).Self-care is more than a one-off action or product; it’s about integrating habits and decisions that nurture your health.The most common presenting symptoms are drowsiness, lethargy, or somnolence, which were also observed in the index patient.Oregon’s bill is similar to a 2017 Washington law requiring that single servings of edibles don’t exceed 10 milligrams.This informational paper summarizes the current literature on cannabis in children, including incidence, short‐ and long‐term effects and uses. THC, the psychoactive compound in cannabis, can have severe effects on young users. The visual similarities are striking from gummies resembling Sour Patch Kids to chips packaged like Doritos. One of the most concerning aspects of this issue is the packaging of THC edibles. In California, for example, two elementary school students were hospitalized after consuming THC-infused candy during a Halloween event in 2023. While chatting with TODAY.com Martin said the most common symptoms of accidental marijuana poisonings in children, include balance issues, vomiting and excessive sleepiness. Roughly 97% of the children discovered the edibles at home, per the report. As these products become more prevalent and cleverly disguised, the risks to children and teenagers continue to grow. The rate of admissions for patients with cannabis use was higher across all years from 197 in 2012 to 334 in 2018.Of particular note, our study partially overlapped with the COVID-19 pandemic period."We're going to have to check students at the middle school now for any type of candy that's not in a candy wrapper," said Tarchichi.They should be kept out of reach of children and stored in a lockbox.In one multicenter retrospective study among 876,431 teenagers with cannabis use disorder, 4,043 (0.5%) had arrhythmia.He feels tingly all over, short of breath, and the same panic he had the last time he tried cannabis.The majority of pediatric exposures are treated, evaluated, and released from the emergency department without aggressive treatment,32 but prolonged coma, seizure‐like activity, and other symptoms requiring ICU admission have been described.28, 31, 33, 34, 35“You have to be careful what you leave out and have around your children.It will also allow researchers to access the need for further studies and medical education regarding medicinal marijuana. Keeping edibles near food creates a "really high risk for toddlers" and puts them "in the reach of teens," she said. The effect typically peaks within a few hours and wears off within 4 to 6 hours for most adults, and within 12 to 24 hours for very young children who ingest a large amount, she said. It typically takes up to an hour for a marijuana edible to take effect, Foy said. The distinction starts with how our bodies metabolize these cannabis products. “I’m asking that this bill be tabled so that we can actually come back for a solution towards education that prioritizes what cannabis products are, how to responsibly consume them and how to responsibly store them,” he said. Oregon’s bill is similar to a 2017 Washington law requiring that single servings of edibles don’t exceed 10 milligrams. In 2014, Colorado became the first state to legalize marijuana for recreational use.4, 5, 13, 14 These trends suggest a more normative view of marijuana in general.Edibles also typically contain more tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive ingredient in marijuana.Currently, there are significant gaps in the literature related to evidence-based clinical management strategies, environmental and social risk factors of acute cannabis intoxication to target prevention, and support for HCPs and families.Since marijuana legalization, pediatric exposures to cannabis have increased.1 To date, pediatric deaths from cannabis exposure have not been reported.Although acute exposure events appear to occur infrequently, cases that are not serious or life-threatening can still be stressful events for families and thus have potential for harm.The active ingredient is believed to be tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is also responsible for intoxication.A 3-year-old girl was brought to my office by her caregiver because she was not acting like herself.That's why it's important for parents to understand how much THC is contained in edible products and how THC is absorbed in the body. Median age and median weight were both lower in the group that needed respiratory support, but this difference was not statistically significant. Accidental exposures were found to have a statistically significant association with younger age, lower weight, admission, a urine drug screen collection, bradypnea, and hypertension. The accidental exposure group was younger with a median age of 5 years (range 1–17), compared to the intentional group with a median age of 16 years (range 13–17). While not statistically significant, the older age group had larger median ingested doses of THC with a median of 2.3 mg/kg compared to the younger age group with a median of 1.4 mg/kg. Police on Tuesday clarified that the matter is under investigation, after saying on Monday that discipline would be handled by the school. Eleven of the students were hospitalized, Montalto added. This story was reported by John Asbury, Nicholas Grasso, Tom Lambui and Maura McDermott. To start, inconsistent language and keywords makes comprehensive searches in this field challenging; of 81 included information sources identified by reference and citation searching, 34 were published and indexed in MEDLINE at least 1 month before the initial search. Although acute exposure events appear to occur infrequently, cases that are not serious or life-threatening can still be stressful events for families and thus have potential for harm. One issue highlighted by this review is the discrepancy between characterization of the scope of the problem (e.g. “a serious public health concern”) (Richards et al., 2017b) and available evidence. However, this concern is impossible to evaluate in the current literature because of the very small number of information sources in this review that reported race or ethnicity. Similarly, information sources frequently suggested that – due to social or legal consequences – parents/families may be unwilling to report potential exposure, knowledge of which may influence clinical management decisions. Therefore, if a patient using cannabis presents with any cardiac