Cannabis and Nicotine Poisoning: Keeping Children Safe

By Middlesex-London Health Unit

National Poison Prevention Week happens every year in Canada. It helps people learn how poisonings happen and how to stop them. Children are at a higher risk of poisoning because their bodies are small. Things that may not cause harm to adults can be very dangerous for kids. Cannabis and nicotine are especially harmful to children.

Cannabis Poisoning

In recent years, more children, typically under the age of five, have been accidentally poisoned by cannabis. Some illegal cannabis edibles look like candy or chocolate and may be packaged to look like the original, cannabis-free product, but they can have very high levels of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the active ingredient in cannabis. Children may eat them thinking they are candy and become very sick. In rare cases, cannabis poisoning in children can cause coma or even death.

Nicotine Poisoning

Nicotine can also be very dangerous for children. Products like nicotine pouches and vape liquids often come in sweet flavours and smell like candy or fruit. The vape devices are also attractive to children as they are designed to look like toys, candy dispensers, school supplies (e.g., markers, highlighters, etc.) and phone accessories. Even a small amount of nicotine can harm a child if it is swallowed or is absorbed through their skin.

How to Reduce the Risk

Keep cannabis and nicotine products locked away and out of reach.
Store these products away from food and drinks.
Talk to babysitters, grandparents and others who care for your child about the risks.
Buy products only from licensed stores. Legal cannabis products must have child-resistant packaging and have lower levels of THC to reduce harms.

Signs of Nicotine Poisoning	Signs of Cannabis Poisoning
Stomach cramps Vomiting Agitation, restlessness, excitement Confusion Breathing may be difficult, rapid, or stopped Burning in the mouth Drooling Headache Fainting Seizures (rare)	Vomiting Confusion Extreme sleepiness or trouble waking Slurred speech Trouble walking or standing Slow breathing Seizures (rare)