Edible Cannabis Poisoning: A Growing Threat to Children

Health Canada is sounding the alarm about the accidental ingestion of “copycat” edible cannabis products causing serious harm to children. The agency says illegal edible cannabis products, packaged to look like popular brands of candy, snacks, drinks and other food products, remain available for purchase both online and from unauthorized retailers. These often contain significantly more THC than federal regulation allows. Edible cannabis products that have bright, colourful packaging or catchy names are illegal under the Federal Cannabis Act and its associated Regulations and should not be consumed. 

The danger of accidental cannabis poisoning in babies and children is a growing issue that demands attention. In 2020, Public Health Ontario released data showing that between 2013 and 2018, emergency department visits for cannabis poisoning in the Middlesex-London region increased to rates more than double those seen elsewhere in the province. In addition, a 2022 study by researchers from The Hospital for Sick Children, Ottawa Hospital, the University of Ottawa, Bruyère Research Institute and the Canadian Centre for Substance Abuse and Addiction showed unintentional cannabis ingestion by young children led to significant increases in emergency department visits and hospital intensive care admissions. 

These poisonings can be life-threatening.

Cannabis poisoning is a greater danger for children because of their smaller body size and differences in metabolism. Symptoms can range from mild to severe; they can show up hours after a product is eaten and may last for up to 12 hours.

To reduce potential cannabis poisoning in children:

• Only purchase products from authorized retailers. Legal edible cannabis products contain no more than 10 mg of THC and are sold in plain, child-resistant packaging. 

• Store cannabis products in a labelled, locked box, out of children’s reach and away from food and drinks. 
• Know the symptoms: anxiety, confusion, sleepiness, lack of coordination, slurred speech, vomiting, slowed or difficulty breathing, seizures, and unconsciousness.
• If you suspect your child may have ingested cannabis, or they show symptoms of cannabis poisoning, take them to an emergency department or call 9-1-1.

 

For more information visit www.healthunit.com/cannabis-edibles or call 519-663-5317.