It is also interesting to note that 84% of parents declared the cannabis exposure at triage or at first assessment by a treating physician. Of the 114 children included in the analysis, toxicology was performed in 107 (94%) cases. We noted inconsistent practices with regard to a physician’s decision to involve child protective services, whether through the Children’s Aid Society (CAS) or our hospital’s Child and Youth Protection Team. The remaining patients had short stays either in the Emergency Department or on a medical floor, ranging from 1.5 to 12 h. The January 2021 National Cannabis Survey (NCS)—which collects self-reported data on Canadians’ cannabis consumption—found that among those Canadians who had previously used cannabis, 34% reported that their consumption had increased compared with the pre-pandemic period (26). The students, ages 12 to 14, experienced symptoms including dizziness, vomiting, and rapid heart rates, prompting emergency medical response.Ontario has the highest density of legal cannabis retailers in the country, with over 1000 retailers as of August 2021, and more than 100 retail applications in progress (5).While one cannot prove a causative link, it is a concerning trend certainly worth highlighting in the context of greater availability, increased recreational use, and social acceptance of cannabis (24,25).Over the last several decades, many countries and jurisdictions have moved towards decriminalizing and even legalizing cannabis.After smoking or inhaling marijuana, the onset of symptoms is quick (within 5 to 30 minutes), but symptoms typically do not last long (a couple of hours).Canada legalized the purchasing and selling of recreational cannabis in October 2018, and more specifically edibles in October 2019, through the Cannabis Act (2).In the majority of cases (31; 84%), the cannabis ingestion was disclosed upon presentation to the hospital. So far, there have been no deaths related to cannabis reported in Canada. “The number of cases involving young children is striking,” said Grant. Between September and December 2018, 16 cases of serious adverse events involving cannabis were reported to CPSP. All three children were released home and made a full recovery. News: More Young Kids Are Getting Sick From... (The New York Times) - Behind the headlines In our study, accidental exposures to cannabis occurred primarily due to edibles located in the home setting, usually of a known or estimated quantity, and tended to affect primarily young children (mean age ~6 years). The case has sparked renewed warnings from health officials about the dangers of cannabis ingestion in children, particularly involving edible products that resemble candy or snacks. This study also documented a total of eight patients who required admission to an intensive care unit; of these, four were infants and young children (age ≤4 years) with accidental exposures, as well as one teenager with an intentional ingestion. Reviews He says he and his colleagues see these cases in their emergency department. While most kids suffered mild impacts, about 1 in 5 was hospitalized. They think it looks like candy, and they want to eat it. This study has a few key limitations to note, primarily its small sample size.Because children are small, they have a much greater risk of severe and potentially life-threatening effects from weed.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.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.Dr. Andrew Monte is an emergency medicine doctor at University of Colorado Hospital who wasn't involved in the new study.Table 1 provides details surrounding the cannabis exposure, clinical features, as well as patient outcomes and dispositions.The study was approved by the CHEO Research Ethics Board protocol #21/13X. 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. The majority of exposures took place in the home setting (30; 81%), with the patient’s parent(s) being the source person(s). What are the implications for public health practice? They found that back in 2017, there were just over 200 reported cases of accidental consumption of edibles by children in this age group. One study in Colorado documented a rise in the number of children accidentally consuming edible products. 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. Since marijuana legalization, pediatric exposures to cannabis have increased.1 To date, pediatric deaths from cannabis exposure have not been reported. Accidental cannabis ingestion in young children “They take the edible and they don’t feel anything, and 20 minutes later, they have more and get into problems.” It doesn’t include visits to family doctors or emergency departments, which are likely many more. An official website of the United States government Of course, we also can’t know for sure what other substances might be mixed into such products, which is a major risk. The medical staff monitored them for many hours as they remained under the influence of the drug. As marijuana becomes decriminalized, hospitals are seeing more and more children who have accidentally consumed weed. 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. 