symptoms, particularly one with known structural heart disease, we would recommend treating the patient as a potential cardiac patient first and foremost keeping in mind that even young people may have undiagnosed structural heart disease or could have a dysrhythmia. This was his first experience with cannabis, and the dose was estimated to be 70 mg, which is 7 times the single serving size of an edible allowed by California or recommended by Colorado . These authors found insufficient evidence of a relationship between cannabis and cardiovascular risk factors and clinical outcomes citing various methodological limitations in their cited study designs. Road Rage Driver Pursues Ambulance Carrying Critical Patient in Chiang Mai In an observational study of acute cannabis exposures reported to two poison control centers, tachycardia was seen 55% (77/140), bradycardia 5% (7/140), hypertension 33% (27/82), hypotension in 9% (7/82), and hypoxemia 5% (3/55) across all age groups. In this article, we first provide a summary background on newer cannabis products, inhalation and ingestion pharmacokinetics, reported and expected vital sign and physical exam findings, adverse effects, and laboratory testing. With marijuana becoming legal in a growing number of states, cannabis edibles like gummies are being manufactured. One study in Colorado documented a rise in the number of children accidentally consuming edible products. A study finds in that time more cases of very young children consuming edible marijuana. These 186 patients presented with complaints of nausea/vomiting 26%, palpitations 25%, anxiety 23% and chest pain 15%. They report one death in an 18-year-old male with seizure disorder non-compliant with his anti-convulsants who collapsed while smoking cannabis at a bar. During their 6 months of data collection (October 2013–March 2014), there were 356 toxic episodes out of 2189 that involved cannabis. A 30-year-old previously healthy man is brought into the ED from the airport after he could not be woken up to disembark from his return flight from Amsterdam. It will also allow researchers to access the need for further studies and medical education regarding medicinal marijuana. This research aims to analyze hospitalization trends for cannabis use in terms of demographic characteristics and geographical region, comorbidity, length of stay (LOS), and total charges during hospitalization. Since there have been significant changes in the way several states view recreational and medical marijuana. Research has also shown that Americans are using marijuana to treat medical conditions despite a lack of evidence of efficacy . By early 2020, statistics from the CDC showed that most of the EVALI cases were reported in THC containing e-cigarette or vaping products that were obtained from informal sources (such as family members, friends, or dealers) compared to medical or recreational dispensaries . Unfortunately, as no current evidence supporting specific treatment options exist, though THC preparations if available may help ease withdrawal symptoms, supportive medical and psychiatric care with education is advised. Among the 21 patients who continued cannabis use, 100% continued to have CHS symptoms. Their study reported abstinence from cannabis as the only definitive treatment in 96.8% (62/64). According to the parents, they were not initially certain their children would survive. The term “marijuana” typically refers to the tobacco-like preparations of the leaves and flowers of the plant cannabis sativa. Due to past federal restrictions, the impact of marijuana on health outcomes has only begun to be evaluated. Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinoid (commonly known as THC) is the main psychoactive component in marijuana and is responsible for most symptoms seen after marijuana use. Read tips from our experts on how to talk to your child about marijuana… In contrast, a critical review of the relationship between cannabis and psychosis reports no evidence that cannabis causes psychosis .The district already has metal detectors and book bag searches at its high schools, and it will now add similar security measures at the middle school following this week’s incident, Tarchichi said.Iowa dad charged after 4-year-old eats THC bar is latest in edible emergencies with childrenUSA TodayDr. Carreiro participated in study conceptualization and design, carried out statistical analysis of the data, interpreted the results, and reviewed and revised the manuscript.SUFFOLK COUNTY, Long Island (WABC) -- Nearly a dozen students at a middle school on Long Island were hospitalized on Monday after taking marijuana gummies.Additional evidence is needed in order to make recommendations around best-practice clinical management. We identified 4644 information sources and included 158 which were mapped by topic area relating to 1) public health implications and considerations; 2) clinical management; and 3) experiences and information needs of HCPs and families. He said his 16-year-old son attends Center Moriches High School and he said he worries "every day" about the different forms of marijuana that could make their way into schools. Symptoms can include "intoxication, anxiety, panic, paranoia, dizziness, weakness, slurred speech, poor coordination and heart problems," the American Academy of Pediatrics reported. "I don’t really see a prosecutor going after parents for gummies. There has to be some sort of intervention by school officials." Patients presenting with mild symptoms, such as conjunctival erythema, somnolence, and drowsiness, are at risk to worsen clinically based on the dose and timing of ingestion. 