If you think kids accidentally ate cannabis, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 right away. Do not wait for symptoms to appear. If the child is unconscious, struggling to breathe, or having a seizure, call 911.
Why Cannabis Edibles Are a Risk for Children
Cannabis edibles often look like cookies, candy, brownies, or gummies. A child may not know they contain THC. Because edibles are swallowed, the effects can hit harder and last longer than smoked cannabis. A small child weighs much less than an adult, so even a small amount of THC can cause serious symptoms.
Child-resistant packaging helps, but it is not childproof. Kids can sometimes open containers, especially if they have watched an adult do it. Keep all cannabis products locked up and out of reach.
Symptoms of Cannabis Ingestion in Children
Symptoms may not start right away. They can appear within a few hours after a child eats cannabis. Common signs include:
- Extreme sleepiness or trouble waking up
- Vomiting
- Unsteady walking or clumsiness
- Confusion or dizziness
- Fast heartbeat
- Agitation or unusual behavior
- Trouble breathing
- Seizure
Severe symptoms need emergency care. Do not drive the child to the hospital yourself if they are having trouble breathing or are unresponsive. Call 911.
What to Do Right Now
- Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222. Tell them what the child ate, how much, and when. If you do not know, that is okay. They can still help.
- Keep the child calm and watched. Do not leave them alone.
- Save the package, wrapper, or a photo of the label. Note the amount of THC if it is listed.
- Do not make the child vomit unless a doctor or Poison Control tells you to. Vomiting can cause other problems.
- If the child is unconscious, having a seizure, or having trouble breathing, call 911 right away.
What Not to Do
- Do not wait for symptoms to get worse before seeking help.
- Do not give the child food, drink, or home remedies to try to sober them up.
- Do not punish or yell at the child. They may be scared and confused.
- Do not rely on the package label to know how much THC the child actually ate.
When to Call 911
Call 911 if the child has any of these signs:
- Trouble breathing or blue lips
- Unresponsive or cannot be woken up
- Seizure
- Severe confusion or agitated behavior
- Repeated vomiting
- Weak or very fast heartbeat
What to Expect at the Hospital
Medical staff may monitor the child's heart rate, breathing, and oxygen levels. They may give fluids through an IV. Treatment depends on the child's symptoms. Bring the cannabis package if you have it. It helps doctors know what was in the product.
How to Prevent Accidental Cannabis Ingestion
Prevention starts at home and when you shop at a cannabis store. Use these steps:
- Store cannabis edibles in a locked box or cabinet. Keep them out of sight and reach of children.
- Keep products in their original child-resistant packaging. Do not put edibles in unmarked bags or containers.
- Choose products that do not look like candy or snacks. When you visit a cannabis store, ask about child-resistant packaging and clear labeling.
- Talk with guests and caregivers. Make sure they know not to bring edibles around children.
- Dispose of leftover edibles so children cannot find them in the trash. Mix them with coffee grounds or kitty litter if needed.
If kids accidentally ate cannabis, acting fast matters more than figuring out how it happened. Call Poison Control, watch the child closely, and get emergency help for severe symptoms.