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. Primary care providers should talk to families about issues surrounding marijuana in the home, including safe storage of products containing cannabis and when to suspect an accidental ingestion. 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. Packages that look just like popular candy and snack foods are filled with marijuana edibles, fooling the unwary and endangering children, a new study says. Finally, given that most of the reported ingestions were of edible products appealing to children (namely, cannabis-infused sweets), we would strongly advocate that federal authorities better enforce legislation regarding the labelling, packaging, and marketing of recreational cannabis products—whether in retail stores or online—to better protect our children. We found an increased rate of unintentional cannabis ingestion—particularly edibles—in children after Canadian legalization. Several American studies have shown an increase in unintentional paediatric ingestions of cannabis, and a rise in children presenting to medical attention with acute CNS toxicity secondary to unintentional cannabis exposure (6,7,9,13). 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. Canada is not on track to meet any of its climate targets, a new study says 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. Long-term effect of acute marijuana exposures on children is unknown, as it has not been systematically studied. Because edible products have very high amounts of marijuana, the symptoms are more severe on a small child. There has been a consistent increase in pediatric edible cannabis exposures over the past 5 years, with the potential for significant toxicity. Six young children were hospitalized last year because they ate cannabis products belonging to parents or grandparents. Because a child’s brain is still developing, cannabis exposure can lead to lasting neurological damage. In the emergency department, the children were kept under close observation, connected to IV fluids, and given time to recover. “The children, aged 3, 5, and 9, suffered from nausea and vomiting, and by the time they arrived at the ER in Magen David Adom ambulances, they were very, very drowsy,” Orel Gal from the hospital explained. The children, consisting of two brothers and their cousin, were brought in extremely drowsy, according to hospital staff. Your child's urine probably will be tested to confirm the presence of marijuana and check for any other substances. If their symptoms are severe, they could be admitted to the hospital for observation overnight. If your child accidently eats gummies or something else with weed in it, get medical help right away. Do you have questions about the effects of drugs, chemicals, radiation, or infections in children? The ED is the best clinical setting for monitoring and observing patients who may have ingested cannabis. Don't wait – marijuana is a serious drug. 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. Parents and providers should be advised to call poison control centres to receive expert guidance for managing instances of ingestions. One review of cases from the Alaska/Oregon poison centre—which looked at both accidental and non-accidental exposures across a range of ages—found reduced levels of consciousness to be the most common clinical sign among children and adolescents (45.1% and 33.3%, respectively), followed by vomiting (9.9% and 9.5%, respectively) (16). The majority of accidental exposures (28; 76%) were to some form of edible product, including gummies, candies, chocolates, or baked products. This study investigated unintentional cannabis ingestions in a high-volume tertiary care paediatric hospital in Ontario, Canada. Our data confirm increased paediatric hospital visits related to unintentional cannabis exposures post-legalization. Learn more about our editorial and medical review policies. This can be a very scary, unfamiliar experience for a child. Edibles also typically contain more tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive ingredient in marijuana. Children younger than 6 years old are at higher risk of severe toxicity and overdose from accidental marijuana ingestion because of factors related to the developmental stage and the types of marijuana in circulation.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.14Bowman’s toddler became unresponsive after accidentally eating one 50-milligram Delta-8 THC gummy earlier this month.Roanoke Valley mom shares story of her 2-year-old accidentally ingesting Delta-8 form of THC WDBJ7 2021, October 20A new study in the journal Pediatrics finds a huge spike in accidental consumption of edible weed among children 5 and younger.This study also documented a total of eight patients who required admission to an intensive care unit; of these, four were infants and young children (age ≤4 years) with accidental exposures, as well as one teenager with an intentional ingestion.Nearly half of the patients (16; 43%) presented within 2 h of ingestion.Because edible products have very high amounts of marijuana, the symptoms are more severe on a small child. 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). Thus, a total of 37 patients were included in the final case review. The study was approved by the CHEO Research Ethics Board protocol #21/13X. 