Marijuana edibles containing THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) are increasingly posing serious health risks for children, according to medical professionals at Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital. The hospital’s Children’s ER has reported a rise in cases of THC overdoses among children, often resulting from kids accessing edible products that adults have not stored securely.
Dr. J. Nathan Hagstrom, Chair of Pediatrics at the hospital, emphasizes the danger, stating that even a single piece of candy or cookie infused with THC can lead to severe health complications for children. Emergency rooms nationwide have documented cases of THC poisoning in minors, with some incidents resulting in critical illness or fatalities.
Dr. Susan Yaeger, a pediatric emergency medicine physician at the hospital, notes the importance of transparency regarding what children may have ingested. Families sometimes fail to disclose the presence of THC products, which can lead to unnecessary medical testing while healthcare providers try to determine the cause of a child’s symptoms.
Edible THC products are often appealing to children due to their colorful packaging and familiar shapes. Many resemble popular candies, lollipops, or even baked goods like cookies and brownies. Some are homemade, while others are commercially produced. A single marijuana cookie or candy bar can contain doses of THC that far exceed the recommended amount for adults, making them particularly hazardous for children. Even some hemp-based products, which are widely available, can contain trace amounts of THC.
Symptoms of THC ingestion in children may include altered perception, anxiety, dizziness, slurred speech, poor coordination, and extreme drowsiness. In severe cases, children may experience heart problems or respiratory issues, including periods of apnea lasting ten seconds or more.
If a child is suspected of consuming a THC edible, parents and caregivers should quickly assess what the child ate and check the packaging for THC content. Immediate contact with the poison control hotline at 1-800-222-1222 is recommended.
To mitigate risks, experts advise against keeping marijuana edibles in homes with children. If these products are present, they should be stored securely, similar to prescription medications. Parents should avoid consuming these products in the presence of children and should inform caregivers and family members about their presence.
Dr. Yaeger urges families to treat cannabis edibles with the same caution as other dangerous substances, ensuring they are kept in childproof containers and locked away. The health risks posed by even small amounts of THC consumption in children are significant, highlighting the need for increased awareness and safety measures.
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