As marijuana becomes legal in more places, new products are showing up on store shelves and in people’s homes. One of the most popular? Marijuana edibles, such as THC-infused gummies, brownies and chocolates.
These products are designed for adults, but because they often look and taste like regular snacks or candy, they can easily catch the eye of curious kids.
“That makes them a hazard to keep in your house,” says Rich Lambert, MD, a pediatric critical care specialist at Geisinger. “Accidental ingestion of even a small amount of marijuana can have grave health implications for a child.”
If cannabis edibles are in your home, take special care to prevent accidental marijuana poisoning.
The dangers of THC overdose in kids
When adults use marijuana edibles, they usually take a small dose and wait for it to kick in. But for a child who unknowingly eats one — or several — the effects can be stronger and more intense.
“Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive component in marijuana, affects children more severely than adults,” explains Dr. Lambert. “Because of their smaller size and developing systems, even a small dose can cause serious symptoms.”
Symptoms of THC overdose might include:
- Extreme sleepiness, drowsiness or lethargy
- Trouble walking or talking
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fast heart rate
- Seizures
- Difficulty breathing
- Feeling confused, anxious or agitated
- In severe cases, coma
Most of the time, these symptoms can be treated in the ER. But in some cases, kids may need to be closely monitored in the hospital.
Dr. Lambert emphasizes the severity. “We recently admitted several smaller children to our pediatric intensive care unit. They were so badly affected, they were intubated and placed on a ventilator because they went into respiratory failure,” he recalls. “We’ve also seen severe seizures in children and other serious health complications due to cannabis exposure.”
Accidental marijuana poisoning is on the rise
According to the CDC, more than 3,000 children under age 6 were treated for edible marijuana exposure in 2021 — up from just over 200 in 2017. That sharp increase is due in part to more marijuana products being available, often in forms that look like everyday snacks.
Many edibles are packaged to look just like candy, cookies or chips, which can make them especially tempting for young kids.
“Sometimes even adults can’t tell the difference at a glance,” says Dr. Lambert. “So it’s no surprise that children might grab one, thinking it’s a treat.”
Ways to safely store marijuana products and prevent accidental ingestion
Whether marijuana edibles are part of your household or just something a visitor might bring over, you can take precautions to keep your kids safe.
Here are some simple safety tips for parents and caregivers to follow:
1. Store edibles like you would medicine.
Keep all marijuana products, especially edibles, inside a child-resistant container and/or a locked cabinet. Store it completely separately from your regular food, out of reach and sight of kids.
2. Avoid lookalike products.
Steer clear of edibles that resemble regular candies or snacks to reduce the risk of confusion. If you do have some that mimic popular snack foods, make sure to store it securely and use special tape, warning stickers or other packaging to distinguish it.
3. Inform family and friends.
Let babysitters, grandparents and houseguests know if marijuana products are in your house, and how they are to be stored safely — just like any other substance that could be harmful to kids.
4. Teach kids to ask first.
It’s a good idea to help kids get in the habit of asking before they eat food that isn’t given to them directly by a trusted adult. Parents should also remain vigilant to inspect any food items brought into your home, and regularly check your house for any marijuana products that might be within a child’s reach.
5. Act immediately in an emergency.
If you think your child may have eaten a marijuana edible, call Poison Control (800-222-1222) right away. Call 911 if your child has trouble breathing, is unresponsive or has a seizure.
Tell medical providers you suspect possible THC ingestion, so they don’t waste valuable time checking for other causes. “You might feel embarrassed to bring it up, but it’s a mistake not to say something,” says Dr. Lambert. “Time is critical in these cases, and prompt medical attention can save lives.”
Want to do more to protect kids?
Because accidental marijuana ingestion is so serious, one extra step you can take as a concerned parent is to advocate for better labeling. We as a community can vocally support legislation that demands clear, unmistakable labeling and discourages child-attractive packaging for THC-infused products.
See also:
Pediatric emergency care at Geisinger
How to spot the signs of alcohol poisoning — and what to do
What to put in your first aid kit
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