Poison Center Calls for Edible Marijuana Exposures Rose Steadily, With Children Under 5 Most Affected
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.
Quick Facts
What This Study 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%).
Key Numbers
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 They Did This
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.
Why This Research 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 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.
What This Study Doesn't 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.
Questions This Raises
- ?Have child-resistant packaging regulations reduced accidental pediatric exposures?
- ?What is the most effective strategy for preventing edible marijuana ingestion by young children?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- Children under 5 were the most common age group in edible marijuana poison center calls
- Evidence Grade:
- This is a national poison center data analysis providing moderate-quality surveillance data on a specific exposure pattern.
- Study Age:
- Published in 2016, covering 2013-2015. Edible marijuana regulations (packaging, dosing) have evolved substantially since then.
- Original Title:
- Characterization of edible marijuana product exposures reported to United States poison centers.
- Published In:
- Clinical toxicology (Philadelphia, Pa.), 54(9), 840-846 (2016)
- Authors:
- Cao, Dazhe, Srisuma, Sahaphume(2), Bronstein, Alvin C(3), Hoyte, Christopher O
- Database ID:
- RTHC-01119
Evidence Hierarchy
A snapshot of a population at one point in time.
What do these levels mean? →Frequently Asked Questions
Can edible marijuana seriously harm a child?
Most pediatric cases in this study involved drowsiness and mild effects, but 3 patients required intubation (breathing support). While no deaths were reported, edible marijuana ingestion in young children can cause significant sedation, respiratory depression, and occasionally require critical care.
Why are edible exposures increasing?
The study suggested multiple factors: delayed THC absorption leading to dose miscalculation, lagging packaging regulations in early legalization states, increased product availability, and growing awareness of poison center reporting codes for edible products.
Read More on RethinkTHC
Cite This Study
https://rethinkthc.com/research/RTHC-01119APA
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.
MLA
Cao, Dazhe, et al. "Characterization of edible marijuana product exposures reported to United States poison centers.." Clinical toxicology (Philadelphia, 2016.
RethinkTHC
RethinkTHC Research Database. "Characterization of edible marijuana product exposures repor..." RTHC-01119. Retrieved from https://rethinkthc.com/research/cao-2016-characterization-of-edible-marijuana
Access the Original Study
Study data sourced from PubMed, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
This study breakdown was produced by the RethinkTHC research team. We analyze and report published research findings without making health recommendations. All interpretations are based solely on the published abstract and study data.