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.” We’ve treated children in intensive care after cannabis exposure, including cases with heart rhythm problems. According to the Ontario Poison Centre, hospitals have seen a significant increase in emergency room visits related to accidental cannabis poisonings. A 45-year-old man from Sagamok First Nation has been charged after two children under the age of five were hospitalized with cannabis poisoning earlier this year. FIGURE. Weekly rates* of cannabis-involved† emergency department visits§ among persons aged Upon arrival, police learned that the children had consumed large cannabis-infused gummies that had been left in a plastic bag on a table, according to the release. People in US states that legalized recreational cannabis use it 20% more frequently than those in states that didn't legalize it, a new study suggested. Our data reflect this, given that the majority of presentations (32; 86%) were in children living in Ontario. Twelve patients (32%) required admission to the hospital, the majority of whom stayed And the edibles are extremely appealing in terms of the packaging, the colors. Dr. Andrew Monte is an emergency medicine doctor at University of Colorado Hospital who wasn't involved in the new study. Some had found unintentional health impacts on kids. Canada legalized the purchasing and selling of recreational cannabis in October 2018, and more specifically edibles in October 2019, through the Cannabis Act (2). A child who has ingested marijuana might just need to be observed in the emergency room for a few hours. Symptoms typically presented 2 to 4 hours after ingestion, and patients with severe toxicity experienced symptoms for more than 6 hours. Children younger than 6 years old are at higher risk of severe toxicity and overdose from accidental marijuana ingestion because of factors related to the developmental stage and the types of marijuana in circulation. 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. We describe the clinical features and circumstances surrounding unintentional paediatric cannabis exposures. This increasing use of cannabis among adults could be related to increased unintentional accessibility for children. Our findings also reveal a marked increase in unintentional paediatric cannabis exposures in the period since federal legalization in Canada, as demonstrated earlier in Figure 3. The majority of exposures were to edibles (28; 76%) in the home setting (30; 81%). Because of their smaller bodies, children who consume a marijuana edible will experience the effects – including getting “high” - more quickly than an adult. We conducted a retrospective chart review of cases of unintentional cannabis exposure who had presented to the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO; Ottawa, ON, Canada) from March 1, 2013 to September 30, 2020. Compounding the effect of increasing availability, the palatability and packaging of cannabis makes it much more appealing for children (6,7). While the laws regarding cannabis are fairly similar across Canada’s provinces and territories, there are a few regional differences to note, especially in Québec, where there are stricter regulations regarding the type of edibles allowable for sale (3,4). An 11-year-old and a 5-year-old were taken to a hospital Friday night after consuming “Medicated Nerds Rope” candy given to their families as part of a food distribution effort from a church working with the Utah Food Bank. A mother in the New River Valley is taking action, after her toddler was hospitalized after accidentally eating a gummy containing Delta-8 THC. Mother works to draw awareness about ‘pot poisoning’ in children NBC , June 30 Oliver had managed to open a tin containing edible cannabis gummies that Perry used to help her sleep. Within an hour, he was in a Maryland hospital and doctors determined he had THC, the chemical in marijuana that gives users a high, in his system. In just five years, the number of small children in the US exposed to cannabis after accidentally eating an edible rose 1,375%, a new study says. Professional development and education among healthcare providers may be required, particularly when it comes to recognizing and treating paediatric patients with cannabis intoxication; making decisions about involving (or not involving) child protective services; and educating caregivers about the safe use and storage of recreational cannabis products. 