In recent years, poison control centers have seen a sharp rise in calls about marijuana poisonings, many of which involve young children who found edibles at home. This is due to the increasing popularity, accessibility, and potency of edible cannabis products. After all, gummies, brownies, and other THC products often look just like candy or snacks, making them especially dangerous for kids.
While most kids recover, it can still be traumatic, and some cases have been severe, leading to seizures, breathing problems, or even hospital stays in intensive care.
As marijuana products become more widely available, it’s important for parents and caregivers to understand the risks and the simple steps they can take to keep children safe.
Marijuana Poisonings in Kids by the Numbers: How Big is the Problem?
Accidental marijuana poisonings among kids have skyrocketed in the last decade. In 2009, poison control centers across the U.S. reported fewer than 1,000 cases. By 2023, that number had jumped to more than 22,000.[1]
Most of these cases involved children or teenagers, with many being young kids who mistook marijuana gummies or other edibles for regular snacks.
While marijuana overdose is considered rare and most children do recover, the effects are serious and should not be underestimated. Last year alone, more than 600 cases required life-saving interventions like ventilators, and more than 100 of those involved kids.
Additionally, people often think of marijuana as “safer” than other “hard” drugs, but this isn’t always the case, especially when it comes to children. According to the New York Times and American Poison Control Centers, at least four deaths have been linked to cannabis poisoning since 2009.[1]
Here in Alabama, the regional Poison Control Center also tracks these cases. Like other states, they’ve reported an increase in calls related to kids accidentally eating edibles.
Delta-8 THC, THC-A, and other legal forms of cannabis products can also be harmful. In an interview with ABC News, Becky Devore from the Alabama Poison Information Center says they have seen an increase in cannabis-related calls regarding children. She explains that as the popularity of these products continues to rise, so does the rate of children getting sick from them.[2]
The Alabama Poison Information Center reported 235 cases involving delta-8 THC exposure in 2023, with exposures being reported in children as young as 2 years old.[3]
Why Kids Mistake Marijuana Edibles for Candy
One of the biggest reasons kids end up in the hospital is that marijuana edibles often look just like everyday treats. Gummies, brownies, cookies, and chocolates can be almost impossible for a child to tell apart from regular snacks.
Packaging makes the problem even worse. Some products are brightly colored or designed in ways that mimic popular candy brands, like Nerds or Peach Rings.
Even when the labels include warnings, most young children can’t read or understand them, so they can’t tell the difference between what’s in front of them and what their parents would normally buy at the store. A child sees what looks like candy, takes it, and eats far more THC than their small body can handle.
What Happens When Kids Consume THC Edibles
When a child eats marijuana edibles, their body reacts much differently than an adult’s. Because kids are smaller, even a small dose of THC can cause strong effects.
Some of the most common symptoms include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fast heartbeat
- Confusion
- Difficulty staying awake
- Loss of coordination
- Feelings of anxiety or panic
- Panic attacks
In more serious cases, children have experienced seizures, breathing problems, or even needed ventilators to help them breathe. Some kids also experience hallucinations, which can be very frightening (and traumatic) for both the child and their family.
When to Call for Help
If a child eats a marijuana edible, it’s important to act quickly. Even if they seem fine at first, symptoms can appear later and worsen over time.
Call Poison Control right away at 1-800-222-1222 if you suspect your child has consumed THC. The hotline is free, available 24/7, and will connect you to your local center. They will ask you questions about your child and exactly what was consumed to determine the level of toxicity and what steps need to be taken.
Seek emergency medical help immediately or call 911 if your child:
- Has difficulty breathing
- Loses consciousness or won’t wake up
- Has a seizure
- Experiences confusion or hallucinations
If you’re unsure, seek medical attention. It’s always better to be cautious, and quick action can make all the difference in preventing a medical emergency.
Prevention: What Parents and Caregivers Can Do
What parents often describe as one of the scariest moments of their lives can be prevented by taking a few simple precautions at home. If you’re a parent or caregiver who uses marijuana, take the following preventative measures.
- Use lock boxes or stash bags – Child-resistant packaging is not enough. A locked container that only you know the code to is the best way to keep edibles out of reach.
- Store products out of sight and out of reach – Avoid keeping marijuana products in kitchen cabinets, on countertops, or anywhere a child might look for snacks.
- Talk with older kids and teens – Explain that edibles aren’t candy and can cause serious harm if eaten by children. Let them know not to eat candy that has been unwrapped or opened, either.
- Be mindful of any guests in your home – Relatives or friends who use marijuana should also store their products safely when visiting.
- Check labels carefully – Make sure products are clearly marked and don’t resemble kid-friendly snacks. Better yet, remove the product from kid-friendly packaging so it looks less appealing.
By combining safe storage with open conversations, parents and caregivers can greatly reduce the risk of accidental poisonings.
For more tips and resources to keep your kids safe from accidental marijuana poisoning, visit our Parent Prevention Toolbox at https://apcbham.org/who-we-are/how-we-help/parent-tool-box-old/. You’ll find practical strategies and tools to help families prevent risky situations at home.
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