Accidental ingestion of cannabis edibles by a child is a medical emergency requiring immediate action. These products often mimic candies or baked goods but contain high concentrations of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive compound. Because children have smaller body masses and developing central nervous systems, the THC in a single edible can lead to severe and prolonged toxicity. This exposure has led to a dramatic increase in emergency room visits and calls to poison control centers.
Immediate Steps and Emergency Contact
Contact emergency medical guidance immediately, even if the child is not yet showing symptoms. For expert advice, call the national Poison Control Center hotline at 1-800-222-1222. This 24-hour service connects you to specialists who can triage the situation and advise on whether to monitor the child at home or proceed to the nearest emergency department.
If the child exhibits severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, seizures, or an inability to be awakened, call 911 immediately. When speaking with emergency services, provide the child’s approximate age and weight, the type of edible ingested, and an estimate of the amount consumed. Try to find the packaging to determine the total milligrams of THC in the product and how much is missing.
Keep the child calm and safe while awaiting medical instruction or transport. Under no circumstances should you attempt to induce vomiting, as this can pose a severe risk if the child’s mental state changes and they aspirate the stomach contents. Do not give the child food or drink unless specifically instructed to do so by a medical professional.
Identifying Signs of THC Ingestion
The effects of an ingested edible take longer to appear than inhaled cannabis, often starting 30 minutes to one hour after consumption, with peak effects occurring around three to four hours later. The most common clinical presentation of THC toxicity in children is central nervous system depression, which can manifest as profound sleepiness or lethargy. Caregivers may find it unusually difficult to rouse the child.
Neurological signs can include ataxia, which is a noticeable lack of muscle coordination resulting in stumbling or difficulty walking, and slurred speech. In some cases, the child may display paradoxical symptoms like agitation, confusion, or even hallucinations. Cardiovascular effects are also possible, often presenting as tachycardia, or a rapid heart rate.
Severe signs of toxicity include respiratory difficulties, which may present as very slow or shallow breathing, or in rare cases, apnea. Seizures are another severe, though uncommon, manifestation of high-dose THC exposure. Any observation of these severe symptoms warrants immediate emergency medical attention via 911.
What to Expect During Medical Treatment
There is no specific antidote for THC intoxication, so the treatment approach is primarily supportive care. The medical team will focus on monitoring and stabilizing the child’s vital signs, especially their heart rate and respiratory function. Continuous cardiac monitoring is often necessary due to the potential for variable heart rate and blood pressure effects.
The child will often receive intravenous fluids to maintain hydration, especially if they have been vomiting. If the child is experiencing severe agitation or seizures, medications like benzodiazepines may be administered. In the most severe instances, such as profound central nervous system depression or respiratory compromise, the child may require intubation and mechanical ventilation in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU).
The full clinical course of intoxication is often prolonged because THC is absorbed slowly through the digestive tract. Symptoms may last for an extended period, often from 6 to 24 hours or even longer. Hospitalization for observation is frequently necessary until the child’s mental status has returned completely to baseline. Activated charcoal is rarely used due to the high risk of aspiration if the child is lethargic.
Preventing Future Accidental Ingestions
Preventing accidental ingestion relies on treating cannabis edibles with the same caution as prescription medications or household toxins. All cannabis products should be stored in a secure, locked container or cabinet that is inaccessible to children. Simply placing them on a high shelf is insufficient, as many young children are capable of climbing.
It is strongly recommended to store edibles separately from all other food items to eliminate any chance of confusion. Edibles often come in packaging that closely resembles popular candies or snack foods. Caregivers should also ensure that any visitors or family members who bring cannabis products into the home are aware of and adhere to these strict storage safety protocols.