Cases of children accidentally eating marijuana edibles are on the rise following its legalization for medical and recreational purposes in some states. According to the American Association of Poison Control Centers, nearly 2,500 accidental cases of kids under 12 had to be hospitalized because of the substance.
In August 2021, a mother from Maryland had to rush her curious two-year-old child to the emergency room after he ingested 15 marijuana edibles, or about 75 milligrams of THC, and exhibited worrying symptoms of lethargy and seizures. The mother, Elizabeth Perry, realized that her son was able to access her medical marijuana to help her sleep even as the container was supposedly child-proof.
Here's what the doctors advise parents in case this will happen to their kids as well:
1. Be aware of the signs of marijuana ingestion and then act fast.
According to Dr. Kevin C. Osterhoudt, a toxicologist from Philadelphia, children who have THC in their system will be very sleepy and will have balance problems. THC or tetrahydrocannabinol is the chemical found in marijuana, which causes those physical effects, including "getting high." It's a highly concentrated chemical; hence it's hazardous for children with small and frail bodies.
Small children who have eaten marijuana edibles could be at risk for toxicity without medical attention. They could also develop a faster heart rate, difficulty breathing, red eyes, agitation, and confusion. In severe cases, a child may experience seizures and brain impairment.
Whether the parents catch the children with the edibles in their mouth or not, they should immediately call the poison control center's hotline for help and guidance at 1-800-222-1222.
2. Don't try to decide on the best course of action yourself.
Since THC will eventually leave the body altogether when it has metabolized, a parent might believe there is no more harm to the kids. According to GoodRX Health, calling the poison control hotline, even if the child's symptoms may have subsided, will still be necessary so the parents will know what else to monitor. On the other hand, if the child's symptoms have gotten worse, don't second-guess and head straight to the hospital.
3. Don't fear the judgments.
Some parents might be wary about calling for help for fear of judgment about taking marijuana edibles. Dr. Benjamin D. Hoffman of the Oregon Health and Sciences University said this fear would be the one thing that will put the kids in danger.
So, if the child needs medical intervention, the parents should do everything to ensure that their kids are okay. Essentially, those who work in poison control are trained for these situations, and they will understand that sometimes, parents can make mistakes, and accidents can happen.
4. Avoid further accidental ingestion.
Even if parents tell their children that what they're taking is medication, marijuana edibles look like candies that will rouse their curiosity, so it would be best not to let them know that you are taking the substance. According to Dr. Brian Schultz of the Children's National Hospital in Maryland, kids have clever ways of finding these toxic candies if it's not kept in children's reach or locked in a drawer or cabinet somewhere.
Since this is a toxic product, it should be kept out of children's reach and in a locked drawer or cabinet somewhere. If it's packed in a container that looks like candy, parents must transfer these in the container with a secure lid so it won't be tempting to open.
