An estimated 1,245 pediatric ER visits occurred in 2019-2020 due to children accidentally eating marijuana edibles, with most resulting in hospital admission.
Pediatricians, poison control specialists, parents, and cannabis regulators.
1,245 pediatric ER visitsestimated nationally for accidental marijuana edible ingestion by children in 2019-2020
What the researchers found
Most pediatric marijuana poisonings involved edible products, and most patients required hospital admission, highlighting the dangers of cannabis products that resemble typical snack foods.
Why it matters
As marijuana legalization expands and edible products become more available, young children are at increasing risk of accidental ingestion, requiring urgent attention to packaging and storage regulations.
The numbers in context
Estimated 1,245 pediatric visits nationally (2019-2020) for unintentional marijuana poisoning in children birth to 11 years old. Most involved edible products. Most patients were admitted to hospital.
How the study worked
Descriptive epidemiologic analysis of 2019-2020 National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) data for THC-related poisoning events in children.
Who was studied
Children aged birth to 11 years presenting to U.S. emergency departments for unintentional marijuana product ingestion.
What this study cannot tell us
NEISS data represents ED visits only, potentially missing cases managed outside hospitals. National estimates derived from a sample of hospitals. Cannot capture severity details or long-term outcomes.
How to read the evidence
National surveillance data provides population-level estimates, though based on sampling methodology.
When this study was published
Uses 2019-2020 data, reflecting the early period of widespread edible availability.
The bigger picture
This study underscores the need for child-resistant packaging, unappealing product design, and public education about safe storage as cannabis edibles become more widely available.
Replication
National surveillance data; trends likely worsening as edible availability increases.
Funding
Not specified in abstract
Conflicts of interest
Not specified in abstract
Questions still open
- Are current child-resistant packaging requirements adequate?
- Should regulations prohibit cannabis edibles that resemble candy or children snacks?
Read the original research
Pediatric Poisonings Associated With Ingestion of Marijuana Products.
The Journal of emergency medicine, 64(2), 181-185
Citation
Hammig, Bart; Jones, Ches; Haldeman, Sydney. (2023). Pediatric Poisonings Associated With Ingestion of Marijuana Products.. The Journal of emergency medicine, 64(2), 181-185. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jemermed.2022.12.025