Cannabis poisonings among children have been rising significantly since the legalization of recreational cannabis across the United States and Canada. With cannabis now legal in more than half of the country, child-resistant packaging is key to keeping children and families safe. Unintentional pediatric poisonings from cannabis edibles jumped 1,375% between 2017 and 2021, according to a study in the academic journal, Pediatrics. More than 7,000 confirmed cases of kids younger than 6 eating marijuana edibles were reported to the nation’s poison control centers between 2017 and 2021, climbing from about 200 to more than 3,000 per year.
Edibles like gummies, chocolates, and baked goods often resemble regular snacks, making them appealing to young children. Studies show that children under 6 years, especially toddlers aged 2-3, are most at risk. The number of pediatric edible cannabis cases increased significantly between 2017 and 2021, with severe outcomes such as respiratory issues, seizures, or prolonged toxicity being common.
In Science Daily, a study was published documenting the Ottawa Hospital in Ontario, “saw nine times more emergency department visits per month for cannabis poisonings in young children under the age of 10 after Canada legalized recreational cannabis,” particularly involving edibles. Between 2015 and 2021, the rates of cannabis-related poisonings climbed, and many incidents were linked to the consumption of edibles such as gummies and cookies.
"We saw more frequent and severe ED visits due to cannabis poisoning in children under 10 following the legalization of cannabis, and the legalization of edible cannabis products appears to be a key factor," said lead author Dr. Daniel Myran, a family physician, public health and preventive medicine specialist, and postdoctoral fellow at The Ottawa Hospital and the University of Ottawa Department of Family Medicine.
In the U.S., states like Michigan have experienced a surge in accidental cannabis poisonings as well. The Michigan Poison and Drug Information Center at Wayne State University reports that from 2020 to 2023, incidents of unintentional cannabis use in children aged 4 to 13 rose by 60%, with poison control centers seeing a significant increase in calls. This rise has led to heightened calls for better regulation, such as stricter child-resistant packaging laws.
When cannabis products such as edibles are packaged in bags, children are left at risk. Because child-resistant zippers are difficult to close, mylar bags are frequently left open. Bags mimic the appearance of candies and snacks, leading many children to consume edibles by mistake.
Mandated by the U.S. 1970 Poison Prevention Act, child-resistant packaging is highly effective and has resulted in substantial decreases in pediatric injuries and deaths from pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical substances. While many states require child-resistant packaging, it’s essential to select packaging that can easily be resealed with the CR mechanism back in place.
Without the proper packaging, edible cannabis products continue to be a significant source of pediatric poisoning given their attractiveness to children. Cannabis edibles, which often resemble candies or snacks, are easily mistaken by children for regular food. In order to prevent accidents, it is the responsibility of cannabis brands to select child-resistant packaging designed to keep children safe.