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). Continued and expanded public health education campaigns are warranted. Descriptive epidemiologic analyses were conducted to provide national estimates of the pediatric visits. The .gov means it’s official. There are higher rates of consumption overall, with 20% of Canadians having used cannabis in the last 3 months of 2020 (compared with 14% using at least once every 3-month pre-legalization and 18% post-legalization but before the COVID-19 pandemic). Of particular note, our study partially overlapped with the COVID-19 pandemic period. While one cannot prove a causative link, it is a concerning trend certainly worth highlighting in the context of greater availability, increased recreational use, and social acceptance of cannabis (24,25). Cannabinoid toxicology—done via urine—was performed in fewer than half of the study population (18; 49%). These are little children that had 4 times the amount adults should have.” According to the parents, they were not initially certain their children would survive. This activity reviews the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of marijuana toxicity and highlights the role of the interprofessional team in caring for affected patients… 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. The majority of accidental exposures (28; 76%) were to some form of edible product, including gummies, candies, chocolates, or baked products.Our findings also reveal a marked increase in unintentional paediatric cannabis exposures in the period since federal legalization in Canada, as demonstrated earlier in Figure 3.Each gummy was approximately the size of a cellphone, and police say one child consumed an entire piece while the second ate half of one.Advocacy for safe storage strategies and appropriate enforcement of marketing/packaging legislation are imperative for public health policymakers.As cannabis laws evolve and the marijuana business expands, incidents involving THC-infused edibles in schools are becoming more frequent.Just one pot candy or cookie could have multiple times the recommended dose of THC for adults, so these products are especially potent for kids.Compounding the effect of increasing availability, the palatability and packaging of cannabis makes it much more appealing for children (6,7).Of particular note, our study partially overlapped with the COVID-19 pandemic period. 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. 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 authors report an 11-month-old male who, following cannabis exposure, presented with central nervous system depression after seizure, and progressed to cardiac arrest and died. A family from Roseville said they purchased snacks from a gas station in town and later realized the snacks had THC, marijuana’s high-producing chemical, in them. “They’re often packaged in wrappers and bags with logos and colors that look similar to traditional candy brands.”.. “They come in many forms, but the items in this case were candy,” Koon said. Pediatric Poisonings Associated With Ingestion of Marijuana Products CHEO has one of the busiest paediatric emergency departments in the country, with upwards of 75,000 annual visits (19). These studies were conducted in jurisdictions that had recently legalized recreational marijuana (e.g. Colorado, Washington) (13,14). Cannabis-related toxicity in paediatrics can present with a range of clinical signs and symptoms, including elevated heart and respiratory rates, nausea, vomiting, slurred speech, agitation or drowsiness, tremor, seizures, and even coma (6,7,9–12). Ontario has the highest density of legal cannabis retailers in the country, with over 1000 retailers as of August 2021, and more than 100 retail applications in progress (5). Over the last several decades, many countries and jurisdictions have moved towards decriminalizing and even legalizing cannabis. Just one pot candy or cookie could have multiple times the recommended dose of THC for adults, so these products are especially potent for kids. Keep in mind that the THC in edible marijuana won't take effect until about 30 to 60 minutes after it's eaten. Because children are small, they have a much greater risk of severe and potentially life-threatening effects from weed. But fear of these consequences is not a reason to avoid getting your child necessary – and potentially life-saving – medical care. Authorities confirmed that the children have since recovered and been released from care. Media coverage of health and science topics Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Moreover, as our hospital’s catchment area spans these two jurisdictions, it would be interesting to see how data compare to other hospitals in the region. The incident raises concerns about the accessibility of cannabis edibles to minors, as the source of the THC gummies remains unclear. The students, ages 12 to 14, experienced symptoms including dizziness, vomiting, and rapid heart rates, prompting emergency medical response. 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. Colorado imposed a ban on edibles that looked like kids’ treats, among other emergency regulations, after a young tourist fatally jumped from a hotel balcony after eating too many pieces of a pot cookie. The mission of the PRETx program is to promote child health through evidence-based research in therapeutics in pediatric emergency medicine. 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. 