Cannabis Poisoning – Awareness Saves Lives

By Middlesex-London Health Unit

National Poison Prevention Week, sponsored by Parachute Canada, draws attention to the causes of poisoning and how to prevent them. The theme for Poison Prevention Week (https://parachute.ca/en/program/poison-prevention-week/), recognized this year from March 16 to 22, is: ‘’Being poison aware can help you and your family prevent poisonings and react quickly if the unexpected happens.’

Ingesting (eating, drinking) cannabis is the most common cause of cannabis poisoning in children. Illegal cannabis products, packaged to look like popular brands of candy, snacks and other food products, contain significantly more tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) than federal regulation allows. Any consumption of these products by children can cause serious harm.

Young children are in greater danger of cannabis poisoning because of their smaller body sizes and different metabolism. Canadian regulations limit THC in cannabis products and require products to be sold in child-resistant packaging with plain and standardized labels, reducing the appeal to children. Any edible cannabis products that have colourful, flashy packaging with catchy names are illegal under Canada’s Cannabis Act, 2018 and should not be consumed.

Symptoms of cannabis poisoning range from mild to severe, can show up within 30 minutes after a product is consumed, and can last up to 12 hours.

You can reduce the risk of cannabis poisoning!

Purchase products from authorized provincial retailers only.
Store cannabis products in a labelled, locked box, away from food and drinks, and out of children’s reach.
Know the symptoms of cannabis poisoning in children: anxiety, confusion, sleepiness, lack of coordination, slurred speech, vomiting, slowed or difficulty breathing, seizures and unconsciousness.
Do not use cannabis products and e-cigarettes in front of children. Children often want to do the same things their parents and caregivers do.
Call 9-1-1 if you suspect a child has ingested cannabis or is showing symptoms of cannabis ingestion.

For more information, visit www.healthunit.com/cannabis-edibles.

Middlesex-London Health Unit