Many states have legalized marijuana for medicinal or recreational use. And while that may be a welcome sign of changing times for many adults, there is no question that marijuana, including THC candy and snacks, is not appropriate or safe for kids. Some THC edibles makers are targeting the national appetite for novelty THC items and creating products that look virtually identical to popular brands of candy and snacks like Doritos and Skittles. The problem? It can lead to a child's overdose of THC edibles.
Between 2017 and 2021 U.S. poison control centers reported that the number of kids who consumed edibles increased from 207 to over 3,000 nationally. A recent study published in the journal Pediatrics indicates that edibles are now a household safety hazard and should be treated like any other medication, toxin, or unsafe item that a child may try to consume.
Steps that parents can take to keep kids safe from THC exposure, poisoning, and overdose include:
1) Keeping all cannabis products out of reach of kids.
2) Not consuming products around kids, and making sure there is a sober adult to help watch over kids when you are using.
3) Not purchasing lookalike products your child would likely mistake for the real thing.
4) Using childproof containers to lock up all THC products to prevent your child from accessing them.
5) Keeping an emergency list of phone numbers, including Poison Control (1-800-222-1222), your family doctor, and 911.
