The increasing availability of medicinal cannabis in the UK has raised concerns regarding safe storage, especially in homes with young children. Experts are calling for manufacturers and regulators to prioritize child-resistant packaging to prevent accidental ingestion, which can pose serious health risks to children.
Research indicates that child-resistant packaging significantly reduces the likelihood of accidental ingestion. This type of packaging features tested mechanisms such as squeeze-and-turn caps, press-and-twist lids, and blister seals that are difficult for children to open but accessible for adults. Current regulations in the UK, including the Classification, Labelling and Packaging (CLP) Regulation and the Human Medicines Regulations 2012, outline specific requirements for these closures.
Studies show that properly tested child-resistant packaging can decrease the rate of unintentional poisoning by as much as 90%. According to the British Toxicology Society, approximately two-thirds of accidental medication poisonings in children involve medicines that belong to adults, underscoring the need for effective packaging solutions. While child-resistant packaging does not guarantee complete safety, it is a critical measure in preventing accidents.
Statistics reveal that in England and Wales, the rate of accidental poisoning fatalities among children under 10 dropped from 151 to 23 per 100,000 after child-resistant packaging became widely adopted. However, the National Poisons Information Service recorded around 9,550 calls related to children’s accidental poisoning in the 2019/20 period, with nearly half of these cases involving medications.
Cannabis edibles and tinctures represent a particular challenge, as these products often look like candies or drinks. Research indicates that packaging for these items must avoid designs that could attract young children. Experts recommend a comprehensive approach: manufacturers should implement tested child-resistant closures that comply with ISO and EU standards, dispensaries should offer clear usage and storage instructions at the point of sale, and parents should ensure that cannabis products are kept out of children’s reach.
Blister packs, while popular, may still be vulnerable to tampering by children and should undergo rigorous safety testing comparable to that of reclosable packaging. As the use of medicinal cannabis continues to grow, adapting storage and packaging practices to suit new product types is essential.
The call for enhanced child-resistant packaging is increasingly important as more families in the UK turn to medicinal cannabis. Implementing effective closures and providing clear safety guidelines are necessary steps to protect children from accidental ingestion and promote responsible use in the home.
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