Young children in the United States are accidentally eating cannabis edibles at higher rates than ever before, with many kids ending up in hospitals according to a new study in the journal Pediatrics.
This is happening as a result of the legalization by many states across the United States for medical and recreational use.
The journal which was released on Tuesday found that in 2017 alone, there were just over 200 reported cases of accidental consumption of cannabis edibles by children under the age of six. And in 2021, the number increased by 1,375% to a total of 3,054 cases.
The study also found that in 2020 alone, kids’ accidental exposures to cannabis accounted for more than 40% of all human poison exposure calls to regional poison centers. While no death cases were reported. Most children suffered mild impacts where 8% of children required admission to intensive care, while about 22.7% were hospitalized.
The researchers have found that many edibles come in the form of candies, cookies, brownies, and chocolates which are packaged in a child-friendly manner with cartoon characters that appears appealing to them. More than half of the children were toddlers, ages 2 and 3, the study showed, with about 90% of them getting access to the edibles at their various homes.
With this, researchers are calling on parents and caregivers to stop using edibles in front of kids as it could trigger temptation. They are also required to store any edibles safely in child-proof containers in discreet locations known to them (users) alone. It is also recommended for parents and caregivers to stop buying edibles in child-appealing packages that look like traditional treats.
The researchers also suggest changes to product packaging and with clear warning labeling, as well as regulating the maximum allowable dose in a package.
What Is Cannabis Edible?
Cannabis edibles are food products that are made with marijuana or marijuana oils. They are a popular way to consume marijuana, especially for people who do not want to smoke it. Cannabis edibles can take the form of baked goods, candies, chocolates, and gummies, among other things. The effects of cannabis edibles can be stronger and longer lasting than smoking marijuana, so it is important to be cautious when consuming them and to start with a low dose to see how your body reacts. It can also take longer for the effects of edibles to be felt, so it is important to be patient and not to consume too much too quickly.
In kids, cannabis edibles can have different effects than they do on adults. Children’s bodies are smaller and may be more sensitive to the effects of THC, the psychoactive compound in cannabis that is responsible for the “high” that people experience. If a child consumes cannabis edibles, they may experience symptoms such as dizziness, altered judgment, impaired coordination, and difficulty with memory and problem-solving.
In severe cases, children who have consumed cannabis edibles may experience hallucinations, psychosis, and other serious side effects. It is important to keep cannabis edibles out of reach of children to prevent accidental ingestion. If you think that a child has consumed cannabis edibles, it is important to seek medical attention right away.