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. Single-substance pediatric cannabis exposures reported to the Michigan Poison Center increased after medical cannabis was legalized in 2008 through recreational legalization in 2018… 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. Researchers verified 11 of these cases, six of which involved young children accidentally consuming cannabis edibles that belonged to a parent or grandparent. “The children showed typical symptoms of cannabis exposure, were largely unresponsive and uncooperative, and only began recovering toward the morning.” Dr. Barak Feldman, a physician in Hadassah’s pediatric ER, said. The most frequent presenting signs and symptoms were altered level of consciousness (28; 76%), lethargy/somnolence (22; 59%), and vomiting (11; 30%). In just over half of the cases (22; 59%), an estimated quantity of cannabis ingested was provided on history. We saw a total of 32 presentations (86% of total) in the 2-year study period following legalization with the Cannabis Act (October 2018 to September 2020), compared to only five presentations (14%) in the 5-year study period preceding it (March 2013 to October 2018). Of the latter, 11 (30%) arrived by ambulance directly, and 7 (19%) via transfer from another medical facility. This is particularly alarming, since the candy looks and tastes like regular candy and is virtually indistinguishable to children who pick it up… What are the long-term effects of marijuana on children? 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. 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. Public health advocates argue that stricter packaging regulations and child-resistant containers are necessary to prevent accidental consumption. “But again, if you’re talking about children, the actual dose they’re getting is still high, and it depends on how these products are packaged. 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. Interestingly, of the twelve children included in this study, three (25%) required admission to intensive care, though all were discharged home within 12 h. As a result, it may be reasonable to speculate that the number of accidental exposures was made lower than it would have been otherwise (i.e. without the added time spent at home by many parents). In the majority of cases (31; 84%), the cannabis ingestion was disclosed upon presentation to the hospital. We included any patient intentional exposures (e.g. F12.0, F12.1) (20); however, in order to rule out the possibility of an unintentional exposure in the younger paediatric range (age not unintentional. Our search strategy is outlined in Figure 1. A South Carolina teacher was arrested after a student allegedly found and took a pack of marijuana gummies from a classroom prize box, according to the local sheriff’s office. “He’s reading and he says this product contains cannabis, and I’m like, ‘What? Roanoke Valley mom shares story of her 2-year-old accidentally ingesting Delta-8 form of THC WDBJ7 2021, October 20 Learn more about marijuana from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) in their marijuana fact sheets... What symptoms should prompt consideration of marijuana ingestion and how should accidental ingestion be managed? At least two children are hospitalized after eating THC candy from a food bank in Utah. 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. The number of children under 12 who have ingested edibles at home jumped from 132 in 2016 to almost 2,500 last year, according to the American Association of Poison Control Centers. Advocacy for safe storage strategies and appropriate enforcement of marketing/packaging legislation are imperative for public health policymakers. Poison control and child protective services were involved in 19 (51%) and 22 (59%) of cases, respectively. Altered levels of consciousness, lethargy/somnolence, tachycardia, and vomiting were the most common presenting signs and symptoms. A total of 37 patients (22 male) met inclusion criteria, mean age 5.9±3.8 years. People must be cautious about products not purchased from known stores, and seek immediate medical care if a child shows signs of poisoning or illness after eating an unfamiliar item.” Pediatricians emphasize that cannabis has a much stronger effect on children than on adults, with a much higher risk of rapid deterioration requiring intensive care. Even small amounts can cause severe poisoning in children, with symptoms such as confusion, anxiety, dehydration, and repeated vomiting. We obtained data via electronic health record (Epic™) or hard copy medical chart review (for two charts). CHEO has a catchment population of approximately 1.5 million and serves the children and families of greater Ottawa, Eastern Ontario, Western Quebec, as well as those referred from Northern Ontario and Nunavut (18). Further, there has been a documented rise in the concentration of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)—the psychoactive component of cannabis—in many of these products (8). 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 caregiver reported cannabis products in the home in the form of gummies the caregiver takes for sleep and anxiety. Legislation or company policies pertaining to packaging and manufacturing are needed to limit the attraction of toddlers and young children, as well reliance on parents and caregivers for safe storage of the products. These products may be enticing to young children who mistake them for typical snack foods. Officials emphasize that unregulated cannabis edibles are especially dangerous due to their packaging, which often mimics popular brands and features colourful, attractive designs that appeal to children. Both children were exhibiting serious symptoms of cannabis toxicity and were transported to hospital, where they were admitted to the intensive care unit. As states legalize cannabis, a growing number of children are inadvertently consuming marijuana-infused foods. 