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. In a case series from British Columbia, marijuana toxicity caused altered mental status in an 11-month-old with acute-onset hypotonia and decreased responsiveness; excessive sleepiness and poor balance after waking up from a nap in a 3-year-old; and nausea, pallor, and loss of consciousness in a 4-year-old.14 All these cases were marked by a sudden change in the patient’s level of consciousness and mental status.14 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. The earliest account of CHS comes from an article in 2004 reporting 19 South Australian patients with chronic cannabis abuse and cyclic vomiting . Asking parents or guardians if they have a medical cannabis card may provide hints. As a reference, another paper on administration and dosing guidelines for medical cannabis recommends that the total daily dose of THC should be limited to 30 mg/day or less, preferably combined with CBD . We suspect this since 6 of the 7 patients were aged 2 and under (8, 9, 10, 15, and 19 months old and 2 years old) while the seventh patient was 3 years old. We propose performing a sound cardiac workup that considers an ECG, cardiac markers and a chest X-ray rather than attributing or disregarding cannabis as the culprit of their symptoms without the need for further workup, recalling that palpitations and chest pain are common complaints with cannabis use 33, 51, 55. Other laboratory testing did not appear helpful in simple cannabis ingestion in healthy people without concern for co-ingestants. In a retrospective chart review of a Colorado ED, 238 of 2567 visits at least partially attributable to cannabis were related to cannabis edibles . There were two reported intubations (in a 9 month and 1 year old) and no reported deaths in children. Abbreviations: ED = emergency department; NSSP = National Syndromic Surveillance Program. In some cases, children find their parents’ stash and ingest it, not knowing what it is. California voters approved legalization through Proposition 64 in November 2016, and the state began licensing businesses to sell cannabis to people age 21 and older on Jan. 1. Nearly half of the calls received last year — 256 — involved children 5 and younger, including 38 children under 12 months old, and 64 toddlers who were a year old, according to Stuart E. Heard, executive director of the California Poison Control System. In the first six months of this year, there have been 386 calls to poison control centers involving marijuana exposure by underage people. Our mission is to steer youth straight toward making sound, rational decisions through a learning experience that provides a message of reality to help them make positive, informed choices. Their smaller body size means they are more susceptible to the toxic effects of THC, which can include severe agitation, decreased breathing, and prolonged sedation. Children, unable to differentiate between regular snacks and THC-infused products, are particularly vulnerable. Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) is characterized by recurrent, paroxysmal episodes of nausea, vomiting, and abdominal discomfort in chronic cannabis users, often relieved by frequent hot bathing or showering, and followed by symptom‐free periods. The most common and significant adverse effects are detailed below. Although this is controversial, the authors recommend social work involvement for the safety of the child and to aid the family. Its properties and potential to allow for “cooperative” sedation make it a more attractive choice with fewer side effects than benzodiazepines or opioids. Symptom‐based supportive care should be provided to control anxiety, vomiting, and to maintain respiratory and cardiovascular function. Health Canada is warning people to do more to keep edible pot products out of the hands of kids, as multiple children ended up in the hospital after eating them. Some cannabis edibles have packaging designed to mimic the appearance of well-known branded snacks and candy that appeal to children. For example, now some state cannabis regulations are requiring child-resistant packaging, imposing limits on the total amount of THC per package and quantity of THC per serving size, and banning the candy-like appearance of edibles 85, 86. Halloween candy possibly contaminated with cannabis handed out in South Chicago Heights, police sayabc7 Baby consumes cannabis chocolate in Prince Edward County, OPP saysCTV News Crossing guard charged with supplying middle school students with narcoticsFOX 29 Each template in our ever growing studio library can be added and moved around within any page effortlessly with one click. Message us on our social channels and let us know about it! Eight children, some as young as 12, were treated Wednesday at Sun Valley Magnet School after possibly consuming marijuana gummies, Los Angeles Fire Department officials said. It is imperative to involve public health and healthcare professionals in the discussions in legislative processes aimed at cannabis legalization. The consistent increase in hospitalization rate among all age demographics for cannabis-related conditions highlights the need for careful assessment to identify and mitigate the causes of such presentations at the community level. A woman whose nephew attends the school added, “How did it happen and why, and who brought it? Several students overdosed on the drug, the former outlet reported. Half of those kids wound up in the hospital, cops told the outlets. Dr. Carreiro participated in study conceptualization and design, carried out statistical analysis of the data, interpreted the results, and reviewed and revised the manuscript. Ms. Chapman participated in study design, designed the data collection instruments, interpreted the results, and reviewed and revised the manuscript. Whether you’re trying edibles for the first time or refining what you already enjoy, you’ll find options that match your goals. Full-spectrum products, which contain other cannabinoids and terpenes, can potentially provide increased relief through the entourage effect. If you’re on prescription pills, consult your doctor to see if cannabis products are safe for you to consume. Daily users experience more sleep problems than occasional users, especially when seeking the best edibles for restful sleep. Please refresh the page and/or try again. Mia Maldonado began working at the Oregon Capital Chronicle in 2025 to cover the Oregon Legislature and state agencies with a focus on social services. Within an hour, the child turned blue and unconscious. “We need to reckon with this a little bit,” said Sen. Lisa Reynolds, a Portland Democrat and pediatrician who chairs the Senate Early Childhood and Behavioral Health Committee. Several doctors testified in favor of the bill, while four people from the cannabis industry voiced opposition. 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 incident raises concerns about the accessibility of cannabis edibles to minors, as the source of the THC gummies remains unclear. Nearly a dozen students at William Floyd Middle School in Moriches, Long Island, were hospitalized after consuming marijuana-infused gummies during school hours.