How to Keep Your Kids Safe from Cannabis Edibles
Cannabis edibles are food products that contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive compound in marijuana. They can come in various forms, such as cookies, brownies, gummies, chocolates, candies, and drinks. While some adults may use them for medical or recreational purposes, they can pose a serious threat to children who may accidentally ingest them.
According to a recent study, there has been a 1375% increase in pediatric cannabis edible ingestions in children younger than 6 years from 2017 to 2021. These ingestions can result in significant toxicity and hospitalization, as children are more sensitive to the effects of THC than adults. Some of the symptoms and risks of marijuana intoxication in children include:
Confusion
Drowsiness
Hallucinations
Fast heart rate
Vomiting
Trouble breathing
Coma
One of the main reasons why children are falling victim to cannabis edibles is that they can be easily confused with regular food products. The packaging and flavors of cannabis edibles can be appealing to kids, who may not be able to read the labels or understand the warnings. Moreover, some cannabis edibles can contain several times the recommended adult dose of THC, which can be overwhelming even for experienced users.
Therefore, it is important for parents to take preventive measures to reduce the exposure of children to cannabis edibles. Here are some tips to keep your kids safe:
Store cannabis products safely and securely. The best way to prevent accidental ingestion is to keep cannabis products out of reach and sight of children. Use a smell-proof lockable stashbag to store cannabis products, and keep the key or combination in a safe place. Do not leave cannabis products in places where children can easily access them, such as drawers, cabinets, purses, backpacks, or countertops.
Educate yourself and your children about cannabis. Learn about the different types and forms of cannabis products, and how they can affect your body and mind. Talk to your children about the dangers of cannabis edibles, and explain that they are not for kids. Teach them to never eat or drink anything that they are not sure about, and to always ask an adult before consuming anything.
Seek medical help if needed. If you suspect that your child has eaten a cannabis edible, do not panic. Call your local poison control center or 911 immediately, and follow their instructions. Do not try to induce vomiting or give any remedies without consulting a medical professional. Stay calm and supportive, and monitor your child’s symptoms until help arrives.
Cannabis edibles can be harmful to children, but they can be prevented with proper storage and education. By using a smell-proof lockable stashbag to store cannabis products, and by talking to your kids about the risks of cannabis edibles, you can protect your family and enjoy a safe and responsible cannabis experience.
References
Pediatric Edible Cannabis Exposures and Acute Toxicity: 2017–2021: This article reports a 1375% increase in pediatric cannabis edible ingestions in children younger than 6 years from 2017 to 2021, with potential for significant toxicity and hospitalization.
Children are falling victim to marketing of cannabis edibles. What to know.: This article discusses how cannabis edibles can be confusing to teens and children, and how the packaging and flavors can pose a problem. It also provides some tips for parents to prevent accidental ingestion and exposure.
What to Do if Your Child Eats a Marijuana Edible: This article explains the symptoms and risks of marijuana intoxication in children, and what to do if your child eats a marijuana edible. It also advises parents to store cannabis products safely and securely, and to seek medical help if needed.
Reports of young children accidentally eating marijuana edibles soar: This article cites a study that found thousands of young children were rushed to emergency rooms between 2017 and 2021 for exposures to edible cannabis products. It also highlights the dangers of eating too much cannabis, which can lead to serious health problems such as confusion, hallucinations, fast heart rate, vomiting, trouble breathing, or even comas.
Edible Marijuana Dangers: How Parents Can Prevent THC Poisoning: This article warns parents about the dangers of edible marijuana products, which can contain several times the recommended adult dose of THC. It also lists some common signs of THC poisoning in children, and how to prevent it.
