more than 500% increase in children marijuana exposures after recreational pot legalization

As marijuana becomes more available in our community, Dayton Children’s is seeing a stark rise in unintentional ingestions of marijuana by children. From 2019 to 2023, emergency department visits for kids who accidentally consumed or were exposed to cannabis products went up by 571 %.

background 

Ohio legalized licensed sales of medical marijuana in 2019. Then, in November 2023, voters approved recreational marijuana, and that law took effect on August 6, 2024. Adults 21 and over can now buy a range of marijuana products, from flowers for smoking and oils for vaping to edibles like gummies, beverages, and even topical creams.

dangers of marijuana to children 

Edible marijuana products are especially risky because they look just like everyday snacks and treats. A pot cookie or candy bar may seem harmless but can actually contain several times the recommended adult dose of THC. According to healthychildren.org, if a child consumes even one, it can lead to serious symptoms, including dizziness, weakness, difficulty breathing, or heart issues.

And marijuana doesn't only affect the person who uses it, being around secondhand marijuana smoke and vapor can: 

• Cause lung irritation and asthma flare-ups 
• Make someone feel high because they contain THC 
• Cause babies and children who are around secondhand marijuana smoke to have measurable amounts of THC in their blood. 

“Like many other states, we are seeing a direct relationship between how easy it is to get marijuana products and the number of accidental poisonings of children,” says Abbey Pettiford, injury prevention outreach supervisor. 

“That’s why it’s crucial for parents, caregivers and even those who just have children visit from time to time, to properly store marijuana like all other medications – up and away from little hands.” 

tips to keep kids safe from marijuana ingestion

The safest choice to protect kids from marijuana edibles is not to have them in your home, but if you do have them, you should strongly consider:  

• Storing cannabis products up, away and out of sight. 
• Considering a locking bag or box for safe storage of cannabis products. 
• Avoiding consuming cannabis in front of kids. Seeing an adult they admire use the products could create temptation for them.   
• Disposing of any unfinished products and ash.  
• Asking guests to keep purses, bags and coats out of reach of kids.

what to do if your child is accidentally exposed

If you think your child has been exposed to marijuana, call Poison Control immediately at 1-800-222-1222 for guidance on the next steps.

For more information on the dangers of marijuana exposure to children, click here.