Among 338,727 youth substance abuse cases over 20 years, marijuana exposure rates increased fastest, with edible marijuana showing the most dramatic rise from 2017-2020.
Pediatric toxicologists, poison center professionals, child safety advocates, and cannabis regulators.
338,727 casesof intentional youth substance misuse/abuse over 20 years, with marijuana edibles showing the fastest-rising call rate
What the researchers found
Marijuana exposure rates had the highest average monthly increase overall, with edible marijuana preparations accounting for the highest increase in call rates compared to all other marijuana forms, particularly from 2017 to 2020.
Why it matters
The rapid rise in marijuana, especially edible, misuse among youth coincides with expanding legalization and highlights a growing child safety concern.
The numbers in context
338,727 intentional misuse/abuse cases in children ages 6-18 (2000-2020). 58.3% male. 80%+ aged 13-18. 32.6% resulted in worse than minor outcomes. Deaths rare (n=450, 0.1%). Marijuana edibles had highest rate increase.
How the study worked
Retrospective cohort study of National Poison Data System (NPDS) data (2000-2020) for intentional misuse and abuse exposures in children 6-18 years old.
Who was studied
Children and adolescents aged 6-18 with intentional substance misuse/abuse exposures reported to US poison centers (2000-2020).
What this study cannot tell us
Poison center calls may underrepresent actual exposures. Cannot distinguish recreational use from true abuse. Changes in reporting practices over 20 years. Cannot attribute trends to specific policy changes.
How to read the evidence
Large national poison center database covering 20 years; comprehensive but limited to reported cases.
When this study was published
Covers 2000-2020, spanning major changes in cannabis legalization across the US.
The bigger picture
While the opioid crisis has dominated substance abuse discourse, this study shows marijuana exposures among youth are rising rapidly and deserve equal attention, particularly as edible products become more accessible.
Replication
Large national database; trends likely continuing given ongoing legalization.
Funding
Not specified in abstract
Conflicts of interest
Not specified in abstract
Questions still open
- Are current child-resistant packaging laws adequate for edible cannabis products?
- Do states with stricter cannabis regulations see lower youth marijuana poisoning rates?
Read the original research
Trends in intentional abuse and misuse ingestions in school-aged children and adolescents reported to US poison centers from 2000-2020.
Clinical toxicology (Philadelphia, Pa.), 61(1), 64-71
Citation
Hughes, Adrienne R; Grusing, Sara; Lin, Amber; Hendrickson, Robert G; Sheridan, David C; Marshall, Rebecca; Horowitz, B Z. (2023). Trends in intentional abuse and misuse ingestions in school-aged children and adolescents reported to US poison centers from 2000-2020.. Clinical toxicology (Philadelphia, Pa.), 61(1), 64-71. https://doi.org/10.1080/15563650.2022.2120818