A clinical review details the rising presentation, evaluation, and management of cannabis toxicity in children (accidental edible ingestion) and adolescents (chronic use including hyperemesis syndrome).
Read this if you are a parent, pediatrician, or emergency medicine clinician who may encounter cannabis toxicity in young patients.
Rising exposuresPediatric cannabis toxicity increases in regions that legalize retail cannabis sales
What the researchers found
Cannabis legalization has increased both pediatric accidental exposures (primarily edibles) and adolescent chronic use presentations. Unintentional edible ingestions specifically increase in regions with retail cannabis legalization. Long-term adolescent effects include psychiatric changes and cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS). The article provides clinical guidance on presentation patterns, evaluation approaches, and acute management in emergency and acute care settings.
Why it matters
Pediatric cannabis exposures are a direct and predictable consequence of legalization. Clinicians in acute care need practical guidance on recognizing and managing these presentations, which differ significantly between young children and adolescents.
The numbers in context
- Edible ingestions increase with retail legalization
- Children: primarily accidental edible ingestion
- Adolescents: chronic use effects, psychiatric changes, CHS
- Settings: emergency department and acute care
How the study worked
Clinical review providing practical guidance on presentation, evaluation, and management of pediatric cannabis toxicity.
Who was studied
Children and adolescents presenting with cannabis-related toxicity
What this study cannot tell us
Narrative clinical review, not systematic. Specific incidence data not detailed in abstract. Management recommendations based on limited evidence base for pediatric cannabis toxicity.
How to read the evidence
Clinical review article providing practical guidance. Authoritative but limited by the evidence base for pediatric cannabis management.
When this study was published
Published in 2023. Timely given continued expansion of cannabis legalization.
The bigger picture
The unintended consequences of cannabis legalization on pediatric populations represent a predictable but under-prepared-for public health challenge. Child-resistant packaging, dosing limits, and public education could mitigate these risks.
Questions still open
- Are current child-resistant packaging requirements adequate for cannabis edibles?
- How should schools be involved in identifying adolescent cannabis-related health problems?
- Should pediatric cannabis toxicity be a reportable condition?
Read the original research
Cannabis Toxicity in Children and Adolescents.
Pediatric annals, 52(5), e181-e186
Citation
George, Princy; Wahl, Michael. (2023). Cannabis Toxicity in Children and Adolescents.. Pediatric annals, 52(5), e181-e186. https://doi.org/10.3928/19382359-20230307-04