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. Oliver, who had eaten 15 gummies, isn’t the only child who has landed in the hospital after consuming edibles. “…We find this whole situation distressing—edible marijuana products in packages that resemble popular brands of candy.” (Twin Rivers Unified School District) The most common overdose incidents in children occur when the drug has been combined with food in an “edible” form of marijuana. As cannabis laws evolve and the marijuana business expands, incidents involving THC-infused edibles in schools are becoming more frequent. 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. Public health should focus on the packaging and distribution of edibles to prevent easy access and accidental ingestion by young children. Researchers in Colorado recently reported an increase in the number of children brought to the emergency room after swallowing medical marijuana products. Many young children who consume marijuana edibles require hospital admission due to the severity of their symptoms. Adults are normally prescribed between 15 to 45 milligrams of the psychoactive marijuana component… Labels in the candy indicate that each one contains 400 milligrams of THC. Roy City Police said volunteers at the food bank distributed more than 60 bags that contained three to four servings of the candy rope. The doubling time for number of cases was 2.1 years, and the total number of annual reported cases increased after 2016. “I would have never guessed that that would have been anything other than candy,” said Bowman. Parents or guardians who suspect their child has ingested cannabis are urged to seek medical attention immediately or call 911. Common signs of cannabis poisoning in children include vomiting, drowsiness, increased heart rate, difficulty breathing, anxiety, and confusion. Extra precautions should also be taken in households with visiting children, including checking whether caregivers, relatives or babysitters store cannabis safely. Legal cannabis products are required to be sold in child-resistant packaging, but even these must be handled with care. Ingestion of cannabis by a child can lead to serious health consequences, including loss of consciousness, difficulty breathing, and, in extreme cases, coma or death. Keep in mind that the THC in edible marijuana won't take effect until about 30 to 60 minutes after it's eaten.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.Descriptive epidemiologic analyses were conducted to provide national estimates of the pediatric visits.We’ve treated children in intensive care after cannabis exposure, including cases with heart rhythm problems.This increasing use of cannabis among adults could be related to increased unintentional accessibility for children.The issues surrounding cannabis decriminalization and legalization are complex and involve nuanced health, economic, and sociocultural considerations.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.Acute marijuana intoxication occurs when a person experiences immediate adverse effects from marijuana. 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. 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 Marijuana toxicity symptoms range from mild to severe and can have a range of presentations. The problem of children having access to and consuming edible marijuana products is widespread enough to be frightening.Both children were exhibiting serious symptoms of cannabis toxicity and were transported to hospital, where they were admitted to the intensive care unit.Six young children were hospitalized last year because they ate cannabis products belonging to parents or grandparents.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.While cases have occurred in children up to age 12, most involve children under five.The most common symptoms were excessive sleepiness, dizziness, and trouble walking.Learn more about marijuana from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) in their marijuana fact sheets...Mother works to draw awareness about ‘pot poisoning’ in children NBC , June 30 Acute marijuana intoxication occurs when a person experiences immediate adverse effects from marijuana. The most common symptoms were excessive sleepiness, dizziness, and trouble walking. The William Floyd School District emphasized its commitment to drug prevention education and will continue hosting assemblies on the risks of marijuana use. The government is, instead, proposing to lower the THC content in those products. Most poisonings involved edible marijuana products and most patients were admitted to the hospital. Teenagers (13–17 years) had the highest number of inhalational exposures, whereas young children (0–5 years) had the highest number of ingestions. Between 2008 and 2019, 426 pediatric cannabis single exposures were reported. These instances are rising as more states legalize marijuana and edibles become more common in homes with children. The problem of children having access to and consuming edible marijuana products is widespread enough to be frightening.