What Happens When Children Accidentally Consume Cannabis Products

THC effects in children typically emerge within 2 hours of ingestion, with severe symptoms developing by 4 hours. Children show heightened sensitivity to neurological and neurovegetative effects due to CB1 receptor expression patterns unique to developing brains, including transient receptor localization in brainstem regions controlling basic body functions.

Narrative review synthesizing toxicological, clinical, and medico-legal literature on pediatric cannabis intoxication. The review covers pharmacokinetics, endocannabinoid system development, analytical detection methods, clinical presentation, and regulatory considerations.

As cannabis products become more available and often come in edible forms attractive to children, accidental pediatric exposures are rising. Understanding why children respond differently than adults is critical for emergency clinicians and for designing effective prevention measures.

The rising incidence of pediatric cannabis intoxication parallels the expansion of legal cannabis markets and the proliferation of edible products. This review argues that child-resistant packaging, public education, and pregnancy screening are needed alongside clinical guidance for emergency departments.

As a narrative review, this does not follow systematic review methodology and may not capture all relevant literature. Pediatric cannabis exposure data varies significantly by jurisdiction and reporting standards.