Analysis of 430 US poison center calls for edible marijuana found 91% came from states with decriminalized cannabis, calls increased every year, and children under 5 were the most common age group affected.
Parents, caregivers, and policymakers interested in the risks of edible cannabis products.
Children under 5 were the most common age group in edible marijuana poison center calls
What the researchers found
Researchers analyzed edible marijuana exposure calls reported to US poison centers from 2013 through 2015.
Of 430 calls, 91% occurred in states with decriminalized medical or recreational marijuana. Colorado (166 calls) and Washington (96 calls) had the most. The number of calls increased every year of the study.
Children under 5 were the most common age group affected (109 calls, 25%), followed by teens aged 13-19 (78 calls). The most frequent effects were drowsiness (43%), rapid heart rate (31%), agitation (14%), and confusion (14%). Young children were more likely to experience drowsiness, uncoordinated movement, and red eyes.
Three patients (ages 4, 10, and 57) required intubation for respiratory support. No deaths were reported. Most cases were either managed at home (23%) or treated and released from the emergency department (50%).
Why it matters
Edible marijuana products can be indistinguishable from regular food items, making accidental ingestion by children a significant risk. The delayed onset of edible effects (compared to smoking) can also lead adults to consume additional doses, resulting in overdose.
The numbers in context
430 calls total. Colorado: 166, Washington: 96. Children under 5: 109 calls (25%). Ages 13-19: 78 calls. 91% from decriminalized states. 3 patients intubated. 12 admitted to critical care (3%). No deaths.
How the study worked
Analysis of single-substance human exposure calls coded to marijuana edibles (brownies, candies, cookies, beverages, other foods) reported to the National Poison Data System from January 2013 to December 2015.
What this study cannot tell us
Poison center data capture only cases that are called in and may undercount actual exposures. The increasing calls could partly reflect greater awareness of poison center reporting codes for edibles rather than purely increasing exposures. The study could not determine the exact THC dose consumed in most cases.
How to read the evidence
This is a national poison center data analysis providing moderate-quality surveillance data on a specific exposure pattern.
When this study was published
Published in 2016, covering 2013-2015. Edible marijuana regulations (packaging, dosing) have evolved substantially since then.
The bigger picture
This study captured the early years of legal edible marijuana availability. Since then, many states have implemented child-resistant packaging and serving size regulations, though accidental pediatric exposures remain a concern as legalization continues to expand.
Questions still open
- Have child-resistant packaging regulations reduced accidental pediatric exposures? What is the most effective strategy for preventing edible marijuana ingestion by young children?
Common questions
Can edible marijuana seriously harm a child?
Why are edible exposures increasing?
Read the original research
Characterization of edible marijuana product exposures reported to United States poison centers.
Clinical toxicology (Philadelphia, Pa.), 54(9), 840-846
Citation
Cao, Dazhe; Srisuma, Sahaphume; Bronstein, Alvin C; Hoyte, Christopher O. (2016). Characterization of edible marijuana product exposures reported to United States poison centers.. Clinical toxicology (Philadelphia, Pa.), 54(9), 840-846.
Explore the wider topic
- How to Talk to Your Teenager About Weed (Without Losing Them)
- My Kid's Friends Smoke Weed: A Parent's Guide
- I Smoke Weed But Don't Want My Kids To: Navigating the Hypocrisy
- Quitting Weed as a Parent: Why It Is the Hardest and Most Important Quit
- Quitting Weed as a Teen or Young Adult
- My Kid Is Smoking Weed: A Parent's Guide